The Importance Of A Well-designed Menu Board

By Author: Ethan Luke
Total Articles: 19
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Restaurant menu boards have evolved from its original purpose. While many dictionaries agree that a menu board is a bill of fare or a list of food items a restaurant prepares and serves, the purpose of the menu board now has a broader, more comprehensive role. David V. Pavesic, Ph.D, of Restaurantinformer.com insightfully states the five goals of an effective menu boards, within the scope of today's standards. A well designed menu board should:

be an effective communication, marketing and cost control tool;

emphasize what the customer wants and what the restaurant prepares and serves best;

obtain the necessary check average needed to realize sales goals and bottom line return;

utilize staff and equipment in an efficient manner; and

lead to more accurate forecasting of the menu sales mix.

Clearly, from these five goals, a menu board contains more than just items on a list. They demonstrate the importance of the research and logistics that are needed before a menu board can be produced and installed. Too much depends on a menu board to not give it the attention and budget needed to ensure ...
... a spectacular final product. But too much also depends on the menu board to not make it a team effort. Everyone from the owner, management, head chef to potential customer focus groups should be involved in the decision-making process.

Much of the restaurant's success will depend on the design of their menu board. It needs to be designed from the perspective of the targeted clientele the restaurant wants to attract, without leaving out traditional favorites and creative selections. Whether you choose to fabricate your own menu board or contract the services of a professional menu provider, the restaurant's profit, cost, and sales goals must be reflected in your menu design.

No one can design a menu board to accomplish these goals successfully unless they understand the process. This means consulting and utilizing the professional services of graphic designers, printers, copywriters, and menu consultants on type fonts, colors, ink types, paper thickness and texture, graphics, photography, and any remaining visual techniques you want to apply to your menu board design.

When it comes to restaurant menus, menu boards, and back-lit signage systems, Order-Matic can provide your restaurant with the most comprehensive signage solution available. For indoor or outdoor signage options, they have the answer when it comes to a streamlined look to showcase your products. For small shops who need a hand-held solution, their graphics division, Order-Graphic, is a one-stop shop for all of your printing needs. From design, photography, to production, Order-Graphic has the experience and dedication to bring your projects to life with eye-catching results.

Order-Matic is your customized \\\"One-Stop Shop\\\" for all of your restaurant and business needs. From Point of Sale equipment, communication needs, backlit signage to graphics, they\\\'ve had it all for over 50 years!
Ethan Luke. Menu Board - Order-Matic has manufactured POS and communication equipment for over 50 years. We offer a product line that not only includes POS solutions and wired and wireless communication concepts, but menu boards for inside and outside signage. We also provide digital surveillance systems that provide 24-hour security and managerial peace of mind. Our plant consists of a graphic design and printing department that can meet a wide variety of printing needs.