Essential Printed Materials for Restaurants

Utilizing printed materials is fundamental for a restaurant’s success and encompasses a wide range of uses to help the business function, as well as market the brand. Sometimes, the tedious details, including print solutions, are forgotten when operating a restaurant. Using high-quality print solutions can build efficiencies, boost brand awareness, and attract new customers.

Packaging

Custom packaging, like boxes and labels, can help a restaurant stand out. To-go boxes and food packaging must be able to keep food preserved and keep it from getting contaminated. Adding branded packaging with the restaurant's name or logo makes it more recognizable, not only when it is seen in the fridge, but also while it is traveling home and seen by other potential customers. Consider a unique design or elements of the packaging to make it stand out.

A restaurant can also choose whether to use packaging made from sustainable materials. Depending on the primary clientele, showing a dedication to sustainability may make customers feel better about supporting a business that supports healthy environmental practices.

Signage

Proper signage is essential for any business. Restaurants, in particular, need to focus on both indoor and outdoor signage. Outdoor signage may include the restaurant's name, hours of operation, parking signs, etc. Indoor signage may consist of wayfinding signs, menus, special promotions, employee announcements, etc.

PVC foam signs, posters, or banners can be used to showcase a new restaurant or even a new item. Window clings are easily installed and removable, and can be used to place the restaurant name, logo, or limited-time specials on windows to attract customers. Floor graphics can be used to showcase logos, wayfinding, or specials on the ground. Drink coasters and other restaurant items can be printed with the restaurant's name, logo, and specials as well. All restaurant signage should be clear, concise, and charming.

Menus

Menus are one of the most important visual items at a restaurant! Many people still prefer tangible menus. However, the pandemic made touch-free menus (QR codes) very popular, which has led many restaurants to have both printed menus and QR codes at each table. Another creative option for casual restaurants may even be printing the menu on a disposable placemat. If the restaurant offers takeout, low-cost takeout menus should be readily available and given with each takeout order. And table tent cards are a great way to display daily specials, drinks, desserts, or any other desired product or promotion.

Employee-Use Products

Printed materials are also important for the functionality of a restaurant. Waiters and waitresses need order pads to successfully take and deliver the correct order to each customer. It is also essential to have reservation books for the hosts and hostesses. And to stay organized, a printed staffing calendar is a must.

Promotional Materials

Promotional printed materials can be used as a token of thanks to customers and to market the business. Fridge magnets, stickers, or notepads with the restaurant logo are great promotional tools to increase visibility, especially for smaller businesses. Coupons are a wonderful aid to entice new customers to try a restaurant or get old customers to return. Another promotional tool to make customers feel valued is a rewards system. Loyalty cards can be printed in various ways to make them generic (checkboxes, perforated tear sheets, etc.) or personalized (loyalty numbers, bar codes, etc.) as desired. Business cards are also a great tool for restaurants to share contact information, promote services, such as catering, or promote employment opportunities.

Direct Mail

Direct mail can be used to send custom flyers, postcards, or even rack cards to potential customers or other businesses. Door hangers are a unique promotional material that is not as common, but can be very effective. Direct mail ensures that knowledge about the restaurant will reach almost every potential customer in the desired area.

Even in the “digital age,” print solutions are still a necessity to run a successful restaurant. Contact Omega High-Impact Print Solutions today, to make your restaurant print ideas come to life!

Written by Omega High-Impact Print Solutions’ Marketing Intern, Ava Hoch.