Blade Signs in Restaurants: A Smart Way to Increase Foot Traffic

30th June 2023

As stay-at-home orders are being lifted, numerous restaurants are now reopening, eager to resume their delightful food services. Californians, known for their love of diverse culinary experiences, have undoubtedly longed for the opportunity to revisit their beloved dining establishments, whether it’s for satisfying burger cravings or indulging in delectable sushi.

Initially restricted to pickup and delivery services, restaurants have now extended their offerings to include indoor seating. However, in adherence to social distancing guidelines, the requirement to keep dining tables six feet apart has led to a significant reduction in seating capacity. Consequently, these establishments can now accommodate only about half the number of patrons they used to serve and need to rethink the restaurant business plan.

A Refreshing Solution to Limited Seating

Thankfully, restaurateurs in urban areas and neighboring areas have found a creative solution to overcome the challenges of reduced seating capacity – expanding outdoor seating options.

If you’ve recently dined out, you may have already noticed this trend of accommodating customers along sidewalks, streets, and even in parked cars. This approach brings a touch of the Italian dining tradition known as alfresco, where locals enjoy scrumptious meals while immersing themselves in the open air and natural surroundings.

For restaurant owners offering outdoor dining amenities, it’s essential to attract patrons who are eager to experience this alfresco style. As a result, you’ll want to make sure your restaurant stands out and catches the attention of passersby. Utilizing signage, particularly blade signs, can effectively draw both street and foot traffic toward your establishment.

By employing these eye-catching signs, you can guide enthusiastic diners straight to your restaurant, ensuring they don’t miss out on the delightful alfresco experience that awaits them in your area.

Introducing Blade Signs

Blade signs are carefully crafted to extend outward from the façade of a building or a pole near a storefront. In some cases, they are affixed to surfaces perpendicular to the flow of pedestrians. These signs have gained immense popularity in areas bustling with foot traffic, such as downtown storefronts and shopping districts.

The Vintage Appeal of Fox Theatre’s Blade Signs

The origins of blade signs can be traced back to the 14th century, but it was in the 1930s when sign makers began offering more intricately designed styles. Many of us may be familiar with the nostalgic charm of old-fashioned neon signs that graced theaters during the 1930s and 1940s. The iconic Fox Theatre now called the Fox Performing Arts Center, located in downtown Riverside, proudly featured two such classic neon signs at its entrances.

Having endured a period of closure, the Fox Theatre underwent a revitalization effort in the 1990s and was fully renovated in 2010, unveiling a remarkable transformation. As part of this extensive renovation, two replicas of the original hanging signs, each weighing 900 pounds and spanning 22 feet, were installed. Today, the building, once a vaudeville stage and movie palace back in 1929, continues to exude its timeless grandeur. The enchanting blade signs play a significant role in the Theatre’s allure, attracting and guiding visitors to this captivating entertainment venue.

Unlocking the Benefits of Blade Signs

The advantages offered by blade signs for your business cannot be overstated. With the right design, these signs can:

  • Garner attention: Blade signs function similarly to wayfinding signs, catching the eye of passersby and directing their attention toward your establishment. By standing out from the crowd, these eye-catching signs attract street and foot traffic, making your business more visible. Additionally, the curiosity sparked by compelling signage entices potential customers to take a peek inside, curious about what you have to offer.
  • Create a sense of familiarity: Whether you own a restaurant or a franchise, renowned brands and logos have a way of resonating with people who seek comfort in the familiar. Establishing a memorable experience, complemented by a unique and recognizable sign, generates positive word-of-mouth advertising and encourages repeat business. This holds true for both well-established brands and new, exciting ventures.
  • Offer versatility in design: Custom-crafted blade signs have the ability to capture the essence and convey the message of your brand. At Dave’s Signs, we take your input into account to create a sign that aligns with your business’s style, shape, and size requirements. Our expertise lies in designing, fabricating, and installing captivating blade signage. We recommend exploring options such as sandblasted panel signs, box cabinet signs, and aluminum blade signs to achieve a visually striking and effective result.

By harnessing the advantages of blade signs, you can elevate the visibility of your business, create a lasting impression, and attract a steady stream of patrons who are captivated by your brand’s allure.

Conclusion

Blade signs serve as a powerful tool for businesses, offering distinct advantages that can enhance visibility, create familiarity, and attract customers. By utilizing eye-catching designs and strategic placement, these signs draw attention, making your business stand out from the competition. With their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia or convey the essence of your brand, blade signs leave a lasting impression on passersby, encouraging word-of-mouth advertising and repeat visits.

Customized metal art solutions by ShieldCo stand at the forefront when it comes to crafting exceptional blade signs. With their expertise and dedication to quality, ShieldCo creates stunning metal signage that captures the spirit and personality of your business. From intricate designs to durable materials, their customized metal art solutions elevate your branding and create a visual impact that resonates with customers.

By choosing ShieldCo for your blade sign needs, you gain access to a team of skilled artisans who transform metal into works of art. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure that every sign is a unique masterpiece, representing your business with style and elegance. With ShieldCo, your blade sign becomes more than just a functional piece of advertising; it becomes a statement of craftsmanship and creativity.

Experience the power of customized metal art solutions by ShieldCo and elevate your business to new heights of visibility and distinction.