Restaurant Signage Done Right: From Storefront to Drive-Thru

Featuring insights from Steve Weber (National Sales Manager) and Ron Hinderliter Jr (Head of Estimation), BlinkSigns

In the restaurant industry, signage isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s a sales tool, a brand statement, and sometimes, your only shot at catching a customer in real-time. From vibrant storefront signs that turn heads to ultra-functional drive-thru signage that moves lines faster, great signage drives foot traffic, builds trust, and enhances the customer experience.

But getting restaurant signage right means navigating tight timelines, franchise guidelines, local codes, and durability requirements—especially in high-traffic, high-turnover environments.

To break it down, we sat down with two of BlinkSigns’ restaurant signage veterans: Steve Weber, National Sales Manager, and Ron, Head of Estimation. Between them, they’ve helped hundreds of restaurants—from national QSRs to boutique cafes—plan, permit, and launch signage that delivers results.

The Frontline of Your Brand

“In restaurants, signage is your silent salesperson,” says Steve. “You’ve got 3 seconds to make someone look. It’s got to be clear, clean, and on-brand.”

For QSRs and casual dining brands, a well-designed storefront sign isn’t just helpful—it’s often the reason someone pulls in off the street.

Key Exterior Signage Types:

• Channel Letter Signs (Backlit or Halo-lit for nighttime visibility)
• Blade Signs (Great for urban or walkable locations)
• Pylon or Monument Signs (Essential for highway visibility)
• Window Graphics & Door Decals (For promos, store hours, and branding)
  

A University of Cincinnati study found that Nearly 50% of American consumers have missed a business while driving because its signage was too small or unclear.

Franchisees: Don’t just copy and paste national specs. Work with a signage partner that can adapt the brand package to local zoning codes and maximize visibility within those rules.

Steve Weber
National Sales Manager

Drive-Thru Signage: Designed for Speed & Simplicity

The modern drive-thru isn’t just a convenience—it’s a revenue channel. According to QSR Magazine, more than 70% of fast food sales come through the drive-thru window.

“Drive-thru signage has to be engineered like a system, not just a set of signs,” says Ron. “If it’s not clear, fast, and durable, you’re losing money at scale.”

Drive-Thru Signage Essentials:

• Presell Boards (Showcase upsells before they hit the menu)
• Main Menu Boards (Static or Digital, with zoning-approved brightness levels)
• Directional Arrows and Lane Signage
• Speaker Canopies & Clearance Bars
• Order Confirmation Screens (Digital integration ready)
  

We build signage that holds up to everything—sun, grease, wind, and abuse. And we always recommend modular menu boards so promos or pricing can be swapped without reinstallation.

Ron Hinderliter Jr
Head of Estimation

Materials & Durability: Built to Last

“Restaurants have some of the harshest environments for signage,” Ron explains. “You’ve got grease, heat, sun, weather, and frequent changeovers. Your signage needs to take a beating and still look good.”

Materials We Recommend:

• UV-Protected Acrylics for vibrant, fade-resistant signs
• Powder-Coated Aluminum for rust-free, weatherproof exterior signage
• 3M™ Vinyl Films for fast, cost-effective window and wall updates
• Anti-Graffiti Laminate in urban or high-touch locations

“We engineer every sign for local conditions—wind loads, heat exposure, and zoning restrictions. You don’t want a generic build when your customer base expects a 5-star experience in 5 minutes.”

~Ron Hinderliter Jr

🧠 BlinkSigns’ Pro Tips for Restaurant Projects

From Steve Weber (Sales)

• Don’t wait on signage: Permit timelines can delay your opening. Bring signage into your pre-construction workflow.
• Maximize line of sight: We use elevation studies to ensure your signage is visible from every angle—especially at intersections and turn-ins.
• Coordinate national and local standards: For franchisees, we help bridge the gap between brand guidelines and zoning realities.
  

From Ron (Estimation)

• Over-build your drive-thru: Use rust-proof framing, impact-resistant panels, and sealed speaker boxes.
• Go modular: Drive-thru menu boards with slide-in panels save time and money long-term.
• Check brightness codes: Digital signs often require dimming schedules or brightness limits to meet city ordinances.

A Multi-Unit QSR Rollout

One of BlinkSigns’ QSR clients was preparing a 20-location regional expansion. The brand had a strong visual identity—but the franchisees were experiencing wildly inconsistent permitting, sign specs, and delays across cities.

“We created a master signage package that was adaptable to each city’s zoning codes,” Steve explains. “We got 80% of locations approved within the first 45 days and kept branding consistent across the entire chain.”

That client reduced their average signage install timeline by 27% across locations—and saw a 9% boost in foot traffic in stores with upgraded LED signage.

Restaurant signage is more than decoration—it’s performance-driven branding. From the first glance at the street to the final order in the drive-thru, every sign plays a role in guest conversion, speed, and satisfaction.

With experience across QSRs, casual dining, and franchise brands nationwide, BlinkSigns delivers signage systems that are smart, scalable, and sales-focused.

👉 Ready to optimize signage for your restaurant or drive-thru?

Contact BlinkSigns to schedule a consultation with our team of restaurant signage experts.