Best Digital Menu Boards for Quick-Service Restaurants: WAND Digital vs The Howard Company

If you’re looking to make the move from static menu boards to digital menu boards, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the number of options with which to outfit your quick-service restaurant (QSR) or fast casual restaurant. We’re here to help you sift through it all to figure out the best fit for your business. We’ve pulled together a handful of comparisons of the best digital menu platforms on the market for QSRs. In this article, we’ll compare WAND Digital’s menu system and The Howard Company’s.

WAND: A Digital Menu Platform Built for QSRs and Fast-Casual Restaurants

A Dedicated Focus on Digital Menus: WAND specializes in cloud-based digital menu platforms tailored specifically for QSRs and fast-casual establishments. Its in-house developed software integrates seamlessly with major POS systems like Revel, Toast, and Brink, creating a centralized hub for managing menus in real time.

Driving Growth with Dynamic Displays: WAND empowers restaurant operators to leverage dynamic digital signage to increase revenue by influencing customer behavior. The platform eliminates the need for static signage’s associated printing and shipping costs, providing a more flexible and cost-effective solution. Additionally, WAND’s API feature ensures real-time adaptability by integrating with third-party data sources to meet location-specific needs.

Built for Performance and Reliability: WAND’s platform is hosted on AWS and includes an offline automatic playback system, ensuring uptime and reliability. The company also assists in sourcing industrial-grade hardware, including weather-resistant drive-thru menu boards and high-quality indoor displays, to support long-term performance.

The Howard Company: A Consultant and Manufacturer with Limited Digital Focus

A Broader Industry Approach: The Howard Company operates as a consulting firm and manufacturer, catering to a range of industries including banks, car washes, grocery stores, and QSRs. They provide hardware such as illuminated menu boards and drive-thru accessories, while relying on third-party content management software from Navori to manage digital menu boards. This software supports various industries, from retail to transportation, but lacks a dedicated focus on QSRs.

Static Signage Remains a Core Offering: While The Howard Company can assist with the transition to digital signage, they continue to emphasize traditional static signage. This approach may hinder businesses aiming to stay competitive in a market that increasingly prioritizes digitization and dynamic content.

Additional Offerings with Limited Specialization: In addition to signage, The Howard Company provides branding materials, merchandising solutions, and consulting for interior and exterior business design. However, this broad range of services can dilute their focus on advancing digital menu technology.

Conclusion

For QSRs and fast-casual restaurants seeking a digital-first approach, WAND Digital offers a specialized, cost-effective solution with advanced dynamic menu capabilities and seamless integration with existing POS systems. Its dedicated focus and reliable support make it a top choice for businesses aiming to streamline operations and drive revenue growth.

In contrast, The Howard Company may suit businesses looking for a mix of digital and static signage or additional branding and design services. However, the reliance on third-party software and continued focus on static signage may limit its appeal for restaurants prioritizing digital transformation.

Ready to get started with digital menu boards?

Disclaimer: All information was obtained from public sources on or around the date of publishing this article and may have changed since then. References to The Howard Company are for illustrative and educational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by The Howard Company.

9th Sep 2022 John Phillips