Cleveland Menu Empowers Restaurants With Launch Of DIY Menu Store for Faster, Customizable Print Solution
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Their newly launched DIY Menu Store is a game-changing service that enables restaurants to design their menus from scratch, have them printed on high-quality stock, and receive them back within 72 hours.
This innovation marks a new chapter for Cleveland Menu, a family-run business that has been providing high-quality menu solutions for over 90 years. The new addition to the line is the latest in multiple generational track record of innovation from menus to table tents, wine lists and check covers.
Founded in 1930 by Gerry Ramella’s father, Cleveland Menu has always been ahead of its time in menu printing and design. The company started as a local printer of daily menus for Cleveland’s finest restaurants and has since evolved into a leading player in the industry.
Today, the business is run by the third generation of Ramellas, including Gerry Ramella (President), Jim Ramella (Co-CEO), and Patrick Ramella (Co-CEO).
“My Dad was an orphan in West Virginia who learned the printing trade,” said Gerry Ramella.
“When he came to Cleveland, he began working in a small print shop that eventually became Cleveland Menu. We’ve grown significantly since then, but we still hold true to the values of quality and service that he instilled in the business.”
Cleveland Menu’s new Do-it-Yourself (DIY) Menu Store offers restaurant owners an easy-to-use platform to print their menus without the need for expensive custom print shops.
The platform allows restaurants to upload their designs, select from various paper stocks, and place their orders online, simplifying the entire process. Within just 72 hours, the menus are printed on Cleveland Menu’ proprietary Durapoly synthetic paper and delivered straight to the restaurant’s doorstep.
“This service is a response to what restaurants need today: speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness,” explained Jim Ramella.
“Restaurants can now easily order and print as few as 50 menus, allowing them to update their offerings without breaking the bank or waiting weeks for delivery.”
The platform’s ease of use is a key selling point. Even small, independent restaurants with limited resources can take advantage of Cleveland Menu’ premium printing services, which were once primarily available to larger chains and high-end restaurants.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for restaurants to quickly adapt to changing customer preferences and operational challenges. With takeout and delivery services booming, many restaurants reduced their menu offerings to streamline operations and focus on dishes that travel well.
“We’ve seen a real shift in how restaurants use their menus,” said Patrick Ramella. “During the pandemic, there was a big push for digital QR code menus, but diners are now returning to physical menus.
We’ve heard from many clients that their customers prefer a printed menu – something tangible they can hold. That’s why our synthetic paper, which is waterproof and extremely durable, has become a popular choice for dine-in and takeout menus alike.”
Cleveland Menu is not just about providing a blank canvas for restaurants to print their menu items.
The company’s team of experts are well-versed in the principles of menu engineering, helping restaurants maximize their revenue through strategic design and placement of dishes.
“Menu design is a crucial part of a restaurant’s brand and guest experience,” added Jim Ramella.
“Our clients come to us for advice on how to highlight their most profitable dishes or create a certain ambiance through the design of their menus. For example, the placement of high-margin items in certain areas of the menu can subtly influence customer choices. A menu is more than just a list of items; it’s a key part of the dining experience and the restaurant’s overall brand. That’s why we offer guidance to our clients on layout, font selection, and even the use of high-quality food photography.”
While the DIY Menu Store is the latest offering, Cleveland Menu continues to provide a wide range of menu solutions to suit every type of dining establishment.
From custom leather-bound wine lists to sleek, waterproof takeout menus, Cleveland Menu caters to restaurants large and small. Their flagship product, Durapoly – a proprietary synthetic paper that is waterproof and tear-resistant – has become a favorite among restaurants that need menus that stand up to heavy use.
“Our Durapoly menus have been a game-changer for many of our clients,” said Patrick Ramella. “They’re fully recyclable and last much longer than laminated paper menus, which aren’t environmentally friendly. Plus, our synthetic paper is much more durable, meaning fewer replacements and lower costs over time.”
As Cleveland Menu looks to the future, they are focused on continuing to innovate and meet the needs of the evolving restaurant industry. The launch of DIY Menu Store is just one step in that journey.
“We’re excited to bring this new service to the market,” Gerry Ramella concluded. “It allows us to scale our business and provide our high-quality menu solutions to a broader range of restaurants. Whether you’re a mom-and-pop diner or a large restaurant chain, you can now have access to the same quality that top-tier restaurants use.”
With its emphasis on quality, speed, and customization, Cleveland Menu is poised to remain the leader in the menu printing industry for years to come.
For more information on the DIY Menu Store or any of Cleveland Menu’s other products, restaurants can visit Cleveland Menu’s website, order directly at Cleveland Menu’s ecommerce , or call their sales team at 1-800-MENU-NOW.