Advertising has never been a one-dimensional process. Sure, you need billboards, television commercials and radio spots to drive foot traffic to your locations. But the importance of point-of-purchase advertising should never be lost inside food establishments. Along with table tents and promos, lapel pins give an extra layer of promotion that draws customers to the items you want to move. While small in size, lapel pins are durable and inexpensive, making it possible for you to promote your business and products - and also encourage your employees - without spending a fortune.

Show Appreciation

Everyone enjoys a pat on the back. It puts a little spring in our steps and smiles on our faces. What's more, we tend to share the encouragement we get with others. Lapel pins show your appreciation for those employees who have reached specific goals. They also empower them to spread goodwill among your patrons. Recognition at a staff meeting is one thing, but when an employee displays a "Server of the Month" lapel pin on their uniform they’re being recognized by everyone they come in contact with. Lapel pins can be used to show the number of years a waiter or waitress has been with the restaurant, a promotion to senior wait staff, learning achievements and more.

Promote Specials

Whether it’s strawberry shortcake in summertime or pumpkin pie in the fall, most restaurants offer limited-time specials. There are also certain items, sometimes called blue-plate specials, that are available at different times of the day. Maybe your restaurant has signature dishes you want to push. Make them more noticeable by promoting specials with lapel pins.

When hostess staff, waiters and waitresses wear lapel pins that advertise restaurant specials, your customers get an immediate glimpse at the dishes you want to promote. Then, as wait staff return with drinks or appetizers, patrons are reminded again and again of the available specials. And since custom lapel pins can be made into any shape or color, the possibilities are clever, imaginative and literally endless. Add buzzers, blinking lights, bobble heads and other neat tricks for some truly eye-catching lapel pins.

Make a Trade

At some tourist-oriented restaurants, the wait-staff actually trade lapel pins with customers. Don't follow this practice yet? You should! See someone with a pin you like? You can trade one that you already have. From a restaurant point of view, it’s a great way to keep your name and business in the minds of your customers so they'll return often. Plus, if you create out-of-the-ordinary lapel pins, everybody who eats at your restaurant will want one. That means more exposure for you.

Lapel pins pack a big punch when it comes to advertising your restaurant. Their flexibility in size, shape and color allows you to use them in a variety of ways. What's more, lapel pins are one of the most affordable means of restaurant advertising around. Order custom lapel pins for your restaurant and see just how big of an impact they make.