15 Creative Ideas For Restaurant Signs

Are you looking for ideas for restaurant signs? Do you want a sign that grabs everyone’s attention? A sign that really captures the feel of your restaurant? There are so many possibilities to choose from.

To help you choose the best sign, we’ve compiled a list of 15 different ideas for restaurant signs to help you find some inspiration.

Start scrolling to see all the different ideas, or click on the links below to be taken to that entry:

15 CREATIVE IDEAS FOR RESTAURANT SIGNS:

Idea #1 - Elegant Signs

Consider a sign with a formal font or metal accents to let your customers know from the get-go that your establishment is stylish and classy.

The letters in the sign above are recessed, resulting in a natural shading that makes them easier to read.

Idea #2 - Colourful Signs

Your use of colour will result in a huge difference causing your sign to really pop from its background. This sign has a coloured border around all the letters, making them easier to read and really helping them stand out from the white background.

On top of that, the colourful logo above the name helps draw the eye and evoke a feeling of fun.

Colour can evoke so much interest and make such a difference in a logo, so do your research and find the colours that will evoke the feeling you want.

Idea #3 - Pin-Mounted Letters

If there is no suitable wall to hang a sign, or your restaurant building is low enough to allow, consider pin-mounted signs. This is where the letters themselves are the sign, and the open-air is their backdrop.

Pin-mounted letters can either be made of solid material, or thicker frames that can be lit from within, like the sign above.

Idea #4 - Neon Box Signs

For a chic visual effect that evokes hip urban socializing, neon box signs are a great fit. The box protects the neon letters, and the neon allows the sign to stay visible no matter the time of day.

Consider using neon box signs not only for your storefront but also inside to provide directions or guidance to customers.

Idea #5 - Contrasting Signs

When your business is located in a larger building with a hopelessly boring exterior, your sign needs to grab attention.

This restaurant used white text on a white symbol, all on white brick, making for a sharp presentation that can be noticed from a great distance. To complete the look, they also made sure to include an awning and window graphics with similar colours and styles.

Idea #6 - Exterior Neon Signs

No other nighttime sign is as distinctive as classic neon. If your restaurant is open late or caters to the nighttime crowd, a bold neon sign will make your establishment impossible to miss. Just make sure that the colours of the sign complement your restaurant’s interior.

Neon signs rely on some fascinating science to operate, and there’s nothing quite like them

Idea #7 - Streetside Pylon Signs

Certain locations require some creativity when brainstorming ideas for restaurant signs. If your restaurant is located along a highway, or within a mall or larger complex, a big, unmistakable pylon sign is essential.

Different regions will have their own bylaws regarding the size and limitations surrounding pylon signs, so remember to do your research or work with a sign company that is aware of these legal restrictions.

AGC Signs has plenty of experience installing pylon signs that conform to local laws. View more of their pylon sign projects here.

Idea #8 - Interior Decoration

Interior signage doesn’t need to be neon, but if you’re going through the work of decorating, why not make it stand out?

Decorative signs can serve a double purpose, like letting customers know where to find the bar or restroom, or they can simply enhance the atmosphere and help people enjoy themselves.

If you’re not sure whether you want to use neon or LED signs for decoration, check out our article where we compare the two.

Idea #9 - Market Banners

Banners are a cheaper option if you’re operating a business with a limited advertising budget or you don’t have the freedom to install a huge permanent sign.

Businesses like AGC are used to making custom banners. Banners are easy to transport and very flexible, as they can display any graphic you want.

Idea #10 - Wall Signs

For a smaller spatial footprint, consider commissioning some simple wall signs.

Wall signs can be made of wood, metal, or certain types of plastic. This option is best if your restaurant wants to move its signs around, or if you don’t want to damage the wall by installing a heavy-duty sign.

Idea #11 - Strip Mall Signs

Many North American restaurants can be found clustered together in strip malls or food courts. In such cases, your sign needs to fit with the space given, and your business’ logo must be clear and recognizable to stand out from the crowd.

Idea #12 - Decorative Signs

If storefront signs aren’t enough, get creative! There are so many ideas for restaurant signs to try out and fit into your restaurant aesthetic.

Perhaps you want to push the limits of signs and decorations by hanging things from the ceiling. This is a great chance to add your own personal touch to your restaurant.

Idea #13 - Advertising Banners

Although not your traditional restaurant, food trucks, hotdog stands, or any food stall at a local festival will need signage too.

The style of the sign above is a common choice for small, mobile food establishments; a durable metal frame holding a canvas banner that can display everything from the menu to your restaurant’s logo.

Idea #14 - Understated Signs

Some restaurants find that evoking certain feelings is almost as important as the food. In fact, having an artistic, distinctive storefront will often result in a more memorable experience for all patrons drawn in by your unique sign.

Instead of being busy or loud, the restaurant above uses simplicity to its advantage which makes people curious about what it might be like inside.

Idea #15 - Glass-Mounted Signs

A practical choice: glass-mounted signs can be placed on the front door or on restaurant windows, and they have a variety of benefits, including:

  • Easy installation

  • Affordable

  • Don’t block sunlight

  • Add privacy


There are so many different ideas for restaurant signs. Do your research, think about what will fit your restaurant’s style, and make sure you find a company that can give you the quality signs you need to complete your restaurant’s look.

 

Servicing Southern Ontario, AGC Signs is the all-in-one sign shop you can trust.

No matter the style, AGC can take you from an idea to an installed and maintained sign for your restaurant or business.

Contact AGC Signs for a free quote today!


AGC Graphics was absolutely professional in all aspects. Their work is exemplary, and their customer service is fantastic. I would highly recommend AGC Graphics to anyone looking for quality work and service.
— Mike C.