vendor resources trendsnew products€¦ · ety of products that can cut energy costs and increase...

SPONSORED SECTION | OCTObER 2009 S1

Form Versus Function

LED Brings a Brighter Future

Communicating Brand Messages

SmartChainVendor Resources

Trends

New Products

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The Many Faces oF signage

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S2 OCTObER 2009 | SPONSORED SECTION SPONSORED SECTION | OCTObER 2009 S3

There’s no such thing as too much informa-tion when it comes to restaurant signage. Depending on location and local zoning restrictions, signage runs the gamut from huge billboard-like structures that beckon motorists from the highway to small direc-tional signs in the parking lot and every-thing in between, including inside the restaurant.

No matter what physical form the signage takes, though, it can help with any number of business challenges.

Going GreenAs in other areas of business, going green in signage is a growing trend. There are a vari-ety of products that can cut energy costs and increase efficiency, according to Buddy Laws, of Harlan Laws Corporation. The company’s

“Have You Gone Green” program works with the full range of signage products.

“We can do a survey on old, high-voltage, outdated signs and replace them with sus-tainable green signage,” Laws says. This sig-nage is lower in cost and more environmen-tally friendly. In addition, HLC can retrofit existing signs to make them green-compli-ant. This results in energy savings, greater reliability, and increased safety.

Interior signage is also important, and it’s not just the one directing customers to the restrooms. There are window clings, graphics, decals, and posters that appeal to patrons as they walk to the entrance doors. Once inside, banners, danglers, floor stands, kiosks, posters, and wall graphics can con-vey an almost unlimited number of mes-sages. At the POS, operators can use coun-ter cards and register toppers to offer even more information.

Brand IdentityIf it is used properly, POS signage can build both sales and brand identity. Visual mes-saging should be in the lobby, on windows, in the drive-thru, at the POS, or anywhere in between, according to Bob Ross of Ross and Associates, a Michigan-based provider of visual merchandising solutions.

“There are a lot of different ways to solve

a signage problem,” Ross says. “A compa-ny’s brand statement should be reflected in its signage. Every graphic element should enforce exactly who and what that brand is.”

Ross and Associates specializes in large-format graphics, blending that knowledge with the latest in digital, silk screening, and litho capabilities. Pulling together a wide variety of graphic messages and techniques to accomplish the goal of the client is the ultimate purpose.

Consistent ExecutionVarying the messaging to reach a local audi-ence is an often overlooked part of market-ing with the use of signage. Local store mar-keting can build sales when used in the right areas.

For example, price points might be dif-ferent depending on location. There are also regional differences in menu items for dif-ferent regions of the country, such as bis-cuits and gravy in the South, or hot bever-ages when the weather turns cooler up North. These items and others can be promoted by the use of POP signage, banners, and wall posters, or on message boards in front of the restaurant.

Ethnic or language differences in certain neighborhoods or towns present a communi-cation challenge for restaurants. The ability

to create signs that convey the brand mes-sage in the vernacular of the targeted audi-ence can’t be overstated. Embracing these differences instead of resisting them can mean higher sales and increased customer loyalty.

“Most quick-service brands are concerned about consistent execution and protection of the brand while ensuring the complexity of marketing at a local level doesn’t drive up costs,” says Doug Fergusson, executive vice president of solutions at Synq Solutions, which creates customized messages that pro-motes local store marketing. “The technol-ogy now exists to limit costs for customized signage, and it could be worth it. One size doesn’t fit all.”

Synq Solutions has technology that allows operators to create online custom-ized signage through a web-based portal. Then Synq can digitally print the sign and send it to the customer. The company does store profiling to discover the unique mar-keting potential for each location. Then they can work with the owner to create a local marketing strategy.

“We’ll pick up on the subtleties of the cus-tomer base for each location,” Fergusson says. “Different groups have different buy-ing behaviors.”

For example, one of Synq’s clients is located near a high school. Putting sig-

What Signs Can Do

SmartChain Signage

Signage is much more than a name and logo raised on two posts

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S4 OCTObER 2009 | SPONSORED SECTION

SmartChain Signage

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nage that appeals to those students, such as the nickname of the school football team, helped build after-school sales and loyalty. This location drove sales for a typically slow daypart by letting students know the restau-rant ownership supports their team.

Lighting the WayBorder neon lighting enhances the appeal and visibility of a building. Multiple sizes and colors are available in virtually lim-itless lengths. LED is fast becoming an attractive alternative to traditional modes of illumination.Lighting a building can be even more impor-tant than the sign on the street, according to Mansen Way, president of Awningtec USA, which builds and installs awnings and illu-minated signs. People sometimes make emotional snap decisions on where to eat depending on sight appeal.

“A well-lit and -decorated building can drive an enormous amount of sales,” Way says.

New technology permits LED lights to be used like neon signs. LED modules can be bent and connected together in a chain to mimic bright neon lights. The lights are in sections of varying lengths with water-proof connectors. Through his company, Way has developed lighting that is as bright as, but more efficient than, neon lights. When used as a border light it presents an eye-catching and attractive accent to a building.

Lower CostsAccording to a study done by EcoTek Lighting Solutions, the quick-service restaurant indus-try is the largest consumer of electricity in the American retail sector. Since most restau-rants are illuminated for 16 to 24 hours per day by indoor lights and outdoor signage, energy accounts for 3–5 percent of the total operating expense of a restaurant, and the typical quick-serve restaurant spends $3.13 per square foot for electricity per year.

LEDs are far more efficient than fluores-cent lighting or neon lights; they are also easier to ship and handle and offer greater variety with a full spectrum of color options. LED lighting lasts about five times longer than fluorescent lamps while using 50–70 percent less electricity. An LED’s lifespan of 50,000 to 100,000 hours is the equivalent of leaving it on continuously for seven years.

LEDs are also able to sustain high light output under demanding operating condi-tions and function in harsh environments and withstand temperatures ranging from

-40 degrees F to +185 degrees F. In addition, LEDs do not radiate heat like incandescent or fluorescent lights, so interior LED lighting does not impact air-conditioning costs.

The cost of LED lighting is coming down and will eventually compare to other lighting technology. However, the long-term energy savings can offset the additional expense of LED lighting.

For those that find the idea of high quality graphics attractive but aren’t ready or able to spend the money or time on finding the right technology, National Readerboard offers an alternative. Its Marquee Graphics features brilliant, eye-catching designs on panels that can be installed on existing reader boards with no modification. In fact, the panels can be installed with standard letter

changers most restaurant operators already have on premises, and the Marquee Graphics can be installed in less time than standard changeable marquee letters. Already in use by many top quick-service players, the sig-nage can be customized for each brand. The result is bright, photo-quality images adver-tising menu items and prominently featur-ing prices.

“It’s a nice bridge piece between tradi-tional reader boards and more expensive graphic technology,” says Patrick Case, pres-ident of National Readerboard. “It costs only a few hundred dollars instead of thousands, and it reinforces the brand.”

Increasing or maintaining communica-tion with potential customers is the key to sending the right sign to customers. SC

The panels can be installed with standard letter changers most restaurant operators already have on premises.

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SmartChain Signage

A Brighter FutureLED menuboards offer greener, leaner, and more active options

Unlike outdoor signage that might draw only a cursory glance from customers, each cus-tomer looks at the menuboard every time they come into the restaurant or pull into the drive-thru lane. Like their outdoor counter-parts, new menuboards can use LED tech-nology to feature brighter, crisper graphics, and, in some cases, animation.

Older menuboards typically use T-12 or T-8 fluorescent lamps. New menuboards using LED technology are 50–60 percent more energy efficient than T-8 fluorescent lamps. Light emitted from LEDs contains no harmful ultraviolet or infrared radiation, which means reduced fading of graphics. In addition, fluorescent lamps radiate heat and require special disposal procedures due to the mercury content within. Finally, since LED technology allows for smaller and nar-rower boards, they weigh less and are eas-ier to handle.

A hybrid board blends the best of both worlds. The static part of the board is for those menu items that don’t change. A digital portion may be employed for specials, lim-ited time offers, or high-profit items. The key is to find the right combination and make it look systemized.

There are options for those who want to upgrade their menuboards to keep pace with the competition by using the latest technol-ogy without spending a lot of money.

“Anything that moves, everyone wants it,” says Paul Falkenbach, vice president of sales and marketing at National Sign Systems, which can deliver an entire signage pack-age, including menuboards. The Hilliard, Ohio–based company pioneered LED usage at Wendy’s International.

“The trend is to use less energy, and LED signs are a huge part of that,” Falkenbach says. “Pricing is now at the point where it is more affordable, and it is easier to operate.”

Because of this cost-effectiveness, smaller operations can now afford to upgrade their menuboards. National Sign’s MenuPlay saves its users from recurring digital display content costs by allowing users to create their own customized mes-

sages. With the use of this hybrid menu-board solution, a digital monitor is located between static menuboard panels. The VersaTrac portion of the board features a limitless ability to rearrange photos, menu items and prices. The boards come in a variety of sizes and dimensions.

The motion portion of the menuboard features a high-resolution display and comes with a standard PlayPak Digital loop. Options include customization with the owner’s original content, choosing from MenuPlay offerings or working together to create custom work.

“Now, mom-and-pop restaurants that didn’t want to spend the money can do it themselves,” Falkenbach says. “They don’t need a software license, or to buy software or a subscription service. They can program it themselves.”

At the Drive-ThruMenuboards are also critical for the drive-thru, and LSI Graphics Solutions Plus is in the process of developing an exterior menu-board for those lanes. Called Armorvision, it will feature a 46-inch LCD screen that is backlit by LED lighting instead of flu-orescent. It is brighter than any exterior screen on the market and can maintain that brightness in full sunlight and up to 120 degrees F.

“We’re very excited about this,” says Bob Sowa, director of national sales at LSI

Graphics. “Many of our customers have expressed an interest in bringing digital menuboards outside. Digital menuboards have really gained traction over the past year and a half.”

Armorvision has an advanced ventila-tion system that requires no air-condition-ing, and it features bullet-resistant glass to help protect it against vandalism and the ele-ments. It will be released in fall 2009.

RetrofittingSome manufacturers not only provide their own menuboard products, but also offer cus-tomers a retrofit option to save on expense.

EcoTek Lighting introduced a pair of menuboard products featuring LED tech-nology last March and later added a retro-fit option.

The Drive-Thru Day-Part LED Outdoor Menu Board features Direct Backlit LED Array technology. It has revolving Day-Part panels to deliver twice the graphics area of standard menuboards. Each of two dif-ferent graphic panels can be easily rotated to display the desired menu, and they con-tain the highest levels of luminosity for easy viewing. The Outdoor Menu Board also has an optional dimming control that bright-ens when a car is present. It has rugged, corrosion-resistant extruded aluminum construction.

EcoTek also developed the Tri-Vu Day-Part Indoor Menu Board with Direct Backlit

Some manufacturers offer customers a retrofit option to save on expense.

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SmartChain Signage

LED Array technology. The Day-Part graph-ics sections of the Tri-Vu LED Menu Board provide three times the graphic area of standard menuboards. The board features energy-efficient LED illumination, even illumination across the display area, and a graphics change-out with no doors to open or grids to remove.

EcoTek also offers energy-efficient LED Retrofit Kits for converting menuboards that are currently using fluorescent lamps. This is a cost-effective and efficient way to con-vert menuboards into LED illuminated dis-plays. The LED Retrofit Kits are available in sizes to fit virtually all indoor and outdoor menuboards.

The product has received an enthusiastic response from restaurant operators who can retrofit their menuboards to reduce energy costs and save the expense of purchasing a whole new menuboard.

“There is a huge market for energy efficient lighting in the industry,” says Rick Farrell, president of EcoTek. “We felt offering an LED Retrofit option was the right thing to do for our customers. It’s going crazy, and customers are see-ing a return on their investment in 18 to 30 months.”

Changing It UpThe ability to change a single menuboard or hundreds at the same time from a single location is one of the great advantages of digital technology.

For example, digital menuboard sig-nage is ideal for implementation of calo-rie and nutritional information, as required by the Labeling Education and Nutrition (LEAN) Act of 2009. If passed, this bill will amend the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with respect to nutrition labeling of food offered for sale in foodservice establish-ments. Under the bill, restaurants would be required to post calorie, trans fat, and other nutritional information on the menu-board. With a digital menuboard, these changes or additions can be easily imple-mented, according to Matt Miles, direc-tor of special projects for Texas-based FASTSIGNS International, the franchisor of more than 530 FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers.

Last January, FASTSIGNS announced the addition of a new product to its offerings. Dynamic Digital Signage (DDS) is a read-ily available digital signage system for local installations and a viable option for large and small businesses.

“Our local FASTSIGNS franchisees will be available to help our individual custom-ers when this change takes place,” Miles says. “One of the great things about the DDS solution is that it allows digital con-tent to be created and scheduled to be pushed out to the DDS displays at a spe-cific time—as far in advance as desired. For quick-service managers and opera-tors, this means they have the ability to change or revise their [digital] menuboard almost seamlessly when and if the LEAN Act comes to fruition.”

Going Low-TechCustomers often come upon signage even before they glance up at the menuboard. This signage may be decidedly lower tech than fancy LED menuboards but they can be just as effective.

Visual Graphic Systems (vgs) has introduced MagaForms Menu Displays. MagaForms makes it easy to custom-ize menuboard systems on-site, in min-utes. Users can add a variety of dimen-sional graphic, text, and photo forms to the menuboard with the use of colorful, inter-changeable magnetic pieces. “The result is an unparalleled, ultra-flexible menu dis-play system designed to focus the custom-er’s attention on key food items, pricing, and promotional updates in the fast-paced, food-service environment,” says Patrick Benasillo, vice president of VGS.

The modular system allows for a variety of combinations, including single, double, and digital panels in any grouping to cre-ate site-specific menuboards. MagaForms is so flexible that it can also be used in a variety of applications beyond menu-boards, such as countertops, freestand-

ing displays, and wall-mounts to create a fully integrated in-store communications system.

VGS RaceTrak Display System is part of its Counter Topper Display offerings. It allows a retailer to maximize and revital-ize counter space and increase impact mes-saging. RaceTrak offers multi-tiered mer-chandising and messaging opportunities for counter-top and shelving displays. Since it is usually located at or very near the POS, it offers a great opportunity for impulse sales.

“It gets people the message where and when they are making their purchasing deci-sion,” says Benasillo. “It’s communication right at the cash register.”

The RaceTrak system can be used to sell a variety of items such as specials, promotions, catering options, or even gift and loyalty cards to promote brand iden-tity. It can also hold take-away menus. Its GripFlex technology, which holds graphics and panel inserts in place, allows for fast and easy changes.

“Both MagaForms and RaceTrak are geared to interchangeability and flexibility,” Benasillo says.

The majority of existing menuboards still use fluorescent lighting and older light-ing technology. For many operators, these boards maintain their functionality.

Upgrading those boards can be accom-plished in a number of ways, says Doug Watson, sales manager at The Howard Company, an employee-owned point-of-purchase display manufacturer located in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

“As they take another look at their menu-boards, they might want to refresh it,’ Watson says. “This includes more pictures and brighter lights.”

Changing a menuboard periodically can offer customers a re-energizing difference. Watson says whenever a restaurant is remod-eled, revamping both the indoor and out-door menuboards will improve the customer experience.

“Digital menuboards are all about move-ment, but a trend now is to limit these move-ments because they can be disturbing to some customers,” Watson says.

Moving menu items to different locations on the board is another option. For example, drinks can be moved from the bottom right to the middle to facilitate sales.

“There are hot spots on every menu-board,” Watson says. “It isn’t just pretty pictures.” SC v

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Digital reader boardsbusiness.

Digital reader Digital reader boardsbusiness.

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Learn more about the benefits at www.daktronics.com/qsr,call us at 888-325-7446 ext. 56555, or email us at [email protected].

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SmartChain Signage

Advertising just isn’t what it used to be. When reading the local newspaper on the Internet, as increasing numbers of consum-ers are doing, a simple click of the mouse makes an ad go away. A push of the channel button silences a radio spot, and the remote control enables television viewers to zap a commercial.

The decline of broad-based advertis-ing in newspapers, radio, and television is well-documented. Because of this, retail merchants are increasingly returning to an old-fashioned means of advertising: outdoor signage.

“Advertising has become so fragmented that companies are looking for new ways to stretch their ad dollars,” says Curt Lillie, commercial product manager at Adaptive Micro Systems, which designs, develops, and manufactures digital display and soft-ware solutions.

Outdoor messaging is no longer just static boards featuring the company logo and the daily special in magnetic letters underneath. Electronic messaging displays can reach a most important audience: potential custom-ers as they drive by a place of business.

Highly advanced LED displays offer powerful graphics, visual animation, and ever-changing messages in vibrant colors. These displays can change their message at a moment’s notice and as often as desired.

How ColorfulInstead of monochrome (one-color) systems that were typical of first-generation LED messages, new technology can use billions of different colors to send dynamic advertising messages. Full-color displays form images by grouping at least one red, one green, and one blue LED together into a pixel capable of producing millions of colors. An array of pixels combines to form images and text on the screen, just as pixels do on a computer screen. These can include text messages or high-powered graphics in full color.

“LED signage has gotten better, with much tighter resolution and many more col-ors,” says Vic Wenner, manager of the quick-

service restaurant sales team at Daktronics, a leading designer and manufacturer of elec-tronic scoreboards, programmable display systems, and large screen video displays.

The signs are attention-grabbing and reach customers at a most critical moment, when they are in close proximity to the entrance of the business.

“Pictures can capture the attention and

the appetite of drivers and turn them into customers,” Wenner says.

Historically, digital reader boards at restaurants were bought by franchisees and managed from individual locations. Franchisees created their own proprietary message or images and uploaded it to site-specific units. Today, there are much more powerful options.

Corporate marketing departments are able to deliver effective, professionally cre-ated messages to their franchisees using dynamic web-based control systems. This allows a tremendous savings in the effort required to make the messages, and puts the absolute best content in the hands of franchisees.

Vibrant reader boards can strengthen the brand image and convey consistent mes-sages. In addition, the reader boards can be fully automated. For example, the software

Getting the Word Out

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Electronic reader boards help operators give customers the picture

Without compelling advertising messages, an LED display is just a black box.

5 1/16”

segmented ads for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and

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CONNECT EVERY DIGITAL MONITOR ON YOUR ADVERTISING NETWORK WITH HYOCO’S OUTERNET SOFTWARE

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5 1/16”5 1/16”




local interests will convert drive by tra�c to

drive in sales.

HYOCO’S OUTERNET software brings

these customers online to let you manage




monitors inside the store and at the drive thru.












Please contact us at 888.860.2249 or 949.910.8794 Email us at [email protected]

Mention PROMO CODE “ASKBILL“ for additional discounts www.hyocodistribution.com

HYOCO is proud to announce

we’re an authorized LED

display vendor for Burger King

FREE CONENT Animation LIBRARY with Every Display




local interests will

drive in sales.

HYOCO’S these customers online to let you manage




monitors inside the store and at the drive thru. monitors inside the store and at the drive thru.












HYOCO IS THE NOW THE EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ORIGINAL HYBRID PIXEL MANUFACTURER

Over the last 20 years, more than 40,000 of the

manufacturer’s LED displays have been installed

in North and South America. Over 1,600 QSR

locations are installed with the factory removable

LED pixel display products. In facts, these single

color and full color LED displays are installed

across multiple chain brands including Sonic,

Dairy Queen, Burger King, McDonald’s, Hardee’s,

Carl’s Jr., Long John Silver’s, and KFC. HYOCO is the

benchmark for the brightest displays and largest

quantity installed in the QSR market.

CONNECT EVERY DIGITAL MONITOR ON YOUR ADVERTISING NETWORK WITH HYOCO’S OUTERNET SOFTWARE

The key to driving tra�c is managing point

of purchase advertising in real time. Day part



SmartChain Signage

can be used to schedule a menu display or specialty items that automatically change by daypart, from breakfast to lunch to din-ner. Or the message can be changed at will by the operator. Further, the display auto-matically dims or brightens according to weather conditions.

“It’s all controlled by the same web-based system, and restaurant brands can tailor the system to meet their individual needs,” Wenner says.

Keeping in TouchReader boards are an important aspect of any business’ marketing plan, as they allow businesses to keep in touch with their cus-tomers on a daily basis with the latest adver-tising and sales messages, says Nicola Blackwell, national account manager of AAA Sign Company, a Louisiana-based manufac-turer of custom signs and metal awnings for a variety of national retailers in a multitude of industries.

“Over time, people stop noticing static signs,” Blackwell says. “By installing an LED reader board, you are more likely to draw the customer’s attention to your sign and get them to pull into your location.”

Another recent advancement in signage was the introduction of digitally printed graphics, which allows for more graphically complicated logos and special effects such as gradient colors, where one color slowly fades into another. Prior to this, logos were created by taking different colored vinyl and interlaying them by hand, a process that is labor-intensive.

“By using digital print, the logo options are limitless. If you can print it on your desktop printer, we can print it onto a sign,” Blackwell says.

Getting a company that can install, man-age, and maintain a system is the best choice. OPTEC is a California-based manufacturer and engineer of a wide range of high perfor-mance LED displays for various applications. It distributes more than 10,000 LED displays a year around the world. OPTEC is the exclu-sive manufacturer for Sonic Industries and has installed its products in more than 1,200 restaurants in the past three years.

“We have the most extensive experience managing this technology on a national level in our industry—especially in the quick-ser-vice market,” says Keith Knackstedt, direc-tor of marketing at OPTEC. “Our rollout with SONIC is a total turnkey operation from top to bottom. It has been very successful.”

Knackstedt says there are a variety of fac-

tors to consider if retailers are considering upgrading their signage to include message displays. Checking local building codes is of the utmost importance, since many munic-ipalities have laws that restrict or prohibit the size, video movements, brightness, and placement of these displays. Also, electrical upgrades might have to be considered.

Choosing the proper display is also crit-ical. The size and resolution of the display must be tailored to the conditions surround-ing each site. For example, when the target audience is traffic on an interstate highway, the display must be large enough to be read from a great distance, giving viewers enough time to notice the ads and react in time to reach the exit ramp. In this case, a lower res-olution display is appropriate. Conversely, if the audience includes slow-moving vehicular traffic and/or pedestrians that pass close to the display, a smaller sized display is suffi-cient but the resolution must be much higher to achieve visual clarity. OPTEC helps their customers choose the correct display for each location.

Of course, without compelling adver-tising messages, an LED display is just a black box. Creating vibrant, appealing mes-sages that can reach a mobile audience in a few seconds is critical to achieving max-imum ROI. OPTEC offers full-service con-tent creation and management services that allow customers to combine national, regional, and local ad campaigns and dis-tribute them across an unlimited number of displays. Individual store managers also have the ability to tailor messages to their local audiences. This system, known as D-Net, allows business owners and manag-ers to focus on running their business while Optec makes sure professional ad messages are delivered at the right place at the right time. The advertising content is stored in a

centralized library of messages on OPTEC’S web servers. These messages are delivered automatically over broadband Internet con-nections or through corporate satellite net-works. Typically, corporate controls a cer-tain percentage of the ads, with another percentage managed locally.

Indeed, according to Bill McHugh, vice president of sales for Hyoco Distribution, the exclusive distributors for the original LED display technology with individually remov-able pixel design for the past 20 years, it is the all-important marketing aspect of sig-nage that must go hand-in-hand with the technical aspects. To that end, Hyoco offers its own “OUTERNET” display control sys-tem technology that gives marketing pros the ability to maintain web-based control over the message appearing on every LED and LCD digital display monitor inside and outside the property.

“Sign content must be managed,” says McHugh, “and our system is a real-time man-agement tool, as opposed to a historical tool.”

A “moving message” can appeal to today’s tech-savvy Millennial generation that is dependent on iPhones or comput-ers and grew up on animated video games. This coveted demographic for quick-service operators is easily bored. For them, the eye-catching graphics, animation, and messag-ing of electronic reader boards is what they expect.

“When used correctly, you can carry on a conversation with a mobile audience that you can’t do any other way,” Adaptive Micro Systems’ Lillie says.

Adaptive’s AlphaEclipse outdoor and Alpha indoor electronic message displays offers that moving message. This medium may be integrated with interior displays, such as a plasma television or LCD panel. Inside the restaurant, the medium can reduce perceived wait times by entertaining and informing customers while advertising products or suggestive upselling. Outside, messaging can promote specials, run help-wanted ads, or even inform customers of wait times at the drive-thru.

“This technology builds intrigue and anticipation that static ads can’t. You can see immediate results if you understand the power of the product,” Lillie says.

For those that doubt the potential of outdoor messaging, Lillie has a tongue-in-cheek suggestion. Run the message “Free food for the next 15 minutes!” How many people do you think might turn into the parking lot? SC

Creating vibrant, appealing messages that can reach a mobile audience in a few seconds is critical to achieving maximum ROI.

CALL TODAY (800) 876-1668www.optecdisplays.com

CALL TODAY (800) 876-1668www.optecdisplays.com

..LED DISPLAY ADVERTISINGIS AS EASY AS 1-2-3!

..LED DISPLAY ADVERTISINGIS AS EASY AS 1-2-3!

1.2.3.

Optec Displays has managed the deployment and ongoing operation of over 1,200 QSR industry LED displays throughout North America since 2006.

Industry standard LED display technology, comprehensive national project management, surveys, permit acquisition, installation, electrical upgrades and dedicated technical support. Network of 500+ service reps.

Turn-key content creation and management services. Exclusive D-Net content management software automatically controls an unlimited number of displays via a simple web interface.

Experience

Capabilities

Service

1.2.3.

Optec Displays has managed the deployment and ongoing operation of over 1,200 QSR industry LED displays throughout North America since 2006.

Industry standard LED display technology, comprehensive national project management, surveys, permit acquisition, installation, electrical upgrades and dedicated technical support. Network of 500+ service reps.

Turn-key content creation and management services. Exclusive D-Net content management software automatically controls an unlimited number of displays via a simple web interface.

Experience

Capabilities

Service

FREE REPORTFREE REPORT

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Signage SmartChain

The PlayersAAA Signs, Inc.3200 Cameron Street Lafayette, LA 70506 800-860-6890www.aaasigns.com

AAA Sign Company is a full-service sign company, manufactur-ing quality custom signs tailored to meet your needs. We have been manufacturing and installing signs for national and small business accounts since 1972. Because of our experience, the quality of our workmanship is backed by an excellent warranty. AAA Sign Company is strategically located in Augusta, Georgia, the center of the Southeast, enabling us to offer services to the entire Southeast and beyond. Through our extensive list of indus-try contacts, we can handle your sign needs nationwide.

Awningtec USA3265 Highway 62 NWCorydon, IN 47112812-734-0423www.awningtecusa.com

Awningtec was formed in 1988 by Mansen Way with the goal to earn the confidence of national chain accounts. With the philos-ophy that the customer will always forget the price, but they will remember the quality, Awningtec has been successful in build-ing a reputation for using innovative engineering practices and state-of-the-art materials to produce high-quality exterior décor elements at fair and competitive prices. Awningtec is a pioneer in the use of LED lighting in awnings, shaped signs, and light bands with a promising future as a preferred supplier to the res-taurant industry.

Daktronics, Inc. 201 Daktronics DriveP.O. Box 5128Brookings, SD 57006-5128888-325-7446, ext. 57309www.daktronics.com/qsr

Quick-serve restaurants across the country are discovering the advertising power of digital reader boards. Daktronics offers com-plete turnkey solutions for quick-serves’ digital reader board pro-grams, including state-of-the-art LED displays, web-based con-trol systems, professionally created content, and a nationwide service network. With quick-service restaurant industry experi-ence, Daktronics helps corporations and franchise owners roll out a digital signage strategy that ensures brand integrity and solid return on investment.

EcoTek Lighting 26845 Vista TerraceLake Forest, CA 92630800-733-6661www.EcoTekLighting.com

EcoTek Lighting, a division of Expotrans, is the leading provider of high performance light boxes, menu boards, poster frames and custom illuminated displays in the industry. Since 1984, we have set the standard for exceptional design, R&D, engineering, manu-facturing and customer service. Our innovative LED backlit displays yield brilliant luminosity and deliver twice the energy efficiency of displays using T-8 fluorescent lamps. EcoTek Lighting’s producs are 99 percent recyclable; UL, CUL, and CE listed; and contribute to LEED-certified buildings. We design, engineer, manufacture, and test each of our products in our state-of-the-art plant in Lake Forest, California, that uses “Green” manufacturing processes.

Hyoco7 ChryslerIrvine, CA 92618949-421-0899www.hyocodistribution.com

HYOCO provides the brightest digital display solutions, including LED displays and LCD panels, for outside and inside your stores. HYOCO is the exclusive representative of the original “Heston” hybrid pixel LED display technology. Over 40,000 have been installed in North and South America over the last 20 years.

Convert drive-by traffic to drive-in sales. Connect with every dig-ital monitor using HYOCO’s OUTERNET network software. Check sales results and buying trends against your promotions in real time. Our web-based management tool gives you live image snap-shots, diagnostics, content time stamping, hierarchal manage-ment, and more for total marketing control.

LSI Graphic Solutions Plus9260 Pleasantwood Ave. NWNorth Canton, OH 44720www.lsi-industries.com800-245-4624

LSI Industries is an image solutions company, traditional, digital and drive-thru menu boards, signage and interior/exterior graph-ics. We are dedicated to advancing solid-state LED technology in lighting and graphics applications. We combine integrated technol-ogy, design, and manufacturing to supply high quality, environmen-tally friendly lighting fixtures and graphics elements for commer-cial, retail, and specialty niche market applications. LSI is a U.S. manufacturer with marketing/sales efforts throughout the world with concentration currently on North American, South American, Australian, New Zealand, Asian, and European markets.



SmartChain Signage

The Players

National Readerboard Supply4803 George RoadSuite 340Tampa, FL 33634888-489-5222www.nationalreaderboard.com

National Readerboard Supply, founded in 1987, is the nation’s leader in reader board marketing solutions and supplies, serving more than 40,000 customers across North America. From stan-dard sign letters to our exclusive full-color Marquee Graphics, NRS specializes in enabling our clients to reach their customers where it matters most: right in front of the restaurant. Marquee Graphics are a low cost, effective way for quick-serves to add dynamic, full-color product images to their reader boards, effec-tively turning them into on-site billboards. Best of all, Marquee Graphics require no sign modification or special equipment, and comply with all local sign ordinances.

National Sign Systems4200 Lyman CourtHilliard, Ohio 43026800-544-6726www.nationalsignsystems.com

National Sign Systems has been producing exterior and interior signage, menuboards, and related architectural products since 1987. Our modern 155,000-square-foot facility is centrally located in Ohio and affords us the capability of producing all of our prod-ucts in-house, thus ensuring maximum quality control and fast response. National Sign Systems boasts a highly skilled work-force, the latest technology, and a fully featured design studio. We are also well-known for our complete lineup of both static and digital interior and exterior menuboard systems.

Optec Displays530 South 6th Ave.City of Industry, CA 91746800-876-1668www.optecdisplays.com

Optec Displays, the established leader in the quick-service res-taurant market with over 1,500 networked displays in operation among the top chains in the industry, is a premier international supplier of LED message centers and full color video displays. Optec supports operations with their exclusive D-Net display/content management system and a national service team of over 600 certified technical support providers who deliver local ser-vice, installation, and after-sale support to customers across all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico.

Ross and Associates1685 Viewpond SEGrand Rapids, MI 49508616-455-2424 ext. 173www.rossandassoc.com

Ross and Associates, a division of Olympus Flag & Banner, is a visual merchandising firm specializing in quick-service restaurants. With 24 years of experience serving chains from the very largest national chain to growing regional organizations, R&A provides a complete variety of signage and décor, with specialties including billboard advertising, exterior flags and banners, sign hardware, and virtually all types of POP elements.

Synq Solutions685 Lambert DriveAtlanta, GA 30324404-874-8400www.synqsolutions.com

Synq Solutions is the nation’s premier provider of merchandising and promotional support programs serving the quick-service res-taurant and retail markets. Synq Solutions’ technology platform and national print and fulfillment capabilities enable the rapid execution of marketing innovation by efficiently delivering precise, synchronized, and relevant campaigns to each location—returning maximum impact and value for each promotional dollar invested. Synq Solutions operates facilities in both Atlanta and Las Vegas to service the needs of its regional and national clients.

Visual Graphic Systems500 Tenth Ave. New York, NY 10018800-203-0301www.vgsonline.com

Visual Graphic Systems, Inc. (VGS) is recognized as a leading innovator in the design and production of visual communication and marketing systems. Their business is unique in that they offer turnkey services from design to fabrication with global project management capabilities. For nearly 30 years, VGS has designed, manufactured, and installed a broad range of high quality, innova-tive architectural signage programs, brand development, digital displays, proprietary fixture systems, eco-friendly solutions, and menuboards for thousands of corporate, foodservice, hospital-ity/entertainment, and retail locations worldwide.

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