When it comes to menu design, keeping things fresh is key. Whether you run a Michelin Star restaurant, a diner or a café, your menu is essentially the most important asset to your business, which is why it is so important that it is designed to a high standard.
A menu design should showcase your business in all of its glory. Think of it this way… if you thought every single customer was going to see an advertising campaign on a billboard, you would spend countless amounts of time ensuring the information is engaging and useful. This should be no different when creating a menu design, because uniquely, this is exactly the case.
Essentially, a menu is a powerful marketing tool for your brand. Absolutely every customer who enters your restaurant or café will receive a menu, therefore the opportunities are endless to promote your business and boost your brand identity.
Don’t Fix What Isn’t Broken
A common misconception within the hospitality industry is that change is scary. Understandably, as the saying goes, don’t fix what isn’t broken. Your business may have a loyal clientele, who visit your restaurant or café regularly, to order the exact same thing. This alone is enough to deter organisations from making changes to their menu design.
However, it is important to understand that a menu change is not as scary as it may seem. You do not have to completely change the contents of your menu; an evolution of the design and layout can do just the trick.
Menus are Temporary, Brand Identity is Permanent
It is advisory to rotate your menu design at least twice a year, if not seasonally. Doing this will bring an element of surprise for your regular customers, as well as showcasing your business as keeping up with the current trends.
It is recommended that you redesign your menu at Christmas time, showcasing the most wonderful time of the year in a festive and exciting design. Additionally, to ensure customers are satisfied all year round, it is imperative that your menu contents contain both popular seasonal options as well as the trusty regular options.
Post-Pandemic Menu Design
Like everything, restaurants and cafés have had to adapt and overcome massive challenges over the last 2 years. However, it is important to see the potential opportunities that have presented themselves.
With menu design, there has been a massive shift in focus. From QR codes to DIY ordering, the newfound opportunities are endless. With this in mind, it is very important to ensure all the required elements are included in your menu, making the new process as straightforward as possible for customers.
Menu Design Psychology
As previously mentioned, menus are arguably one of the most powerful marketing tools to exist. Hence, a professionally executed menu design will not only boost brand identity, sales and recognition but also enhance your position as a customer focused organisation.
Your menu should be much more than a choice of food, it should capture your restaurant/café’s charm, showcase your flair and creativity, as well as the functional requirements of food options, prices, ingredients and allergy alerts.
Creating your Menu Design
Designing your menu is not a simple task. It requires considerable time and consideration. Yes, you are the expert when it comes to the contents, but it is advisable to involve a professional design studio that will implement their expertise to develop a premium menu.
Menu Design at Kaizen Brand Evolution
At Kaizen Brand Evolution, we have an esteemed design team in Belfast and Dublin, with widespread experience in the hospitality industry. Our graphic designers understand both the functional and technical requirements of a menu and can use their expertise to blend the two into a beautifully executed design.
We have had the privilege to work alongside countless businesses in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, cafés and bars. These experiences promote an understanding of the industry and our design team always tailor service to suit your companies wants and needs.