Whether you’re launching a new restaurant, rebranding, or upgrading your signage these tips will help. The types of signs you choose will vary by your location and the demographic you serve. Here’s a look at the Custom Restaurant signs to consider and how to make your custom restaurant signs stand out.
Before You Invest In Your Custom Restaurant signs
Restaurant signs are an essential investment, but before you order your signs check your lease and local ordinances. While you can post anything you like in your business interior, you may be restricted to the types of signs you are allowed to post in your window or on your building exterior.
Every city and county is unique, but you may have to apply for a sign permit, or you may be limited to the types of signs you can post. For example, some cities limit banners to special occasions such as grand openings, anniversaries, and going out of business sales. Or your lease may restrict the type of signage you can use for your primary logo sign, awning, or window signs.
So, before you have your custom restaurant signs designed, ensure they are signs you are allowed to post.
Primary Logo Sign
Your primary logo sign must be distinguishable. It must be visually engaging and accurately represent your brand. Most restaurants select a text-only logo, sometimes accompanied by a fun graphic. For example, how the Burger King logo has a burger bun mixed into the logo. Or maybe your graphic is something a bit more artistic such as a fleur-de-lis.
We live in a digital day and age, so you’ll need more than one logo:
- Your primary logo for exterior signage and printed materials.
- Your primary logo modified to display on both black and white digital backgrounds.
- A secondary logo that is cohesive but easily visible on social media thumbnails.
- Decorative logo variations for holidays, promotions, and special events.
The logo sign that you place outside of your business should be large enough that it is easy to view from at least a block away. It can be lit, LED, or non-digital. LED signs aren’t the right fit for every restaurant or every location. For example, your strip mall may require cohesive signage. Or you may print your logo on a decorative awning instead of on a more traditional mounted sign.
If you have a sign professionally crafted, consider a full custom restaurant signs. The vibrant lighting ensures your sign is visible from a distance and can enhance your branding.
Pole Mounted
If the strip mall or parking lot your restaurant is located in allows you to post a pole mounted sign, take advantage of the offer. These signs alert those who drive or walk by to what businesses are within. Pole mounted signs are also ideal if your restaurant is located on a busy street with several restaurants to choose from. You can also strategically rent land or sign space on pole mounted billboards in your local area.
Even if your primary sign isn’t LED or LED backlit, your pole mounted sign should be. Not to worry if your restaurant is high-end, as you can have a stylized mount, frame, and sign designed. We suggest ordering layered custom restaurant signs with channel or push-through lettering on the logo sign for a 3D effect. Then layer one or two more signs below to feature image and video promotions.
Sidewalk Sign
If your restaurant has a fair amount of foot traffic, consider adding a sandwich board sign. Sidewalk signs are nothing new, but they ensure that those who walk by know that you’re there. Otherwise, a potential diner may walk right past without ever knowing you are there.
Choose from traditional chalk, modern whiteboards, or poster board signs. If you select a poster board sign, strategically design a series of signs so that you can reuse the posters you order.
As we mentioned earlier, ensure sidewalk signs are allowed in your area. If they aren’t you may be able to mount a secondary logo sign. Your primary logo sign will face outward, and the secondary logo sign will be a smaller double-sided sign that faces both directions of foot traffic.
Scrolling Window Signs
Scrolling windows signs are ideal for fast food and mid-range dining. However, scrolling signs became increasingly popular during the pandemic to communicate with customers while social distancing. Unlike more advanced digital signs, scrolling window signs plug into a standard socket and can be mounted to your window or wall in minutes. They only share text but are a powerful way to communicate.
You can add posters and digital displays to the window too. The poster or custom restaurant signs can feature mouthwatering images of your menu and the scrolling sign can share promotions or Covid protocols. For example, your daily lunch special, how to order ahead, or if proof of vaccine is required to dine.
Digital Board
With advanced HD capabilities, even high-end restaurants are adding digital to the mix. Your custom restaurant signs can be used as:
- A digital menu board featuring the menu, pricing, and food photography.
- A timed menu board that automatically updates for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and dessert.
- A visual menu that highlights your seasonal specials and best sellers.
- Digital posters placed strategically throughout your restaurant to highlight promotions and menu specials.
- And more!
Tabletop Signs And Displays
Pre-pandemic, many restaurants replaced printed tabletop signs with digital displays. The displays were often multi-purpose.
For example:
- Scrolling through menu specials or a full digital menu.
- Trivia questions or fun facts to minimize the perceived wait time.
- The ability to place, update, or pay for your order.
Post-pandemic, many tabletop signs are printed in high gloss and feature a QR code so that you can scan the menu on your phone. Also, to link to solo payment processing.
In Need Of New Custom Restaurant Signs?
Mega LED Technology builds all of our custom restaurant signs from scratch. Our custom restaurant signs or LED backlit ID cabinets and custom built in any square or rectangular size. Your exterior signs will be built to ensure full function in your local climate. Reach out today to learn more!
