Posters have long been a staple in restaurant marketing, but in an age of digital ads and social media, are they still relevant?
We sat down with three restaurant owners—each from a different style of restaurant—to find out how they use custom-designed posters not just to decorate their walls, but to drive real business results. From branding to impulse sales to customer education, their answers might surprise you.
Interview 1: “It’s Like a Silent Salesperson.”
Restaurant: Sip & Slice Pizza – Williamsburg, NY
Interviewee: Leah R., Co-Owner
Poster Type Used: Glossy 18”x24” full-color product posters with QR code integration
Q: What made you start using posters in your restaurant?
A lot of people would come in, look around, and say, ‘Oh I didn’t know you had craft sodas or vegan slices.’ We realized we weren’t doing a good job of visually highlighting our offerings. So we made posters for each category—our lunch combo, our daily vegan special, and our drink selection.
Q: What kind of response did you get?
Huge. Especially for the lunch combo. Once we put that poster up right by the register, we saw an increase of 40% in combo orders. It’s like having a silent salesperson that never takes a break.
Q: Any poster design tips for other restaurant owners?
Make it bold, simple, and on-brand. Use one main image and minimal text. And QR codes—we add those on every poster now. It links straight to our online menu.
Interview 2: “Our Poster Wall Became a Talking Point.”
Restaurant: Pho Street Kitchen – Queens, NY
Interviewee: Duy N., General Manager
Poster Type Used: Matte laminated posters with cultural storytelling and dish history
Q: Your restaurant is known for its wall posters—how did that start?
We wanted something authentic that educated customers while they waited. So we created posters that told the history of pho, the origin of banh mi, even Vietnamese coffee culture. Each one had a short blurb and a striking visual.
Q: How did customers react?
They loved it. People started taking photos of the posters and asking us more questions. It added value to the experience—people weren’t just eating, they were learning. It also made the space feel more personal.
Q: Any printing or layout insights?
We used a matte finish to reduce glare and keep it readable. And we used a consistent size and frame style so the wall felt curated, not cluttered.
Interview 3: “We Use Posters Like We Use Our Menu—To Sell.”
Restaurant: The Griddle & Co. – Jersey City, NJ
Interviewee: Stephanie M., Marketing Director
Poster Type Used: Rotating promotional posters, seasonal campaigns, and event signage
Q: What role do posters play in your marketing strategy?
A huge one. We use them like an extension of the menu. When we’re running a seasonal special or launching a new dish, posters are the first thing we print. We have frames by the door, in the dining room, and near the bathrooms. You can’t miss them.
Q: What kind of ROI do you see?
We track redemption of poster-linked QR coupons, and during our recent “Stacked Summer Pancakes” campaign, posters contributed to over 500 redemptions in two weeks. For such a low cost, the return is incredible.
Q: What makes a poster work?
Clear message, tempting image, and urgency. Phrases like “limited time” or “only this weekend” work wonders. And consistent branding across all our posters ties everything back to our core identity.
Key Takeaways from the Interviews
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Posters Work for Promotion and Education
Whether you're upselling a combo, introducing a new item, or telling your brand story, posters are a versatile medium. -
Design Matters
Keep text minimal, use professional photos, and make sure the color palette matches your restaurant’s brand identity. -
Strategic Placement Is Everything
Position posters where customers make decisions: entrances, waiting areas, by the register, and even restrooms. -
Finish Strong
Glossy for bold colors, matte for readability. Lamination adds durability. And always use high-resolution printing. -
QR Codes = Measurable Impact
Add QR codes to track engagement or drive digital orders.
Final Thoughts
In an era of fleeting digital ads and saturated online content, custom posters offer restaurants a physical, lasting, and highly visible way to communicate with customers. They're not just decorations—they’re tools for engagement, education, and conversion.
So, whether you run a fast-casual spot or a fine-dining bistro, investing in the right poster design and strategy can quietly and consistently improve your business.
Need help creating impactful posters for your restaurant?
We offer professional design, custom sizes, and fast printing—perfect for menus, promos, or cultural storytelling. Let’s turn your walls into revenue.
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