It is usual to find that menus are essential to the restaurant since they offer the client the best look at what is available. Although digital menu signs and touch screen Kiosks are slowly becoming the order of the day, non- digital menu boards remain a popular option in the foodservice industry. Traditional menu boards are familiar and approachable – whether they are the chalkboards in a small cafe or the handwritten signs in a diner.
In the following article, we will discuss the concept of the conventional menu boards and learn why they are still popular among the current restaurant owners and managers despite the availability of various high-tech solutions.
A Glimpse into History
There are centuries-old menu boards which were initially made from wooden signs or slates. For a long time before the mass printing and the use of technology in food production, handwritten menus were the order of the day. In taverns and restaurants the dominant form of conveying information about daily specialties or about fixed menus was a written text on a chalkboard or a wooden board.
Many boards were functional and affordable, making it possible for proprietors to change products with ease without having to spend a lot of money. Gradually they changed in their design and their application and turned into the cultural object that represented the character and the cuisine of the establishment.
The Enduring Appeal of Traditional Menu Boards
1. Authenticity and Nostalgia
There is something quite likable about conventional menu boards, which bring to mind images of a bygone era. I think they make people recall the early days when eating out was not necessarily associated with speed but with people and relations. Such feelings of realism are especially appreciated in such places as family-run coffee shops, confectionery shops or diners.
Such a menu allows people to ‘feel’ it – to touch it, and this is what makes it so attractive and welcoming. Drawn designs are not perfect and unique compared to mechanical and standard designs of digital menus.
2. Creative Freedom
Conventional menu boards present many possibilities in terms of design. Restaurants for instance can create boards that reflect on the theme of the restaurant. For example, bright boards can create beautiful letters, fancy drawings, and amusing slogans that will be interesting to the customers.
The menu can be changed according to the season, promotion or event that can be represented by the unique design that fits into the interior of the premise. This flexibility is extremely helpful for small companies which have to use creativity as their main weapon.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
The traditional menu boards are cheap and affordable for the businesses especially for the ones that are operating under a tight budget. Although the outlay for acquiring a high quality board in the first place may be relatively expensive, the recurring costs are almost negligible. Owners are able to modify the board on their own without the use of additional software, equipment as well as outside services.
At the same time, the absence of many components also makes it long-lasting, as a board if used carefully can last for several years, which makes it a sustainable option for many companies.
Main Categories of Traditional Menu Boards
Traditional menu boards come in various forms, each catering to different styles and operational needs:
1. Chalkboards
Chalkboard menu boards are possibly the most recognizable type of conventional menu boards. It is flexible in design and may be used over and over again. Many restaurants employ the use of beautiful colorful chalks and stencils to design their layout which is easy to notice.
2. Letter Boards
Letter boards are letters which are already mounted in a restaurant and can be rearranged in order to form the menu names. These are especially common in diners and coffee shops with a 50s and 60s décor. As much as they take longer to update than the chalkboard, they are neater and well organized making them attractive.
3. Poster Boards
Handwritten or printed poster boards are preferred for outdoor or temporary constructions. These boards can be easily changed or replaced depending on the need, and therefore ideal for pop up shops, food trucks and events.
4. Painted Boards
Others choose wooden boards painted on the walls of the establishment, which is more permanent and more artistic. These boards are typically applied for branding where the restaurant’s logo, or a particular dish is presented in an artistic manner.
Advantages over Digital Displays
While digital displays are often touted for their convenience and modern appeal, traditional menu boards offer distinct advantages:
1. Reliability: As it has been explained, traditional boards do not use power or software and therefore, they are always functional.
2. Aesthetic Consistency: They harmonize well with country, retro or craft design and do not stand out as an unfamiliar type of furniture.
3. Environmental Impact: It is also important to note that traditional boards are a more environmentally friendly solution since they do not contribute to producing electronic waste and consuming energy.
4. Customer Interaction: Such boards are traditionally associated with increased levels of customer interaction. Menu is an important part of the restaurant’s service and when designed properly it can help start conversations, create a memorable dining experience, and even become a social media hit.
Challenges of Traditional Menu Boards
While traditional menu boards have numerous advantages, they also come with a few challenges:
1. Manual Updates: Switching over a menu for instance from one season to other or changing prices also needs a lot of effort and talent. This may be tiresome for businesses that have changing menus frequently.
2. Limited Space: While digital menus can present a large number of details, traditional boards are limited by their size.
3. Durability: Wipe off or eraser boards get washed out or smeared over time and may require frequent replacement or cleaning to maintain a clean and appealing menu.
4. Visibility: In bigger restaurants, it might be impossible to have one menu board for all customers and especially when it is a peak time.
Best Practices for Designing Traditional Menu Boards
To maximize the effectiveness of traditional menu boards, consider the following tips:
1. Keep It Legible
Also make sure that your letters are large and clear and that everyone on the board can read it from a distance. Don’t overload the board with too much data, it will only make it confusing and not helpful.
2. Organize Content
Categorize the menu items in to sections that are convenient to avoid messy arrangement of foods, for instance arrange them from appetizers, entrees and desserts. The fact is it can help customers to find the necessary items as fast as possible.
3. Use Color Wisely
Use color to draw attention to specials or other important details, but don’t go overboard. Good color combination makes the information easy to read and look at.
4. Incorporate Branding
Ensure that your menu board design matches the brand image and appeal. This web design should use similar font type, color and images to give it a harmonized overall appearance.
5. Refresh Regularly
It is recommended that your board is updated more often for either seasonal menu, special offers or when certain items are out of stock. Having a new menu board is eye-catching to the customers.
Traditional Menu Boards of the Future
While the use of technology in the foodservice industry is experienced, traditional menu boards are not expected to disappear. A large number of professionals have highly appreciated their timeless design, the relatively low price and versatility, which allows them to be used for small enterprises, restaurants, cafes and shops that do not focus on the use of modern technologies to improve the quality of services.
In addition, there are today’s organizations which are incorporating the conventional and the virtual aspects. For instance, some restaurants write their daily specials on traditional boards while having their full menu on digital screens. This approach combines the best of both worlds and is going to attract more customers than the traditional ones.
Conclusion
The traditional menu boards are not just mere tools of use, they are a symbol of the simplicity of a fully handcrafted world in a highly technological and fast running world. They encourage imagination, allow people to recognize familiar faces, and give uniqueness to the eating areas.
As long as there are establishments that appreciate artistry and creativity, conventional menu boards will remain relevant as a testament that sometimes the most timeless is the most effective.
