We all love a meal that we don’t have to prepare ourselves for a change. Whether it’s a simple takeaway, dining out at the pub or an upmarket restaurant – be it for a special celebration, a romantic night for two or a social evening with friends, the dining experience starts with one thing – the menu! It can sometimes be a consideration that is overlooked – but a high-quality, professional printed menus can have a positive impact and make a great impression on diners.

Here are some aspects you should consider when deciding what form and style you want from your menu printing service:

The style of your menu should reflect your business

Is it a bar, restaurant, hotel, café or a takeaway?  Dependent upon whichever your food outlet is, you should consider what style of menu you want. For example, a Chinese restaurant menu would have a very different look from an Indian restaurant menu, which, in turn, would be different again from an upmarket hotel. Likewise, you would want a very different style menu for a café, pub or takeaway.

What type of food are you serving?

Again, the style and look of your menu should be appropriate for the fayre being offered – for example, in a restaurant, or hotel, an a la carte menu may appear different to a table d’hote menu – which, in turn, would appear very different to, perhaps, a buffet offering. The menu should be the appropriate vehicle that helps the customer to navigate the options and make the right selection.

What type of customers are you catering for?

If your business is serving a specific type of food, for example fish and chips, then it’s a straightforward presentation of what’s on offer. If, however, you’re serving a more complex and varied menu, then diet considerations can come into play – appropriate options for people with dietary restrictions or tastes – vegans, vegetarians, gluten intolerance amongst a host of other considerations.

Whatever your offerings, your menu is the tool for getting people to choose what they want. When designing your printed menu’s look and content, there are ‘tricks of the trade’ to perhaps consider:

  • Highlight items you want to sell most – various designs and graphics can be used to emphasise specific menu items and make them more prominent to customers. Text can highlighted, or ‘boxed in’, or a picture of a specific dish can increase that item’s sales.
  • Limit items per page – customers find it easier to choose if not overwhelmed with options. This allows you to perfect your menu descriptions and attract customers to try something new.
  • Avoid listing prices in a separate column – If you list all your dishes prices in a uniform, separate column, it focuses the customer on the price, not the dish itself. This leads many to just choose the cheaper options -instead, put the price right after the dish description, and in the same font – and without any currency symbol – this will stop the customer from focusing on money alone.

There are a number of menu printing options and styles to consider including Bi-fold or Tri-fold menus with a matt or gloss lamination finish which will produce a high-quality, high-end menu for your business.

John E Wright

John E Wright was originally established in 1900 and from modest beginnings has grown into the leading supplier or services and supplies to the CAD and design communities throughout the Midlands.

Our investment in the latest state-of-the-art digital imaging, printing, finishing and copying equipment, as well as our outstanding service, makes us a “one-stop shop” for all your graphics needs!

To speak to our team please don’t hesitate to contact us or find your local branch.