RIP, QR Codes: Paper menus will be returning to restaurants nationwide

Picture yourself in late 2020, or the whole duration of 2021. You decide to brave a widespread virus that has been declared a global pandemic, attempting to restore some normalcy in your life. That hunger to break the monotony of staying inside leads to going to a sit-down restaurant for the first time since everything shut down.

When you walk in, things are much different than they were before. You notice numerous delivery orders, social distancing, masks, and surprisingly, no more menus. The server then tells you that you must scan a QR code to access the menu. This trend has remained in many restaurants, even as we hit four years since it began. But now, we will finally say goodbye to the scan.

According to The Wall Street Journal, many restaurants are beginning to return to paper menus to make the older generations happy. And also, The Office star B.J. Novak:

"In the restaurant industry, the QR code menu is seen as a little bit tacky," Director of Operations for Zuma, Teddie King, told WSJ.

When QR codes first came out, I felt like it was almost taboo to have them in restaurants. Despite everything being so tech-driven, some things shouldn't be changed. That includes having a regular paper menu in your hand while contemplating what you want to order.

Additionally, there are concerns that come with QR codes, specifically with the cybersecurity element of it. When scanning, there is always the possibility that the code could face corruption, which can lead to viruses or stolen info.

Ultimately, I believe it is time for restaurants to return to regular menus. Are they sometimes nasty and covered in buffalo sauce? Yes. But holding a tangible menu over having to use your iPhone at the table is a win.

Thank you restaurants for finally listening to us! And B.J. Novak, of course.