Thursday, August 18, 2016

5 Ways to Create a Rock Star Menu!



As a restaurant owner, you are probably always looking for new ways to innovate and create more buzz for your restaurant. Whether you are brand new to the business or a seasoned owner, you know how important the menu is for your business.  From designs to descriptions, there are so many things to think about.

 Here are the 5 necessary elements that you need for an irresistible menu.

1    Decide What to Include
Do you have a family secret recipe for lasagna that is to die for? Well of course, you will have to include it on your menu. Or maybe you grow your own garden and you want to include fresh ingredients; you will want to build your menu options around your garden goodies! Pasta primavera, anyone? Just make sure that your style, your culture & your personality is somehow weaved into your menu.

2    Descriptions
You have decided what you want to put into your menu, now the next step is putting it down on paper. Keep it simple and remain true to your brand identity. If you own a French restaurant, your patrons may expect the menu to be in French. You want your menu to fit the style of your restaurant. The meal names are important, but the descriptions are just as critical. 

Make sure to use descriptive words for the appearance, texture and flavor. If you are describing a savory dish words like “creamy” and “succulent” are good options. Desserts can be described as “light”, “airy” and “rich”.

When referring to how a meal is prepared these are good options:

Blanched
Breaded
Charred
Seared
Caramelized



3    Highlight the Good Stuff!
Seasonal Ingredients and special accommodations are definitely things you will want to bring attention to on your menu. Remember those garden veggies we were talking about earlier, make sure to mention those! And what’s that, you don’t use any chemicals to grow your garden? Feel free to brag that you offer organic fruits and vegetables. If you use local farms for your meats and dairy, mention that too! Make it a point to highlight your low carb, low calorie, vegetarian, vegan or gluten free items. People LOVE that stuff!


4    Organization
Now that you have all of the elements in place for a stellar menu, you have to decide how you will lay out all of your delicious options. Many restaurants offer a separate menu for desserts and wines. We recommend starting with breakfast (if offered), then lunch, then appetizers and then finally moving on to the entrees. Many owners list the most expensive meals first in hopes to catch the eye and wallet of their customers!



5         Style & Design
Now comes the fun part! You get to design your menu! First you get to pick the menu cover or menu sleeve. Are you looking for something formal and embossed or maybe something more casual? Here are some great options in custom menus for covers and inserts! And don’t forget about the Kid’s Menus!


The trick to designing your menu is creating something you are passionate about. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. Your menu is a reflection of your business, so make it yours and make it great!