Tips to Design an Impressive Menu Board

A menu board is normally the first thing your customers will see when they enter your restaurant. Clearly described, appetizing and reasonably priced food items will draw them in and tempt them to order. However, on the contrary, a confusing or badly designed menu board creates an adverse impact on your business. Hence, designing a great looking board is important to attract customers in.

Choose an overall design for the menu board. It is best to get in touch with a professional sign making company to get the best results. Popular choices include "lift and drop" boards where the prices and food items can slide in and out. Another option is magnetic menu boards, where everything’s written using removable magnets. Both menu boards allow easy and quick changes. However, if you’re looking for something more permanent you can use preprinted boards.

To make sure your menu is properly illuminated and easily readable, have a source of lighting focused directly onto the board. There are many manufacturers that can create in-built lightening for your menu boards. In case you’re not interested in an illuminated sign, fit track lighting to keep the board well lit.

It is a good idea to divide your menu list into sections. It becomes very easy for customers to read the menu board if the food items are assigned to a category. For instance, if a customer is looking to buy a sandwich they merely have to look under the category ‘Sandwich’, rather than browsing through the whole board trying to find what they want.

It is very important that the items you list on your menu board clearly state what they have. For instance, a 'Ham and Cheese Sandwich' is a lot easier to understand than a 'Great American Sandwich'. In case your items have unusual names, it is best to add a short description following their name. The details can include type of meat, vegetables, cheese, and sauces. This makes it easier for the customer to order.

Corresponding to each menu item, there should be a price. Also, make sure the font you use is not confusing. Your customers will be really upset if a 7 looks like a 1.

Adding a few shots of your specialties can make the menu board more tempting, persuading your customers to order more. It is a good idea to hire a professional photographer to take the pictures for you. In fact, try to find someone who specializes in food photography.

Update your menu on a regular basis so that it shows the current specials, prices, and available food items. If in case an item is not available, remove it from the menu board immediately to avoid annoyed customers who came in to order that item.