As a business owner, you want to do everything you can to let customers know you’re thinking about them to attract new customers as well as retail business. One way to do this is with signs made from engraved plaques. Signage is an important element to keep in mind to entice customers into your restaurant.
Signs are generally meant to be informative and directional. For example, letting customers know which areas are off-limits to them is helpful to them and keeps your employees safe. Showing that you take health precautions goes a long way toward people feeling comfortable dining with you.
You have many options when it comes to choosing signs. Browse around online and visit the site to see what different companies have to offer.
- Employees Only Beyond This Point
Some areas aren’t meant for customers to wander through. This especially extends to the kitchen, where potential hazards like sharp knives or spills could be present. You want to keep your employees safe, so they should be trained to handle those things quickly, but you don’t want a customer to trip or run into someone.
An engraved plaque proclaiming “Employees Only” or something to that effect lets people know to stay away from the area, so work can continue, and they don’t accidentally wander through the kitchen looking for the restroom. Read more about Sublimation printers for t-shirts.
- Employees Must Wash Hands
Good hygiene is imperative in a restaurant. Not only should employees wash their hands every time they use the bathroom, but they also need to wash their hands when they touch their face or hair, cough, sneeze, handle certain foods, or complete certain tasks. Include an “employees must wash hands” sign at every sink.
- Chemical and Equipment Storage Warnings
You might be storing dangerous equipment or chemicals for cleaning certain things on site. You’ll want signs explaining the safest way to handle them, warnings for what may happen if you don’t follow those instructions, and warnings to keep customers away from the area if necessary.
- General Safety Precautions
These signs are for more everyday use. They can include things like no underage drinking, no alcohol beyond this point posted on your outdoor patio, signs to indicate where your safety equipment is (such as a first aid kit or fire extinguisher), and potential allergy information. These should be prominently placed in the restaurant to promote visibility.
- Permits and Licensing
Prominently display your permits and licenses on an engraved plaque. This lets everyone see that you’re legally able to serve alcohol, your maximum occupancy, your foodservice permit, and other legalities that make you a reputable establishment.
- Food Storage Safety Awareness
While of course, your staff should know the proper ways to safely handle and store food, it can’t hurt to remind them with signs displayed in the kitchen. Maintaining specific food prep stations and labeling sinks for certain purposes helps to reduce cross-contamination.
Engraved Plaques Ensure Return Customers
Customers want to see that you take their health and safety into consideration. They will appreciate the attention to detail you show by posting these signs throughout your restaurant.
Plaque Materials Compared
| Material | Best For | Care |
|---|---|---|
| Brass | Formal dining rooms and awards | Polish now and then to stop tarnish |
| Aluminium | Outdoor signs and kitchens | Wipe with a damp cloth |
| Acrylic | Modern looks and menu boards | Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap |
| Wood | Rustic and cafe-style restaurants | Keep dry and oil now and then |
Where to Place Your Plaques
Place “Employees Only” plaques at kitchen doors and storage rooms. Put “Employees Must Wash Hands” plaques at every sink. Put safety plaques where the hazard is: near chemicals, hot surfaces, and exits. Display permits and licences where customers can see them, such as near the entrance or the counter. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets rules for signs in public areas, such as restroom signs. Check local rules to make sure your signs meet them.
How to Choose a Plaque Maker
Look for a maker that offers the material and size you need. Ask for a sample of their engraving work. Check that the text is clear and easy to read from a distance. Ask about fixing options: screws, adhesive, or stands. Get a written quote and ask how long the work takes. Read reviews from other restaurant owners before you order.
Caring for Engraved Plaques
Dust plaques often so they stay easy to read. Wipe metal plaques with a soft, damp cloth. Polish brass now and then to stop tarnish. Do not use harsh cleaners on acrylic, as they can scratch it. Check outdoor plaques each season for wear from sun and rain. Replace a plaque when the text fades or becomes hard to read.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plaques should every restaurant have?
Every restaurant should have “Employees Only”, “Employees Must Wash Hands”, chemical storage warnings, safety precautions, permits and licensing, and food storage safety plaques.
What is the best material for a restaurant plaque?
Brass suits formal dining rooms. Aluminium suits kitchens and outdoor signs. Acrylic suits modern looks. Wood suits rustic and cafe-style restaurants.
Where should I place safety plaques?
Put them where the hazard is: near chemicals, hot surfaces, and exits. Put “Employees Must Wash Hands” plaques at every sink.
Do restaurant signs need to meet ADA rules?
Yes. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act sets rules for signs in public areas, such as restroom signs. Check local rules to make sure your signs meet them.
How do I care for engraved plaques?
Dust them often. Wipe metal plaques with a soft, damp cloth. Polish brass now and then. Do not use harsh cleaners on acrylic.
Design Tips for Easy-to-Read Plaques
Use a clear font with good contrast. Dark text on a light plaque is easy to read from a distance. Keep the text short: a few words work better than a long sentence. Make the most important words the largest. Check the plaque from the distance where customers will stand, so you know it can be read. A clean, simple design looks better and lasts longer than a busy one.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information only. Sign rules vary by area. Check local rules and the ADA for current requirements.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026