A New Look For Your Establishment With Chalk

Lately I've been noticing that a lot of eating establishments are using chalkboard menus. Places like restaurants, pubs, cafes and bistros are putting up large blackboards on the wall and listing their menu with unique lettering, vast color displays and a touch of creativity. Chalkboard menus work with the overall relaxed design of the establishment, enticing people to not only buy, but return again.

Chalkboard menus provide a chance to express your creativity and add funk and charm to your business. The chalkboard art can be a combination of chalk, paint, pencil, and pastels which create rich graphics and lettering to draw in the eye. Most people scan the menu, only remembering a few items, but with a chalkboard menu the design, colors, lettering and graphics keep the customer's attention and begs them to read to the very end. For smaller establishments there are counter top and table top blackboards which are kept at eye level, these are small and lightweight and perfect for a smaller room.

Blackboard menus are unique and individual to each establishment, there will be no two alike. They can be customized and along with the proper illustrator or visual artist, you can have logos, emblems or characters drawn onto your sign easily. If your establishment changes its menu regularly, or if you like to post the daily specials, list upcoming events, or change pricing it is economically smart to use a chalkboard format. Using a chalkboard menu instead of a regular paper menu is cost effective, because it can be changed regularly without extra cost and waste. This can give you the freedom to make changes to the menu or your prices without the wasted time and stress.

One of the major concerns of chalkboard menus is the smudging of the chalk over time and the overall messiness that will create. This is not a problem with a professionally designed chalkboard. A non-adhesive clear laminate is used to protect the board and chalk. The artwork and headings are sealed and smudge-proof which makes the board much easier to clean and keep clear. Powder chalk as well as marker chalk can be used on the blackboard, although some people seem to have a hard time wiping off the marker chalk. Check with the chalkboard designer for tips and advice, you will probably be asked to try both and choose your favorite. I suggest you do this on your own, chalk and chalk markers can be purchased at most art stores and it will not cost you any money to try your hand at figuring out which you prefer.

The chalkboard frame is another important choice you will have to make. If the frame is well designed it can bring fluidity between your décor and the menu. It seems like a small detail, but it is the first thing most people will see, and the first impression is very important. Maintenance with frames requires a quick dust and maybe some polish. Chalkboard menus will require some maintenance which is usually provided by either the sign company or the artist who did the art.

If you are thinking of using a chalkboard sign, do some homework. Look in and around your area for similar places which use chalkboards. Other designs will inspire you to dream up your unique chalkboard. Even if you are the artsy or creative type, always consult a sign company to ensure you have a clear vision of how you want your business to look. Sign companies have people who will provide you with all of the answers to the questions you have and also help you to develop the general atmosphere you desire. Get started today to change your décor, menu and improve your sales. Chalk is the way to go.