Creating attractive food and beverage product display can draw the customer in, promote new products, announce a special event, or advertise a menu change. If your display area is well located by the entrance or by the best flow of traffic then you have one of the most proven (and least expensive) forms of advertising at your disposal.
But don’t despair. There are many places throughout your restaurant or cafe area to build eye catching displays. Look for areas that are a focal point for customers.
Visual Display
Before designing a product display, put together your idea on paper and take time to plan the display. Consider what you want to accomplish, consider a budget and determine a the theme. You may even want to sketch your display on paper. Gather your visual, the merchandise and any props. Make sure all materials and location are clean. Choose a down time in the day, ideally after service to allow you space and time.
Effective Visual Merchandising
Balance: Asymmetrical rather than symmetrical balance with the display.
Size of Objects: Place the largest object into display first.
Color: Helps set mood and feelings.
Focal Point: Where product and props/signage and background come together.
Simplicity: Less is more so know when to stop and don’t add too many items.
Once the display is finished, consider the appropriate signage, what the message and marketing collateral you are going to use.
Take photos of the display and keep a record of the product sales. Save your information in a file folder for easy reference. By documenting its success, you can re-create the display, improve it and can make sure you don’t repeat the same mistakes. Don’t forget to communicate your initiative to your client and promote it’s success at your monthly meeting and quarterly reviews.
Like any other aspect of presenting food on counters, creating an attractive display takes a little skill and lots of trial and error. Look within your team for talent, get then involved as they will help you to identify opportunities for future visual displays.
Keep working on eye-catching and innovative ways to make your restaurant and café profitable through effective visual merchandising.