When it comes to restaurant signs, for many restaurants, menu boards are one of the most important. Menu boards are used in lieu of individual paper or laminated menus. Menu boards supply customers with essential information they need to know about your food offerings when placing an order. But with so many different menu boards and options, how do you know which is best for your business?
Here at FASTSIGNS® of Louisville, KY, we specialize in helping restaurants create the perfect restaurant sign package. We understand every restaurant is different, so we work with you to find a menu board solution that fits your brand and budget.
Benefits of Menu Boards
There are many benefits to well-designed menu boards. First, they streamline the ordering process by clearly displaying food options. Menu Boards help reduce ordering mistakes and makes the overall dining experience more efficient for both customers and staff.
Menu boards can include highlighted sections to promote specials or high-profit items with pictures or larger text, helping to increase sales.
Types of Menu Boards
- Digital menu boards consist of a digital TV-like display. They offer endless options for customization, including videos, animations, and images to create a dynamic menu display. In addition, the digital panel allows for quick updates to menu items and regularly changing promotions.
- Static illuminated menu boards are made of one or more translucent panels with menu items and images printed on them. They are placed into a lightbox, which evenly illuminates the menu items and makes them visible even in low-light conditions. These are commonly seen in drive-throughs and walk-up eateries.
- A-frame menu boards are made of two panels attached at the top. They are typically plastic or metal with slots for adding graphics. They are lightweight and easy to move, making them perfect for sidewalk cafes.
- Chalkboard menu boards are just as the name implies, a chalkboard with a frame which can be mounted on a wall. They are perfect for displaying the day's specials. These boards are customizable with the restaurant's branding. They offer a more rustic look, which is perfect for smaller restaurants.
Making the Perfect Menu Board
No matter what menu board you choose, there are a few key elements to keep in mind to ensure it is effective.
First, the menu board must be easy to read from a distance. Use large fonts and clear images to ensure the customers can read it.
Next, try to keep it simple. Don't try to cram too much information onto the menu board. Instead, stick to the essentials and focus on highlighting the most popular items. Too many choices can do more harm than good.
Finally, ensure the menu board is aligned with the restaurant's branding. Using the business's logo and colors to create a cohesive look will reinforce the restaurant's identity with customers.
At FASTSIGNS® of Louisville, KY, we make menu boards and many other custom sign products for restaurants. Contact us today to start working with our sign experts to create menu boards perfect for your business.
