2. The Search for Menu Template

 

Once you've identified your brand, it's time to move onto finding the perfect menu design. When searching, make sure to look for menu styles that stay true to your brand's image. The look of the menu needs to add to the ambiance you're looking to create. 

 

An example of this would be a BBQ restaurant that is going for a backyard rustic feeling. A menu template that fits this would have a lovely textured wooden background with subtle grill flames incorporated into the design. This type of design is following the rustic backyard feel and nicely complements it.

 

3. Selecting Your Menu Style

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Once you've narrowed down your restaurant menu template styles, it's now time to look at the design details. Things to consider are:

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• The number of items your menu has. Does the style you selected to support your total number of items, or would a significant amount of redesign be required?

• Colors: would the menu template look good if you adjusted the color scheme to fit your brand's colors?

• Images: If you want to include food photos, does the menu layout neatly accommodate spacing images?

 

4. Menu Template customization

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Now that you've selected a menu template, now it's time to roll up your sleeves and begin designing your menu. Inputting your items, arranging the category columns, blending in images, and selecting the perfect don't styles are just some things you will need to do. Menu template design requires an eye for graphics, but with patience, you can do it. 

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5. Menu layout arrangement

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This is the number of columns that you are going to list. There is no right or wrong number; it truly comes down to the total number of items and categories your menu will have. From a layout perspective, set up the dining process category types, for example, drinks, appetizers, sandwiches, combos, meals, etc. 

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6. Maximizing profits

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To drive revenues, how your items are laid out, and more importantly, where certain items are placed on your menu, play a critical role in sales.

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An example would be a three-column menu. When viewing a three-column menu, studies show that your eyes will first look at the center part of the middle column first, then move to the upper right column corner and then glide across to the upper left column.

 

Because those three spots receive the most eyeballs, it is best to feature your three highest margin items.

 

7. High Margin Items

 

Another way to bring attention to high margin items on your menu template is by highlighting these items. Look at adding a thin box around an item to grab attention to it.

 

8. Item descriptions

 

All too often, restaurants use generic names and descriptions. An example would be "chicken tenders." An alternative name would be "Grandma Handbreaded Tenders." By starting with an eye-catching name, following up with a unique description, you will get a reader's taste buds going, thus creating demand. Another benefit of good names and descriptions is giving the guest a reason to come back and try another item that grabbed their attention.

 

9. Images

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Take professional photos of your food after it was just freshly made. Ensure you are using an actual digital camera and have excellent backdrops that compliment the food. Please don't use stock images or stuff you found on the internet because it's not how your food looks.

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10. Carry out, delivery, and social media

 

A closed mouth doesn't get feed. If your guests don't know you deliver, are on GrubHub, or offer carryout, they will never ask. For social media, including follow us on Facebook for exclusive deals to help grow your likes and fanbase.

 

Conclusion

 

Menu templates and designing a menu requires time and patience. Don't wait the last minute to start and never rush the process. Your restaurant menu will be looked at every day by every customer, and what they say is vital to your success.