How Happy Moon's Group Created the Largest AR-Powered QR Menu in the World

Food tech is revolutionizing the food industry by leveraging technology to deliver more convenient and personalized services. Over the past decade, the food delivery industry has transformed its business model, moving beyond traditional delivery services to provide personalized experiences through technologies like augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Technology has impacted nearly every aspect of restaurant operations, from food preparation to customer relations and staff management. Restaurants are enhancing the customer experience by integrating mobile apps and QR menus, allowing users to place orders from their phones, receive personalized recommendations, and access loyalty programs.

One standout example is Happy Moon's Group, which introduced an AR-powered QR menu that lets customers view 3D models of dishes before ordering. This innovative approach not only improves decision-making but also creates a more immersive dining experience.

In today’s world, technology is no longer optional for restaurants—it has become an essential part of their operations, driving both efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Key Insights

Technology Is Revolutionizing the Restaurant Industry
Innovations like augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and digital QR menus are enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency, reshaping how food is prepared, ordered, and served.
Augmented Reality Enhances Customer Engagement
AR allows customers to view 3D models of food before ordering, helping diners make more informed decisions and increasing satisfaction.
Artificial Intelligence for Personalization and Efficiency
AI enables restaurants to analyze customer behavior, recommend dishes, replicate popular meals, and improve menu offerings based on data.
Digital QR Menus Drive Convenience
QR menus provide contactless ordering, real-time updates, and consistent menu management across multiple locations.
COVID-19 Accelerated Digital Transformation
The pandemic fast-tracked the adoption of contactless solutions, streamlining operations and improving hygiene standards.

QR menu - Happy Moon

Why In-Store Technology Is the Future of Restaurants

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), technology is reshaping the food industry and enabling a more sustainable future.

Every restaurant delivers a unique customer experience. To create standout interactions, restaurants must strategically integrate technology into their operations. Among the many innovations transforming the industry, the three technologies with the greatest revenue-boosting potential are Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital QR Menus.

The Technologies That Restaurants Should Be Using

1. Augmented Reality

Augmented reality technology has fundamentally changed how people interact with brands, products, and experiences. In restaurants, AR creates immersive interactions by allowing customers to inspect food in detail before ordering.

With AR-enabled smart glasses, customers may soon view menus and information directly in their field of vision.

2. Artificial Intelligence

AI helps restaurants anticipate customer needs. Popular dishes can be analyzed, replicated, and improved, while customer preferences—such as flavor profiles or sweetness levels—can be learned and applied automatically.

3. Digital QR Menu

Digital QR menu technology enables fast, contactless ordering. With platforms like Diner, restaurants can instantly update prices, add items, or launch promotions across all locations—without printing new menus.

How COVID-19 Accelerated the Digitalization of Restaurants

COVID-19 dramatically accelerated digital transformation in hospitality. Changes planned for years were implemented within months. Paper menus were replaced by QR codes due to hygiene concerns and operational efficiency.

Restaurants focused on customer experience enhanced their QR menus with advanced technologies. A leading example is Happy Moon's in Turkey, which integrated augmented reality into its digital menu to create a highly interactive experience.

How Happy Moon's Created Their QR Menu

Happy Moon's Group is the first restaurant chain in the world to offer a fully interactive 3D menu—no glasses required.

Over 170 menu items available in 3D
Viewed 160,000+ times in one month
Experienced by 30,000+ customers

You can explore their 3D menu here.

“Our 3D menu is an interactive solution that adds a new level of engagement to the dining experience in a digital world.”
— Tuğba Şen Demirci, Marketing Director

With 33 branches across two countries, Happy Moon's uses AR to allow customers to visualize portion size and presentation directly on their tables. The solution improves confidence in ordering while increasing engagement and dwell time.

Analytics show that users spend an average of 2 minutes exploring the menu before ordering—resulting in higher conversion rates and data-driven menu optimization.

How Can I Integrate an AR-Powered QR Menu Into My Restaurant?

Creating an AR-powered QR menu is easier than ever.

Diner – Dining Assistant, powered by artlabs, provides an end-to-end solution including:

Photo shoots
3D content creation
QR code printing
Menu management panels
Mobile app & web access

Your 3D menu can be live within one day.

Restaurants can instantly update prices, manage promotions, and analyze customer behavior—all from a single dashboard. Dedicated support teams and special offers are available for hotels, chains, and large groups.