Rising Tides LinkedIn Live: Printed Hospitality

The world has undeniably gone digital, but have we paused to consider the enduring power of Printed Hospitality?

In an age dominated by screens, there’s still a unique value in physical experiences like printed menus, direct mail flyers, and other tangible touchpoints.

In this episode of Rising Tides Live, the group dives deep into the lasting significance of printed hospitality and its irreplaceable role in the restaurant industry. With special guest German Wegbrait of Kids Menus explore how blending print with digital strategies can elevate customer experiences and create lasting impressions.

From the timeless appeal of printed menus to the evolving role of children’s menus in engaging young diners, this episode unpacks why tangible elements are key to modern hospitality. Discover how innovative designs for kids’ menus are reshaping family dining and why these small but impactful details continue to matter in an increasingly digital-first world.

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Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tides Live room streaming with Riverside on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.

Key Quotes

“ A lot of the time we look at kids’ menus as secondary things, but in reality, the longer people stay at a table, the more money we make on them. That’s just the fact of it. And nobody’s going to sit at a table if their kids are going crazy. Like I know I won’t, I will literally be like, okay, yeah, let’s pack this to go. Let’s go”. – Mercedes Montijo

”Looking for ways to make that printed piece get you closer to that nostalgia and go back to like the tactile aspect of it, plus extending its life through a digital way. It’s a really powerful combo.” – German Wegbrait

“Why does our drink cup have a QR code? Why is there a QR code on every table? 10? Why is there a QR code on these things? Why? Because people scan them and it gives us an opportunity to build community, build relationships, share our story, share lots of different stories within our brand at different places.” – Troy Hooper

“The magical aspect of getting things in paper form that can make moments special. I think talking about the sports tickets and stuff like that, like me going through that with my son, who’s just getting into football or soccer now is just magical to do it.” – Scot Turner

Takeaways

The Value of Kids Menus – Children’s menus are not just a utility but an opportunity for engagement and customer retention. Creative kids menus with interactive elements, such as coloring activities or AI-driven designs, can keep children entertained, making dining more enjoyable for parents and encouraging repeat visits.
Merging Print and Digital – QR codes bridge the gap between print and digital, extending the life and functionality of printed materials. For example, QR codes on printed menus or drink containers can lead to unique content like videos or special offers, enhancing customer engagement.
Print as a Nostalgia and Personal Touch – Despite the digital age, physical items like handwritten notes, printed menus, or personalized cards resonate deeply with customers. These tactile experiences evoke nostalgia and create memorable, personal connections that digital mediums often cannot replicate.

Homework Assignment

Next time you go out for dinner, take a close look at the kids menu. Is it kid-friendly? Would it appeal to your kids or any kids? Reflect on your observations and share your thoughts!