A lot can change in a year. When we last explored this topic in 2024, strong branding and creative visuals were important. In 2025, the expectations are even higher. This updated look at restaurant sign design highlights the strategies that are working today, the trends shaping the industry, and real-world examples from recent Distinct Sign Solutions projects.
Why exterior signage still matters in restaurant sign design
Customers often decide where to eat based on what catches their eye. The right restaurant sign design builds anticipation and sets the tone for the entire dining experience.
At Galvin’s Delicatessen, we created a complete signage package with a traditional indoor wall sign and a classic blade sign above the sidewalk. This approach enhances visibility from both directions while emphasizing the deli’s roots in timeless, handcrafted eats.
The Barking Barley took a similar approach, combining a clean wall sign with a freestanding post-and-panel design along the roadside. The playful barley-and-dog logo is eye-catching and works well in both formats, giving the brand a friendly, approachable image for both drivers and pedestrians.
Telling a cohesive story
The most memorable restaurants offer more than a great meal. They create a complete experience and signage plays a big part in that. A well-designed sign package helps reinforce a brand from the moment a customer sees the building to the time they place their order.
Anita’s Cafe and Dessert Bar is a great example. Their signage includes matching vinyl graphics on the front doors and an interior wall sign, all using the same fonts and color tones. This consistent branding approach creates a polished and thoughtful guest experience.
The rise of playful and visual branding in restaurant signs
Many restaurants today are leaning into signage that is bold, colorful, and full of personality. Signs that include characters, icons, or playful fonts often perform better because they are easier to remember and more likely to be shared on social media.
Duck Donuts embraced this trend with an illuminated channel letter sign featuring a duck mascot holding a sprinkled donut. It’s an energetic and fun design that immediately communicates what the brand is about.
For Always Flavored Gourmet Creations, we incorporated a bright, friendly wall sign along with a fun vinyl decal featuring a penguin mascot. The result is a cheerful environment that feels inviting and family-focused.
Interior signs that serve a purpose
Once customers are inside, signage should continue to support the brand and improve the customer experience. That can mean helping people navigate the space, directing them to order points, or simply reinforcing the mood.
At Cold Stone Creamery, we installed brushed metal letters over a red patterned wall that matches the company’s signature style. The project also included a large, vibrant menu board that makes it easy for customers to explore their options. These signs are both fun and functional, and they help keep the experience flowing smoothly.
Signage that supports the brand’s identity
Not every sign needs to be bright or playful. Sometimes, a more understated restaurant sign design better aligns with a brand’s tone and values.
At Laudenbach Brewing, we installed clean, dimensional letters and a custom horse icon. The matte black finish and careful layout create a sleek, confident impression, perfect for a brand focused on craftsmanship and quality.
At the end of the day…
Successful restaurant sign design doesn’t just display a name. It introduces the brand, guides the guest journey, and becomes part of the dining experience itself. From colorful mascots to minimalist logos, every sign tells a story and every story deserves the right design.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your restaurant signage, Distinct Sign Solutions specializes in custom restaurant sign design that aligns with your brand and connects with your customers. From big brands to hometown favorites, we’ve got you covered.