Marketing your restaurant involves using many types of signs—exterior signage that attracts diners, illuminated signage to inform customers, wayfinding signs that help guide guests, and safety signs to keep everyone safe on your property. This month, we discuss the types of signs every restaurant needs to attract more diners, from exterior signage and sidewalk signs to wall murals and digital displays. We’ll cover the ten types of signage every restaurant needs, their benefits, and tips for improved sign design.

1. Exterior Building and Freestanding signage

In a crowded field, your restaurant’s exterior signage needs to stand out from the competition and grab diners’ attention. Your exterior sign is your calling card, letting people know where you are located and what your business is all about. You can use many types of signage for your exterior, including: 

• Lightboxes
• Channel Lettering
• Illuminated 3D lettering
• Monument signs
• Pylon signs
• Flags and Banners
• Awnings

Restaurants in urban settings with heavy foot traffic need an awning sign over the entrance. Custom lightboxes, channel lettering, illuminated signage, and awnings drive traffic to your door. Contrasting colors and high resolution images on your signage attract hungry diners, while awnings offer a nostalgic or contemporary look. Exterior signage that uses contrasting colors in easy-to-read fonts will pique the interest of diners.

2. Window Graphics

Your main exterior signage tells diners where to find you, but window graphics can showcase more detailed information. These graphics can include digital displays of menu boards, hours of operation, and promotional details. Vinyl window graphics easily change the tone of your eatery seasonally or for special events. Restaurants with high foot traffic can also use sidewalk signs to catch attention.

3. Sidewalk Signs

Ideal for high-traffic areas, sidewalk signs allow you to promote daily specials, introduce new offerings, and announce events or hours. These boards can keep customers in-the-know, increasing the likelihood they’ll stop in for a meal.

4. Menu Boards

Available in various materials, menu boards—such as aluminum and PVC for interior and exterior use—can enhance decor by incorporating high resolution images of popular menu items. For versatility, digital displays are an ideal choice, allowing instant updates, such as rotating between lunch and dinner menus.

5. Digital Displays

Digital menus are effective for engaging consumers, influencing purchases, and displaying dynamic content like hi-rez images of menu items, specials, and event ads. Digital displays grab diners' attention with movement and bold visuals, enhancing the customer experience.

6.  Flags and Banners

Eye-catching banners and flags make a bold statement during special events. Large-format vinyl banners with high resolution images and branded graphics can be displayed on buildings, windows, or fences.

7. Directional Signage

Directional or wayfinding signs help guests find different areas of your restaurant, such as the bar, restrooms, and exits. These signs create a smoother customer experience by providing clear guidance.

8. Safety and Accessibility Signage

Safety signs are crucial in any restaurant. Safety signs should be straightforward to guide workers and customers in case of emergency, such as fire exit signs or wet floor markers. ADA-compliant signage ensures your restaurant is inclusive, increasing customer satisfaction.

9. Wall Murals or Art Displays

Adding wall murals or branded art can enhance decor and share your restaurant’s story. Large, full-color murals create ambiance, while canvas prints and posters add flair to your interior, establishing brand appeal.

10. Indoor Promotional Signage 

Promotional posters and table tents in restaurants boost brand awareness. Use high-quality posters to promote specials or introduce new items, ensuring your visuals use hi-rez images and contrasting colors to stand out.

For your restaurant signage to outshine the competition, focus on sign design that uses contrasting colors and hi-rez images to enhance readability and visual appeal. Digital displays showcasing crisp images and wayfinding signage in your brand’s color scheme can elevate your restaurant's look. Signarama’s restaurant signage pros can help with every step, from sign design to expert installation and more!