Turn TVs Into Cash: A Simple Digital Menu Business That Pays Monthly
If you’ve ever walked into a local restaurant and noticed a faded menu board or scribbled chalk specials, you’ve probably thought, “There’s got to be a better way.” Turns out, there is. And it can make you money.
Today, I’m breaking down a low-cost business idea that’s practical, easy to start, and surprisingly overlooked: helping restaurants install digital menu boards using nothing more than a TV and a USB stick.
This one’s perfect if you want a service business you can launch fast, with minimal gear and zero tech experience.
What’s the Business?
Here’s the concept:
You help small restaurants upgrade their menu displays by designing digital menus, loading them onto a USB drive, and plugging them into a TV that loops the menu content. That’s it.
It looks clean. It’s affordable for the restaurant. And it solves a real headache: constantly updating printed menus.
The best part? You can charge a setup fee, offer ongoing updates for recurring revenue, and upsell hardware if needed.
Who Is This For?
This idea is for:
- New entrepreneurs who want to offer a high-value service without a huge startup budget
- Designers, freelancers, or creatives looking to monetize basic skills
- Side hustlers who want local income they can grow client by client
You don’t need to be a tech wizard. If you can use Canva or PowerPoint, you can offer this service.
Why This Idea Works Right Now
Many restaurants still rely on printed menus or dry-erase boards. Updating them takes time, costs money, and honestly, looks dated.
Restaurant owners already have a lot on their plate (pun intended), and they’re not looking for more complexity. You’re offering them a simple, modern, plug-and-play solution that keeps their place looking professional and keeps their menu updates easy.
What Problem Does It Solve?
Let’s break it down:
Restaurant pain points:
- Menu items and prices change often
- Printing costs add up
- Menu boards get messy or outdated
- They lack time or know-how to handle digital updates
Your solution:
- Digital menus that are clean, modern, and easily changeable
- One-time setup with optional monthly update packages
- Hardware setup if they don’t already have TVs
You’re not just offering a digital screen…you’re solving a time and money problem they face regularly.
How You Make Money
There are multiple ways to generate income with this:
💸 One-Time Setup Fees
Design + USB + initial install = $150 to $300 per restaurant.
🖥️ Hardware Markup
Bundle a TV (bought for ~$150) with wall mount, USB, and your service for $350 to $500.
🔁 Monthly Update Plans
Offer menu changes as a service:
- $49/month for 1 update
- $99/month for unlimited changes
Example Revenue Scenarios:
- 5 clients on the $99 plan = $495/month in recurring income
- 2 installs/week at $250 each = $2,000/month
- Land a 3-location restaurant? Triple that revenue from one client
How to Get Started in 7 Days
You don’t need a website or fancy tools. Here’s the quick-start version:
Day 1–2: Build Demo Materials
- Use Canva to create a fake menu design (1920×1080 format)
- Export as an MP4 video
- Load it to a USB stick
Day 3: Test It Out
- Buy a basic TV (or use one you have)
- Plug in the USB and make sure the video loops
- Snap some photos or film a quick demo
Day 4–5: Create Sales Materials
- Design a flyer or one-sheet
- Build a quick pitch you can say or DM to business owners
Day 6–7: Start Pitching
- Visit local restaurants, especially small independent ones
- Ask: “Do you ever have to update your menus or specials? I help restaurants switch to digital menus that you can change in seconds…interested in a demo?”
Common Concerns (and How to Answer Them)
“We already have TVs.”
Perfect. You just need to provide the content and USB setup, less work for you.
“Can’t we just do this ourselves?”
Sure, but they won’t. Most business owners don’t have time to mess with design tools or formatting issues. You’re saving them time and headache.
“We change our menu often.”
Even better: sell them on the update plan. You’ll be their go-to for every price tweak or seasonal item.
How to Expand This
Once you’ve got a few clients, you can level up with:
- Animated or video menus with motion graphics
- Bundled marketing packages (menu + social media promos)
- Photography add-ons
- Partnering with restaurant groups or franchises
- Upselling to cloud-based digital signage for remote menu control
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink It
You don’t need to know everything to get started. Just learn the basics, create a great sample, and start having conversations with real businesses.
One install leads to another. One referral turns into five. That’s how local service businesses grow, and this one has the bonus of being recurring and scalable.
📥 Download the Free Business Plan
Grab your starter kit with:
- Pitch scripts
- Pricing sheet
- Setup checklist
- Editable menu templates
Enter your email to get instant access to the business plan plus future tools, templates, and updates I release for free.
P.S. I share new business ideas like this every day. If you’re into low-cost, practical ways to turn your skills into income, make sure to subscribe or follow along.