Digital Menu Board Costs: Data-Driven Insights for QSR Success

Quick-service restaurants have embraced digital displays to enhance customer experience and boost sales. More and more QSRs rely on digital menu boards to modernize operations. But how much do digital menu boards cost? Below, we explore digital menu board pricing, covering screens, hardware, cloud-based digital signage software, installation, and content creation, plus real-world insights from CHOPT's rollout.

Why Go Digital?

Compared to static signs, digital price boards provide rapid updates, vibrant visuals, and long-term savings. Rather than reprinting menus for each promotion, operators can instantly push updates with digital signage software solutions. Data suggests QSRs see higher average checks when using animated promotions to highlight high-margin items.

The Main Cost Components

Digital menu board pricing usually breaks down into:

• Displays (Screens)

• Media Player Hardware

• Cloud-Based Digital Signage Software

• Content Creation (e.g., MustHaveMenus, design fees)

• Installation, Networking & Maintenance

Below is a closer look at each category.

1. Screens: Commercial vs. Consumer

Displays can be one of the largest expenses. Commercial-grade screens, built for 16/7 or 24/7 use, generally cost \$500–\$1,500 for 43–55-inch models. They offer superior brightness, durability, and warranties that cover constant operation. Consumer TVs are cheaper but not designed for heavy usage, and warranties may be voided in a commercial environment.

• Outdoor or Drive-Thru Displays

Weatherproof screens with ultra-high brightness can run \$2,000–\$5,000 or more. While these costs are higher, they ensure readability in sunlight and protection against harsh elements.

• Mounting & Installation

Expect to pay \$50–\$300 for each mount plus \$100–\$200 for labor per screen. Multi-location rollouts scale up quickly, so budget accordingly.

2. Digital Signage Hardware: Media Players

Each screen needs a media player to run software for digital signage. Options range from budget-friendly streaming sticks (often under \$50) to dedicated commercial devices (\$100–\$300) built for 24/7 operation. Advanced boxes can power multiple displays, saving on equipment costs.

For reliability, QSRs typically choose commercial-grade players that minimize downtime. During a busy lunch rush, stability often outweighs minor hardware savings.

3. Cloud-Based Digital Signage Software

Digital menu boards aren't just screens; they require a robust cloud-based digital signage software subscription. TelemetryTV's digital signage software starts at about \$8 per device per month when billed annually, with higher tiers for advanced features.

• Why Pay Monthly?

• Centralized Control: Update promotions across all locations in minutes.

• Remote Monitoring: Get alerts if screens go offline.

• Offline Caching: Content remains visible even when internet drops.

CHOPT Creative Salad Co. saw major savings once it switched to TelemetryTV's cloud-based digital signage software. They now manage 35 locations, deploying and updating screens at a fraction of previous labor costs.

4. Content Creation & Design

Visually appealing menus drive customer engagement. QSRs often use tools like MustHaveMenus or Canva templates to keep design costs manageable. TelemetryTV integrates with MustHaveMenus, giving operators access to thousands of menu templates and stock imagery. Paid tiers (around \$29/month) unlock even more customization.

• Custom Design vs. Templates

Brands may hire freelancers or agencies for original layouts, but template libraries can dramatically cut costs. Basic designs might be free with MustHaveMenus or Canva, while in-house editing requires minimal skill to modify pricing or images.

• Stock Media (Optional)

Eye-catching visuals help boost sales. You can buy or subscribe to stock image providers for polished photos and videos, or leverage the resources included with MustHaveMenus or Canva. A few high-quality images may be enough to elevate your board.

5. Installation, Networking & Maintenance

Hardware and software need stable internet access. Most QSRs use existing connections, keeping extra costs minimal. TelemetryTV's offline caching ensures menus display if the network goes down temporarily. Plan for electrical work if no outlets are near your screens, at roughly \$150–\$500 per screen for setup.

Modern commercial screens typically last 5–7 years, while reliable media players reduce maintenance hassles. TelemetryTV offers automated provisioning and management tools, minimizing on-site visits.

Real-World Example: CHOPT

CHOPT Creative Salad Co. first updated menu boards by manually managing PCs at each store, which became time-consuming. After testing multiple providers, they selected TelemetryTV's digital signage software solutions. By centralizing content control and automating deployments, they reduced setup time by half and freed staff to focus on customer experience. Today, CHOPT manages 35+ locations across several states, rolling out pricing changes and promotional items in minutes.

Sample Cost Breakdown

Below is a rough estimate per screen for how much digital menu boards cost. Actual totals vary by store size, hardware choices, and branding requirements.

For three 55-inch screens in a single restaurant, the initial cost may total \$4,500–\$5,000 plus \$24–\$60 monthly for software. Over time, agile promotion changes and consistent branding often lead to a swift ROI.

Balancing Costs and Benefits

Switching to digital menu boards means more than just a price tag. Dynamic menus can boost brand image, increase sales through targeted promotions, and save hours of manual labor. Operators can also adapt on the fly, ensuring accurate pricing and reducing waste by pushing specific items when inventory is high.

Many QSRs report that eye-catching digital displays elevate customer satisfaction and modernize their in-store experience. The enhanced flexibility alone often justifies ongoing subscription fees.

Getting Started with TelemetryTV

TelemetryTV offers cloud-based digital signage software that simplifies every step of deployment. Choose from robust media players, integrate MustHaveMenus or Canva for design, and manage content remotely in real time. CHOPT's journey reveals how digital signage software solutions reduce manual updates and cut rollout time, freeing staff to focus on growing the business.