ALPHABET SIGNS News

By DANIEL KEANE, Staff Writer

When hungry customers are looking for a place to eat in an area that they may not be familiar with, it can often be difficult for them to figure out which restaurant to dine at. For restaurant owners in tourist-friendly areas, it is key to get the unfamiliar guests into the location with the proper outdoor signage. And while having a sign is a must, there are many options available to business owners, and it is important to use the right type of sign and design it in such a way as to get the most bang for your buck.

Perhaps the most widely used signs for eateries are glass-enclosed signs with an easily visible menu, listing that day's specials or new items available. The glass enclosure will help protect the sign from any theft or vandalism and will also prevent it from being vandalized or stolen by people who are up to no good. Another good thing about having a menu display case with the glass enclosure is the fact that it must be opened with a key. Make sure you trust each person given the key, as possible sabotage may occur.

Another useful type of sign for restaurants is a sidewalk sign. These signs can be put out in front of the restaurant and have larger lettering for an easy-to-read message. When thinking about the sidewalk sign, it is necessary to design it in a way that reflects the type of guests you are targeting. Are you looking for a more refined clientele? Then its a good idea to use soft colors and a font that looks high-class and is in cursive. If you are going for a more laid-back and playful environment, try using bold letters with funny or clever messages. If an establishment has drink specials, it's a good idea to highlight this on the sign. If a few rowdy college kids on a road trip pass by your store and see a message that says "$5 pitchers of beer with every order of chicken wings," they will likely stop in and spend considerable amounts of cash on what will most likely be a memorable night.

No matter what type of restaurant you're running, having signs will often translate into more people stepping into your establishment for meals. While running a restaurant can be incredibly stressful, entrepreneurs can help their own cause by adding displays outside.