When you run a restaurant, you will want everything about it to be perfect. After all, if there is an issue anywhere, chances are that your customers or your staff will spot it. Every detail counts, after all, and you will want to impress your customers, so they will come back time and time again.
This means that the restaurant has to be clean, the glasses on the table have to be sparkling, and, of course, the tablecloths have to be pristine. However, that overlooks one very important part of every restaurant: the menu.
It should obviously be well designed and be in line with the rest of the décor and theme of the eatery. Remember, a menu is not only a list of dishes, but it represents your restaurant’s identity, as it is what they use to decide what they are going to eat!
So, your menu will need to be waterproof, windproof, and, of course, soda-proof for when you have younger guests. This will protect the menu against damage and the cost of needing to have it replaced. That then leads to another question; which laminate is the right one to protect the menu? Matt or gloss? This article compares the 2, so you can decide which one is right for your restaurant. Enjoy!
Aesthetics and Brand Identity
When someone comes into your eatery and sits down at a table, one of the first things they will notice is the menu. Therefore, the finish that you choose will have an impact on the appeal of the menu and how it reflects your brand. Think of it as matt or gloss paint in a house; which one will accentuate the features better?
A glossy menu will exude elegance and sophistication, making them ideal for upscale, 5-star fine dining establishments. Matt laminates, however, offer a more subdued and contemporary look, and this can be better for more casual dining spots. So, have a look around at your restaurant’s theme, the ambiance, and the look you are trying to go for, and then consider your options.
Durability
It is safe to say that a menu that is on a table is going to get handled by a lot of different people during the day. As well as this, there are the inevitable spills and rougher handling from younger guests. Therefore, when you are choosing a finish, you need to consider this. Some restaurants have, in 2023, opted for laminate-free paper menus, as they feel these are better for the planet. This is true, in a way, but if they have to keep being reprinted, then it becomes a bit counterproductive. You could try to get your products from a company that works with an innovative polymer manufacturer to get the latest materials available. You might be able to find a waterproof coating which is still good for the planet.
However, back to gloss versus matt! Glossy menus are luxurious to look at, yes, but they can be susceptible to scratches. As well as this, they may lose their shine. Matt laminates are more resistant to smudges and scratches, and, for many restaurant owners, they are preferable as they offer a longer life span to the finish. In this instance, think about your customers; do they tend to be kids? If the answer is yes, then you may want to have all of those menus laminated with a matt covering.
Readability
This may be seen as a design feature required when the menu is being designed in Photoshop, but how easy it is to read will have a huge impact on your restaurant. A glossy finish, for instance, can create glare under certain lights, making it hard for your customers to read. Matt finishes, do offer better readability, but remember, for a matt print, it may cost a lot more to have on your menus.
Environmental Impact
This was brushed on before, but when it comes to reducing the use of plastic, this can make the choice of gloss versus matt a bit easier for restaurant owners who are conscious of their impact on the planet.
A glossy finish will likely use more resources during its creation and may not be recyclable or degradable. Matt laminates, on the other hand, are often made from eco-friendlier options, which can be recycled. So, if you want to showcase your eateries dedication to the planet, opt for Matt!
Your Budget
Now, on to a part that you will have to think about; the budget!
Glossy menu coverings are the more expensive, meaning that they will also be the most expensive to replace. Matt finishes are the more affordable of the 2, meaning that if you are looking to balance an aesthetic with an option that won’t break the bank if it needs replacing, this is the option to go for.
