chalkboard menus

In my restaurant we have 3 8'x4' blackboard panels. In the middle of one we had a huge drawing of me (so people knew there was a REAL Smokin' Okie).

One the left and right we put menu specials.

Over a period of time we came to notice that although the hostess station was right next to the panel. (they walked up to the hostess and the panel was on the left)...

... a LOT of people didn't notice it.

I think people are too used to menu's.

If you don't have a walk up and order window and they have to sit down, I think it would require training the customers. Not that you can't, but just something you'll have to figure out.

Last year a new restaurant opened in my hometown. It features 20 craft beers on tap along with a limited farm to table menu. There are no menus other than the chalk boards, which list beer and food. Customers order from beer from Point A, food from Point B and pick-up from Point C. Somewhat clever in its cost efficiency (no menus or wait staff...just bussers)

Initially, customers found it a bit confusing, some down right didn't like it, but over the months the public has been "trained" to use the system as intended.

The place is called Worthy Kitchen and they have a FB page which has pics of the chalk boards,

We use chalkboard menus, and I noticed the same thing. We are counter serve, and when you walk in, the chalkboard is immediately to their left - and it's amazing how many people don't see it! Of course, I don't have my picture on it like Russ did. :-)

Chalkboards and BBQ seem to be a nice match for sure.

Rick

quote:

One the left and right we put menu specials.

Over a period of time we came to notice that although the hostess station was right next to the panel. (they walked up to the hostess and the panel was on the left)...

... a LOT of people didn't notice it.

I think people are too used to menu's.

If you don't have a walk up and order window and they have to sit down, I think it would require training the customers. Not that you can't, but just something you'll have to figure out.