When designing your restaurant, one important decision you need to make as an owner is what type of cover you want for your menus. This is an item that is going to be in each of your customer’s hands as he or she peruses the food and drinks available at your establishment. The right choice can enhance your existing atmosphere and make the experience of looking over your menu a positive one for your diners. The wrong choice can make your menus seem out of place and make your patrons get the wrong impression of your restaurant. Is a leather menu cover right for your business?
Leather menu covers are nearly universally in style among many kinds of restaurants, ranging from mid-level to very upscale. The more upscale your establishment, the more important it is that your menus reflect and match the style of the rest of your restaurant. By using a leather restaurant menu cover, you add a definite touch of class.
However, compared to other types of menu coverings, leather covers are among the most expensive, although they are in line with others in their class, such as those made of wood. You can find more expensive menu covers made from high-quality leather for sale singly with prices ranging anywhere from $50 to over $100 per menu, and you can also find bonded leather covers for sale in bulk packages (usually available for order in groups of 25 or 50) for much less, at around $12 per menu.
What Types of Restaurants Should Look at Using a Leather Menu Cover?
Here is a good example from Zuckerellos. It is a great restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale.
The types of establishments that would benefit from using a leather restaurant menu cover is Italian restaurants, places that feature fusion or avant-garde cuisine, and any restaurant wanting to be considered upscale. Types of restaurants that may want to avoid leather covers on their menus are establishments that do lower priced fare at heavy volume. In that case, the amount of wear on the covers might damage them relatively quickly from continuous use, and a restaurant that features cheaper fare may not have the need to create the upscale feel that leather menus evoke.
One disadvantage to keep in mind when considering purchasing leather coverings is that some leather can be damaged easily. If you have these types of menus, you will need to ensure that your staff and customers treat them carefully. Are there a lot of children and families at your restaurant? If your answer is yes, you will want to be sure that you have more rugged leather bound menu cover, such as those made from bonded leather. Once damaged, you will need to replace menu covers to avoid handing out something that looks bad to your future customers.
Should you decide that your establishment would benefit from these types of covers, you now need to consider leather menu cover design and what you would like featured on the outside of your menu. Generally, it is less costly to stick with the plain varieties; however, you can make a striking impression by featuring your name, logo, or slogan and having it embossed on the cover of your menu. Embossing styles vary; you can have your design imprinted very simply and without additional color, or you can have your menu covers imprinted and embossed with a foil stamp.
When considering whether to purchase a leather menu cover or not, the most important things to keep in mind are cost and style. Do you have the money to afford buying at least 50 covers at the prices listed above? If this would hurt your budget, perhaps you should consider printing your menus on cardstock or laminating them for the time being. Alternatively, would your reputation suffer without stylish-looking menus? If that is the case, you may want to consider reallocating some of your funds toward menu covers that will help you create the style you desire.