Merit Coffee, a well-respected specialty coffee roaster and café chain in Texas, has built a loyal following by focusing on high-quality, ethically sourced coffee and a carefully curated menu of beverages and pastries. With locations in San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, the company is known for its dedication to craft, sustainability, and community. In 2022, Merit Coffee made a strategic shift by replacing traditional printed menus with digital menu boards in all its locations. This transition has not only enhanced the customer experience but has also led to a significant 20% increase in food sales.
Enhancing the Customer Experience
The move to digital menu boards allows Merit Coffee to update its offerings instantly, ensuring that customers always see the most current selection of food and drinks. Seasonal specials, new pastries, and limited-time offerings can now be showcased in real-time, capturing customer interest more effectively than static printed menus. With visually appealing, high-resolution displays, digital menus draw attention to food items that might otherwise go unnoticed, encouraging more impulse purchases.
Cost Savings and Increased Efficiency
Beyond the sales boost, the digital transition has resulted in long-term cost savings. Previously, Merit Coffee had to print and ship updated menus whenever they introduced new items or changed prices. With digital boards, those recurring expenses have been eliminated, reducing waste and aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the ease of making menu updates allows Merit to be more agile with pricing and promotions, helping them maximize profitability.
Boosting Food Sales and Average Ticket Size
One of the most noticeable benefits of the digital menu boards has been the increase in food sales. The ability to highlight pastries, breakfast items, and snacks in a more engaging way has led to a 20% rise in food purchases across Merit Coffee locations. Customers are more likely to add a pastry or snack to their coffee order when visually prompted, contributing to a higher average ticket size. This increase in food sales helps balance revenue streams, reducing reliance on coffee sales alone.
A Forward-Thinking Approach
By embracing digital menu boards, Merit Coffee has positioned itself as a forward-thinking brand that leverages technology to improve customer engagement and business efficiency. Their commitment to sustainability, transparency, and community remains at the heart of their operations, and this digital upgrade aligns seamlessly with their values. As Merit Coffee continues to grow, its investment in digital solutions is proving to be a smart and profitable move.
Merit Coffee Testimonial:
“We absolutely love our displays. They’ve been a huge game-changer. We’ve saved so much money by not having to get a print sign company to change our seasonal items. Our sales went up almost instantly. Marc & his team are amazing. We highly recommend them.” Justin F. – Marketing Manager Merit Coffee
