Software

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Don L. Stull on July 8, 2008 at 6:02am

Menu Pro, MS Publisher, etc., there are lots of graphic programs that one can use to design a menu. But your menu is the single biggest, most important marketing tool your restaurant will have. Placement of items, profit margins of items and descriptions will impact your sales more than anything else you do. Unless you've read Bangor Smith, Bill Main, et. al., who have written volumes regarding these subjects, then the menu layout and design should be left to professionals who do this for a living. Years ago I started using http://www.graphicmenus.... for my menus and experienced terrific gains in sales. I'd tell you how great but it would only serve to make you more skeptical. There is much discussion in today's market place regarding the use of paper menus so changes could be instituted more quickly. Graphic Menus gives you four reprints for basically the cost of printing. They are pros and you won't regret the money spent. You'll get it back many times over.

Townsend wrote a book "Up the Organization" in which he touted his efforts to remake Avis into a top player in the car rental business. Though dated, the book still lends some business principles that are well worth reviewing. In one chapter he explains that if there is an area you don't feel well equipped to handle, then you should hire a professional to do it. IMHO, this is one of those areas in the restaurant business.

Permalink Reply by Debra Straka on July 24, 2008 at 11:42am

As the menu designer for our club, my preferred program is Publisher. Most commercial printers (if they want your business) will use this platform. It is a Microsoft program so (unless you are using Mac) will be compatible with your existing programs.

Permalink Reply by Tressa Mills on December 12, 2008 at 2:51pm

Hi.
Just in case you're still looking around, you might want to try www.mymenulab.com

Permalink Reply by sartajbedi on October 25, 2010 at 1:07am

Hi,

If you are still looking around. Then soft cafe is what I would recommend. It is versatile.

http://www.softcafe.com/

Also, resortsoftware is good ..if you are looking for a simple menu design software. the real power comes that this sofwatre will allow recepies costing , menu engineering etc.

hope this helps.

Permalink Reply by Joe Welsh on November 1, 2010 at 12:15pm

You may want to check with your food service provider to see what financial asssistance they could provide. If they can't help you, I suggest you look to a design firm who can provide you with proven menu design techniques. A properly designed menu can increase sales as much as 14%. A recent customer of ours saw his daily average increase by $300 per day with an enhanced menu utilizing proper design techniques.