How Thriving Businesses Are Using AV to Their Advantage
More than ever, restaurants, bars, breweries, and dining venues face growing pressure to differentiate themselves—not just through cuisine, but through memorable guest experiences.
And one of the most underutilized tools in this sector? Digital signage and video walls.
Our Director of Digital Experiences at McCann Systems, Brandon Harp, said it best. “If there was an industry that hasn’t used digital signage as well as it could have, it’s hospitality.”
But we’re looking to change that. Let’s explore how our clients in New Jersey and across the country are benefitting from commercial digital signage displays—and how yours will, too.
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Going Beyond Menu Boards: Innovative Uses of Digital Signage
While many quick-service restaurants and dining venues have long relied on digital menu boards for clarity and ease of updates, there’s significant untapped potential to expand digital signage beyond the basics.
Imagine a guest walking into a restaurant and booking their table via an interactive display—selecting a quiet corner seat for a business lunch, or a table near the window for people-watching. No need to wait for a host; digital tools handle it all.
Or take a bakery that transforms its display case into a hybrid digital showcase—presenting not only the pastries behind the glass but overlaying dynamic content like calorie counts, nutritional details, and ingredients. It’s information-forward and visually engaging, all while enhancing the brand experience.
Even integrating video feeds can personalize a venue’s identity. One McCann Systems client, a Massachusetts brewery with a taproom on a golf course, installed a video wall over the fireplace that streams a live feed from the 18th hole. “It’s a way of saying, ‘Let’s create some ROI here instead of just playing something on TV,’” Harp says. People can watch their family members finish their game, or who knows? They might feel inspired to get on the green next time.
Simplifying Content Updates: No IT Staff Needed
The fear of managing and updating content frequently deters many businesses. Daily menu changes? Seasonal promotions? Event-driven updates? Brandon Harp explains how McCann Systems addresses this:
“We slow the process down at the start. It’s not just about putting boxes on walls—we help clients think through the experience and recommend reliable content partners who can update their displays as often or as hands-off as they need.”
Whether the need is weekly specials or quick pivots for special events, McCann ensures that you aren’t left wrestling with a content management system alone. From fully managed content services to simple, user-friendly tools, the goal is to remove complexity.
Don’t Overlook the Audio Experience
Great visuals only go so far without complementary sound. Dining environments depend on clear, consistent, well-zoned audio—whether that’s background music, a live sports broadcast, or ambient sounds that contribute to the atmosphere.
“There are sophisticated ways to control audio now,” Harp emphasizes. “You can give staff flexibility—plugging in their playlist for a shift, adjusting volumes for patios versus main dining areas—all while maintaining clarity and balance.”
Why Choose McCann Systems?
Many integrators will focus solely on the hardware—but McCann Systems takes a consultative, end-to-end approach. We don’t just install technology; we create environments. From selecting commercial displays that complement architecture to integrating content strategies and designing audio systems, our expertise ensures the technology isn’t just functional—it’s purposeful.
Whether you’re a brewery adding a taproom, a restaurant chain standardizing digital signage across locations, or a hotel reimagining the guest experience, McCann Systems has the knowledge and national reach to make it happen.Ready to rethink your dining environment? From New Jersey to Nevada, we enhance businesses across the country. Contact us today to learn how we can bring your digital vision to life.
