Menus

Does anyone have any information on where most restaurants "get" their menus? I mean the actual menu itself. I'm interested in combining my pastry background with my publishing career, and the idea of menu creation and writing was an idea I've been trying to pursue, but there's little information out there. Any ideas?

By W.DeBord on Thursday, August 17, 2000 - 08:18 am: Edit

When was in art school (years ago) menu design was a part of their program. I think most restaurants have their menu lay-out done by the printer (who farms the work out to a graphic artist). More upscale rest. might use their interior decorator (there are decorators who specialize in rest.) to incorporate the whole "look/theme".

You could try contacting printers in your area to begin. You'll have to show them your skills (portfolio) and be willing to work for less then their current artist to get your foot in the door. Until you know the printer WELL make sure you work with a contract (I know someone who lost alot of money owed when the printer kept putting off payment, then went bankrupt).

BUT chances are a printer will only have a couple of menu jobs a year so you'll need to connect with several printers. Market your-self as a graphic artist who specializes in menu design and knock on doors, mail out tear sheets etc....

By chris on Thursday, August 17, 2000 - 01:51 pm: Edit

Check out the book Menu Design by Judi Radice. It has some neat ideas that could steer you in the direction you want.

By Grwall (Grwall) on Wednesday, August 23, 2000 - 04:49 pm: Edit

Another excellent resource is "Menu Design" by Albin G Seaberg. Publisher is Van Nostrand Reinhold, ISBN 0-442-31958-4

Garry