Small food businesses need to create awareness to attract attention and foot traffic in a highly competitive market. However, many small businesses operate on a limited marketing budget, which makes durable and versatile signs a wise investment — not only are they affordable, they can also be used for various events and purposes. And with some signage types being portable, entrepreneurs get to maximize signs beyond the store as they can bring them to trade shows and farmers’ markets.
In this article, we compile a list of must-have signs and banners that small food businesses could use at their shops and off-site venues.
Signs and Banners Ideal for Small Food Businesses
| Type | Indoor | Outdoor | Material | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tabletop Retractable Banners | ✓ | ✓ (During calm weather) | Durable vinyl (graphics) and aluminum (base) |
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| Stretch Table Covers | ✓ | ✓ (During calm weather) | Polyester tension fabric |
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| Retractable Banners | ✓ | ✓ (During calm weather) | Durable vinyl graphics and aluminum base |
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| Foam Board Signs | ✓ | Polystyrene foam core with a paper face on both sides |
|
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| A-Frame Signs | ✓ | ✓ | Heavy-duty plastic frame and corrugated plastic graphics |
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| Gatorboard Signs | ✓ | Polystyrene core with rigid paper faces |
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| Aluminum Directional Signs | ✓ | ✓ | Brushed or reflective aluminum |
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| Custom Pop-Up Tents | ✓ | ✓ | Polyester canopy and aluminum frame |
|
Tabletop Retractable Banners
Also called “mini retractable banners,” tabletop retractable banners are perfect for displaying bestsellers and seasonal menus. Their graphics are made from vinyl printed with UV ink, resulting in vibrant colors and crisp images. These banners have graphics that retract into an aluminum base for easy transport and storage.
Standard Sizes: 11.5″ x 17.5″ and 8.25″ x 11.5″
Best for: Bestsellers displays and seasonal menus
Stretch Table Covers
These table covers are made from 6.8 oz. polyester tension fabric that’s printed using a full-color dye-sublimation process known for giving vibrant, rich colors. These covers are designed to fit over a standard table between 6 and 8 feet.
Stretch table covers are typically “three-sided,” allowing you to store marketing materials, boxes, and containers you wish to keep out of sight.
Standard Sizes: 6′ and 8′
Best for: Presentation tables, trade show booths, and off-site events
Retractable Banners
Also called pull-up or roll-up banners, retractable banners have graphic displays (usually made from vinyl or UV fabric) that retract into an aluminum base for easy transport and storage. They are excellent marketing tools if you frequently attend food exhibitions and events.
The vertical orientation of these banners makes them ideal for drawing attention in high-traffic areas with limited horizontal spaces, such as entrances and hallways.
For extra visibility, you can order retractable banners with designs printed on both sides.
Standard Sizes: 24″ x 81″, 33″ x 81″, and 47″ x 81″
Best for: Temporary retail spaces, trade shows, and off-site catering services
Foam Board Signs
These durable, portable, and lightweight indoor displays are perfect for showcasing bestsellers or creating statement pieces and wall displays.
You can print designs on both sides or add a dry-erase laminate to create a smooth surface where you can write temporary information, making this sign twice as versatile.
Standard Sizes: 12″x12″, 24″x12″, 36″x18″, 2’x4′, 4’x4′, and 4’x8′
Best for: Retail displays and decor
A-Frame Signs
A-Frame signs, also called sandwich board signs, feature a durable, weather-resistant, collapsible plastic frame for displaying custom graphics. You can order multiple printed inserts to showcase daily specials and seasonal menus.
The graphic inserts are made from corrugated plastic designed to withstand rain, wind, and UV rays.
Standard Sizes: Frame plastic: 45 “H x 25 “W x 3″ D / Graphic insert: 24″ x 36”
Best for: Sidewalk advertisement, store entrance displays, and directional signs
Gatorboard Signs
These sturdy, lightweight displays are made from a polystyrene core and high-quality rigid paper faces. They are suitable for temporary and permanent restaurant signage, menus, storefront displays, point-of-purchase signs, and trade show booth displays.
These signs use UV inks printed directly on their surfaces, resulting in a clean, professional look.
To maximize visibility, you can order gatorboard signs with double-sided printing.
Standard Sizes: Frame plastic: 12”x12”, 24”x12”, 36”x18”, 2’x4’, 4’x2’, and 6’x3’
Best for: Wall-mounted restaurant displays, point-of-purchase signage, and trade show booth signs
Directional Aluminum Signs
Directional signs help improve customer experience by guiding them to seating areas, parking lots, exits, and restrooms.
For interior signs, brushed aluminum is an excellent choice for an elegant, sophisticated look. Meanwhile, reflective aluminum signs are suitable for outdoor use, especially in areas with poor lighting conditions.
Standard Sizes: 12″ x 12″, 24″ x 6″, 18″ x 24″, 2′ x 2′, and 4′ x 4′
Best for: Entrance, drive-thru, and parking
Custom Pop-Up Tents
Custom pop-up tents are suitable for food business owners who offer off-site catering services and attend outdoor events. These portable, easy-to-assemble tents feature a canopy where you can print your company logo and an aluminum frame that expands and retracts for easy transport and storage.
If you order pop-up tents from Signs.com, you can add accessories such as a carrying case, a rope-and-stake kit, and sandbags.
Standard Sizes: 10′ x 10′
Best for: Trade shows, food festivals, and off-site catering services
How to Save Money on Signs and Banners
Here are some helpful tips to save money on signs and banners:
- Choose durable materials. Investing in high-quality signs means you won’t need replacements as often as with a low-quality product.
- Focus on reusable and versatile signs. Choose signs you can use in various events and settings. For example, A-Frame signs feature a plastic frame where you can display removable plastic inserts and foam boards with dry-erase laminate that makes their surfaces writable.
- Invest in double-sided signs. Retractable banners, foam boards, A-Frame signs, and gatorboard signs allow you to display different information on both sides (for example, a lunch menu on one side and dinner on the other).
- Observe proper care and maintenance. Cleaning your signs frequently and storing them properly when not in use can help prevent grime buildup and extend their lifespan.
Think of your signage as your store’s visual introduction — so make it count. Choose the right material, size, finish, and design to capture your target customers’ attention.
You don’t always need a big budget to draw attention and drive foot traffic. By investing in signs and banners with captivating visuals and effective messaging, you can stand out from the competition. Signs.com offers a wide range of highly customizable signs and banners to meet your specific needs.
