I can see how it can get annoying if that's the case for you, or in America in general. Maybe that's how shitty the experience is in the US that people really love to complain about it. Seriously, every single time a thread about how deeply smartphones are embedded into society comes up, someone will gripe about qr code incessantly. Be it on reddit, fb, and now here.
I'm from Malaysia and eateries here are very good at it. None of those ads, no pesky additional install, really good ticketing system, and easy payment process at the counter with ewallet (also qr code) once you're done. All I bring is my phone and car keys. Data and coverage here is very good and cheap on all carriers, so photos and menus loading time is never an issue.
I don't need to call on that single waiter in the restaurant to make an order or to see the menu. I just sit my ass down and scan. The order goes straight to the kitchen and they only need to send my food to the table.
I love those qr codes at restaurants. No need to interact with waiters. Just browse and order at my leisure.