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Restaurant Digital Signage

Elevate the Dining Experience

Restaurant digital signage transforms static menu boards into dynamic selling tools. From appetizing food photography to real-time menu updates, digital displays help restaurants increase average ticket size, reduce perceived wait times, and deliver a modern dining experience.

The Business Impact​

Performance Metrics​

MetricImpact
Average ticket increase3-5% through upselling
Promotion effectiveness5× more effective than static
Perceived wait time35% reduction
Menu update speedSeconds vs. days for print
Dayparting revenue8-12% increase in off-peak sales

ROI Comparison​

Signage TypeInitial CostAnnual Print SavingsROI (Year 1)
Single menu board$1,500-3,000$500-1,00025-40%
Full QSR system (3-4 boards)$8,000-15,000$3,000-5,00030-50%
Drive-thru$15,000-25,000$5,000-8,00035-55%
Full-service restaurant$5,000-12,000$2,000-4,00025-40%

Additional revenue from upselling and promotions not included in savings calculations

Restaurant Signage Types​

Digital Menu Boards​

The core of restaurant digital signage:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                     DIGITAL MENU BOARD                           │
│                                                                  │
│  ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│  │  [RESTAURANT LOGO]              BREAKFAST MENU    7:32 AM  │ │
│  ├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │
│  │                                                            │ │
│  │  ┌──────────────────────┐  ┌──────────────────────┐       │ │
│  │  │ COMBOS               │  │ A LA CARTE           │       │ │
│  │  │ ────────────────     │  │ ────────────────     │       │ │
│  │  │ #1 Classic Breakfast │  │ Eggs (2)      $4.99  │       │ │
│  │  │    $8.99             │  │ Bacon         $3.99  │       │ │
│  │  │                      │  │ Toast         $2.49  │       │ │
│  │  │ #2 Healthy Start     │  │ Hash Browns   $3.49  │       │ │
│  │  │    $9.99             │  │ Pancakes      $5.99  │       │ │
│  │  │                      │  │ Oatmeal       $4.99  │       │ │
│  │  │ #3 Big Appetite      │  │                      │       │ │
│  │  │    $12.99            │  │                      │       │ │
│  │  └──────────────────────┘  └──────────────────────┘       │ │
│  │                                                            │ │
│  │  ┌──────────────────────┐  ┌──────────────────────┐       │ │
│  │  │ BEVERAGES            │  │ [PROMOTIONAL IMAGE]  │       │ │
│  │  │ ────────────────     │  │                      │       │ │
│  │  │ Coffee        $2.49  │  │  NEW!                │       │ │
│  │  │ Juice         $3.49  │  │  Avocado Toast       │       │ │
│  │  │ Milk          $2.99  │  │  $7.99               │       │ │
│  │  └──────────────────────┘  └──────────────────────┘       │ │
│  │                                                            │ │
│  │  Allergen info available upon request | Calories displayed │ │
│  └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│                                                                  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Drive-Thru Displays​

ComponentPurposeSpecifications
Pre-sell boardEarly upselling opportunityOutdoor, 47"-55"
Main menuFull menu presentationOutdoor, 2-4 panels
Order confirmationVerify order accuracyOutdoor, 32"-47"
Canopy screenEntertainment while waitingOutdoor, 32"-43"

Drive-Thru Considerations​

FactorRequirement
Brightness2,500+ nits for daylight visibility
Temperature-30°F to 120°F operating range
WeatherproofingIP65+ rating
Viewing angleWide angle for vehicle approach
AudioIntegrated or separate order system

Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)​

Replace paper tickets with digital order management:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    KITCHEN DISPLAY SYSTEM                        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                  │
│  ┌─────────────┐  ┌─────────────┐  ┌─────────────┐  ┌─────────┐│
│  │ ORDER #247  │  │ ORDER #248  │  │ ORDER #249  │  │ #250    ││
│  │ 3:42        │  │ 2:18        │  │ 1:05        │  │ 0:22    ││
│  │ ──────────  │  │ ──────────  │  │ ──────────  │  │ ─────── ││
│  │ 1 Burger    │  │ 2 Chicken   │  │ 1 Salad     │  │ 1 Fries ││
│  │   No onion  │  │   Extra     │  │   Dressing  │  │         ││
│  │ 1 Fries     │  │   crispy    │  │   on side   │  │ 1 Shake ││
│  │ 1 Drink     │  │ 1 Fries     │  │ 1 Soup      │  │         ││
│  │             │  │ 2 Drinks    │  │ 1 Drink     │  │ DINE IN ││
│  │ DRIVE-THRU  │  │ DINE IN     │  │ TO-GO       │  │ Table 5 ││
│  │             │  │ Table 12    │  │             │  │         ││
│  │ [BUMP]      │  │ [BUMP]      │  │ [BUMP]      │  │ [BUMP]  ││
│  └─────────────┘  └─────────────┘  └─────────────┘  └─────────┘│
│                                                                  │
│  AVG TIME: 4:23 │ ORDERS PENDING: 12 │ GOAL: Under 5:00        │
│                                                                  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

KDS Benefits:

  • Eliminate lost/damaged tickets
  • Real-time order timing
  • Station routing (grill, fry, expo)
  • Performance analytics
  • Integration with POS

Order Status Displays​

Customer-facing order tracking:

StyleBest For
Number calledCounter service
Name calledCoffee shops, casual
Order progressFast casual, mobile orders
Pager replacementTable service restaurants

Layout Best Practices​

ElementGuideline
CategoriesClear visual grouping
PricingRight-aligned, consistent format
PhotographyHero shots for premium items
HierarchyMost profitable items prominent
White spaceReduce visual clutter

Typography for Menus​

ElementRecommendation
Category headers48-72pt bold
Item names36-48pt medium
Descriptions24-32pt regular
Prices36-48pt, bold for value items
Viewing distanceSize for 10-15 foot reading
TechniqueImplementation
AnchoringPlace high-price items first
Decoy pricingMedium-size value perception
Combo emphasisHighlight bundle savings
Limited-timeUrgency for special items
Visual weightBoxes/highlights for targets

Dayparting Strategies​

Automatic Menu Transitions​

DaypartTimeMenu Focus
Breakfast5:00 AM - 10:30 AMBreakfast items, coffee
Lunch10:30 AM - 2:00 PMCombos, quick options
Afternoon2:00 PM - 5:00 PMSnacks, beverages
Dinner5:00 PM - 9:00 PMFull menu, family deals
Late night9:00 PM - CloseLimited menu, value items

Content by Daypart​

DaypartPromotional Focus
MorningCoffee upgrades, breakfast combos
LunchSpeed, combo value, online ordering
AfternoonSnacks, beverages, treat yourself
DinnerFamily meals, premium items
WeekendBrunch specials, family bundles

Integration Requirements​

POS System Integration​

Integration LevelCapabilities
BasicManual menu updates
StandardPrice sync, item availability
AdvancedReal-time inventory, modifiers
EnterpriseCross-location, analytics
POS SystemIntegration Type
ToastAPI, real-time
SquareAPI, catalog sync
CloverAPI, menu sync
Oracle MICROSEnterprise API
NCR AlohaEnterprise integration
LightspeedAPI, inventory

Nutrition and Allergen Data​

RequirementImplementation
Calorie displayRequired in many jurisdictions (FDA)
Allergen infoOn-demand or QR code access
Ingredient listsAvailable upon request
Dietary iconsVegetarian, vegan, gluten-free

Restaurant Types​

Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)​

ElementSpecification
Menu boards3-5 screens above counter
ContentCombos, value focus, speed
UpdatesDayparting, LTO promotions
IntegrationPOS, inventory, order ahead

Fast Casual​

ElementSpecification
Menu boards2-4 screens, often at ordering station
ContentIngredients, customization, quality
UpdatesSeasonal items, specials
KiosksSelf-ordering common

Full Service​

ElementSpecification
Digital useHost stand, bar, specials
ContentDaily specials, wine/cocktails
StyleAmbient, brand-consistent
TablesSome use table-side tablets

Coffee Shops and Cafes​

ElementSpecification
Menu boards1-3 screens above bar
ContentDrinks, food, seasonal specials
Order statusName/number called
UpsellingSize upgrades, add-ons

Food Courts​

ElementSpecification
Menu boardsPer-vendor displays
WayfindingFood court directory
Order statusCentralized or per-vendor
CoordinationMall/property management

Content Creation​

Food Photography Tips​

TipWhy It Matters
Fresh ingredientsShows quality
Steam/condensationIndicates hot/fresh
Angled shotsMore appetizing than top-down
Consistent lightingBrand cohesion
Realistic portionsMatch actual serving

Animation for Menus​

UseAvoid
Subtle highlights on specialsConstant motion throughout
Smooth transitions between daypartsDistracting animations
Gentle promotional emphasisText that's hard to read
Video for hero itemsLooping that interrupts reading
StepResponsibility
Price changesPOS sync or manager override
Item availabilityAutomatic from inventory
New itemsMarketing/design team
PhotographyProfessional or approved assets
PromotionsCorporate or franchise approval

Hardware Recommendations​

Indoor Menu Boards​

SpecificationRecommendation
Screen size43" - 55" per panel
Resolution4K for close viewing
Brightness500-700 nits
OrientationTypically landscape
MountCommercial-grade, flush mount

Outdoor / Drive-Thru​

SpecificationRecommendation
Screen size47" - 55"
Brightness2,500+ nits
WeatherproofingIP65 or enclosure
Operating temp-30°F to 120°F
Anti-glareEssential

Kitchen Displays​

SpecificationRecommendation
Screen size19" - 32"
TouchRequired for bump
DurabilityHeat, grease, splash resistant
MountUnder-cabinet or wall
ConnectivityWired ethernet preferred

Frequently Asked Questions​

Next Steps​

Restaurant signage solutions from MediaSignage, serving the food service industry since 2008.

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