First impressions count in the very competitive world of food and beverage. Customers are already informed about your restaurant or café’s brand, atmosphere, and professionalism even before entering your establishment through your exterior signage.
The exterior signage with LED lights is probably the most suitable means to attract interest, increase the number of walk-ins, and demonstrate what you are offering 24/7. In contrast to the old school of doing things with static signs, LED signs provide flexibility in updating the content, showing promotions, and creating a memorable brand experience.
These are the most suitable LED exterior signage that restaurants and cafés in Auckland should use to ensure they shine.
1. Online Menu Board at Entrance
A small outdoor LED menu display placed beside the entrance or a stand on the sidewalk can:
- Highlight daily specials
- Showcase new items
- Rotate the contents at breakfast, lunch, and dinner times
Pro Tip: When it comes to text and food imagery, high-resolution (P6 or higher) LED signage will ensure they are readable at a long distance.
2. Dynamic Storefront Signage
Rather than just having lightboxes, you can have a programmable LED sign over your door that can:
- Animate the display of your brand name
- Alternate logo, tagline, and promotions
- Lure pedestrians both by day and night
Restaurants in busy streets such as Queen Street in Auckland CBD observe as much as 30% more walk-ins when animated LED signage is deployed.
3. Transparent LED Screens Mounted on Windows
Ideal for cafés that have a glass front. These modern LED screens can:
- Remain transparent throughout the day
- Run moving images at night (coffee art, special offers, happy hour promos)
- Create a futuristic look without blocking natural light
4. Sidewalk LED Display Boards
Weatherproof and portable LED boards are useful in:
- Promoting combo lunch coupons or happy hours
- Showing real-time offers (e.g., Buy 1 Get 1 Free, 3–5 PM)
- Seasonal campaigns (Christmas menu, Valentine’s specials, summer drinks, etc.)
Pro Tip: Select battery-backed models so you don’t have to rely solely on outdoor power outlets.
5. Outdoor Ordering or Drive-Thru Screens (QSRs & Cafés)
If you run a quick-service restaurant or a café with takeaways:
- Install outdoor LED kiosks for ordering
- Display menus in real-time
- Reduce paper signage and enhance ordering speed
6. High-Mount or Rooftop LED Signs
For cafés or restaurants in high-traffic zones, rooftop LEDs offer maximum visibility:
- Visible from long distances
- Perfect to appeal to nighttime crowds
- Ability to switch between branding and offers
7. Seasonal Campaign Signage
Restaurants and cafés thrive on seasonal offers. With LED exterior signage, you can update messages instantly for:
- Christmas menus.
- Summer specials.
- Winter warmers.
- Cultural events.
This flexibility is a cost saver compared to printing new banners each season.
8. Interactive QR Code LED Displays
Increase engagement with onscreen QR codes on your LED signage:
- Link directly to your online menu
- Promote loyalty programs
- Offer discounts for scanning
Example: “Scan this code to receive 10% off your first coffee.”
Advantages of LED Exterior Signage for Restaurants and Cafés
✔ Use appealing images to draw more people
✔ Cost-effective long-term (saves money on reprinting static signs)
✔ Boost upselling with short-term offers
✔ Instantly tailor content based on menu or time of day
Cost Elements in Auckland
- Small outdoor LED board (1.25–2.5 sqm): NZD $2,500 – $5,000
- Medium storefront signage (3–6 sqm): NZD $6,000 – $12,000
- Linear window LED screens: NZD $8,000 – $15,000
- Drive-thru ordering kiosks: NZD $12,000 and above
Always factor in installation, permits, and software costs (NZD $500 – $2,000).
Conclusion
For restaurants and cafés in Auckland, LED exterior signage is not just an illuminated display — it’s a powerful sales and branding tool. From digital menu boards to animated storefronts and seasonal promotions, the opportunities are endless.
If you want to upgrade your signage, partner with professionals who can design, install, and support solutions tailored to hospitality, Please connect with Wipath Communications Ltd.
