One key, but often overlooked marketing transaction in the restaurant-diner relationship is the moment you hand over the menu. The cheap laminated menu says “you-can-find-this-same-boring-food-everywhere,” so it’s essential to craft a menu that says “unique, hip, mouthwatering and local.” From hand-written catch-of-the-day inserts to binding embellished with elastic stretch loops or colored tassels tells diners that they’re in for a treat. So when designing your menu remember…

1. Typography is all that and a slice of cake. Select two or three compatible, easy-to-read fonts. Basic type should be at least 12 points (avoiding all caps) so everyone can read it comfortably while still feeling and unique enough to highlight special items.
2. Use natural materials in the menu to convey your restaurant’s commitment to natural ingredients. Depending on your restaurant’s specialty, this could mean anything from leather covers with inserts you can change based on the day, all bound together by 12 inch elastic cord with barbs or balls. Or it could mean rustic, hand-made-looking paper bound by elastic program tassel loops for a theatrical flair.
3. Show… well-chosen fonts paired with mouthwatering food photography exudes deliciousness and triggers cravings centers in your customers’ brains that can induce them to buying dishes at a higher price point.
4. …And Tell… Farm-to-Table Local is hot, so if your restaurant focuses on these foods, highlight that all over the menu. Tell about the farm where your eggplant comes from, or share a little nostalgia about a classic pie recipe (without divulging the secret, of course).
5. Have a separate dessert menu. This helps diners get over their fear of ordering appetizers, for one thing. It also adds a special touch, particularly if the dessert menu is beautifully finished with a satin stretch bow.

If you are creating a new menu or revamping and old one, contact Elastic Connections today to discuss unique elastic cord options for your menu binding today.