A-frame signs are the unsung heroes of restaurant marketing. Placed right where foot traffic is busiest, these sandwich boards grab attention fast and share your message quickly. Witty quotes, a lunch promo, or a fresh menu update make it easy to keep restaurant promotions up to date, and you can easily add these to your streetside A-frames.
Still, the real trick in maximizing their use is knowing which designs and tactics to use so these can work out their magic. So, how does the food industry maximize their sandwich board signs? Here are five quick ways restaurants use A-frame signs to draw passersby in and five design ideas you can incorporate to your sandwich boards.
5 Tips to Maximize Your A-Frame Sign Promotions
Restaurants often use their A-frame signs to list their menus and prices. However, the A-frames differ from the other food signs by being creative and on point with their promotions.
1. Promote Daily Specials and Limited Offers
Use your A-frame to spotlight fun deals like “Buy 1 Pasta, Get 1 Half Off” or “Free Drinks Until 2 PM.” The sign’s easy-to-change graphics also let you update promotions daily without hassle.
2. Announce Events and Live Entertainment
Bars, cafes, and pubs will often use A-frames to build excitement for live music, trivia nights, or sports screenings. Display these signs at night and curious passersby will be more likely to grab a seat and join in on the fun.
3. Promote New Items or Seasonal Menus
The signs can showcase your restaurant’s latest creations with mouthwatering visuals and catchy headlines. Seasonal specials or new dishes on an A-frame will instantly draw attention and spark customers’ curiosity.
4. A-frames as Directional Signs to Lead Customers
If your restaurant has multiple A-frames, you can set these up at nearby corners or busy spots to guide people straight to your door. Include clear arrows and bright visuals to cover your restaurant’s promotions and directions in a single view.
5. Welcoming Signs that Promote Inclusivity
Make guests feel at home by highlighting your restaurant’s welcoming and unique atmosphere through your A-frames. Add friendly touches like “Pets Welcome” or “Family-Friendly Dining” to your signs, complete with cheerful icons to reflect your restaurant’s warm, inclusive vibe.
5 Design Tips for Your A-Frame Signs
The way restaurants use A-frame signs for their promotions is just one way these signs can attract walk-ins. There’s also the design side: creative illustrations and layouts that make your sign stand out even more. These five examples illustrate how helpful streetside signs are for attracting more customers.
1. Showcase Signature Meal Photos and High-Quality Food Images
A picture is worth a thousand words, and vibrant images of your best dishes or drinks are good enough to entice hungry passersby and draw them inside.
2. Display Menu Previews and Prices
Give customers a quick preview of what’s inside by showcasing signature dishes, complete with short descriptions and clear prices, right on your A-frame.
3. Use Humor or Clever Wordplay
You can also show off your restaurant’s playful side with witty lines like “We knead your dough!” or “Nacho average restaurant.” A clever pun can stop people in their tracks, make them smile, and even try out your courses.
4. Match the Design to Your Restaurant’s Theme
Keep your A-frame’s style consistent with your restaurant’s vibe. Rustic themes for bistros, sleek black ambiance for cafes, or colorful patterns for diners. It’s also good to display A-frame signs that scream seasonal specials or music nights, featuring attention-grabbing visuals and clear text.
5. Add a Fun, Shareable Call-to-Action
Encourage engagement with creative prompts like “Tag us if this sign made you hungry” or “share this QR code for deals.” An interactive A-frame sign doesn’t just turn heads; it can also be buzz-worthy on social media if played correctly.
A-frame signs do an excellent job of sparking curiosity, reflecting your restaurant’s vibe, and turning casual onlookers into eager diners. With the right mix of creativity and clarity, these signs can turn your sidewalk into an open, welcoming space that attracts walk-ins who can enjoy your food and ambiance.
Keep your message fresh and your visuals inviting with Signs.com’s high-quality printing, sturdy frames, and replaceable A-frame graphics. These are everything you need to keep your restaurant’s appeal strong and your foot traffic growing every day.
