Complete Signage Guide for New Restaurant Openings in Metro Atlanta

Opening a restaurant in metro Atlanta is exciting, but between menu planning, staffing, and health inspections, signage often gets pushed to the last minute. That’s a mistake. Your signs aren’t just decoration—they’re working assets that drive foot traffic, guide customers, and communicate your brand before anyone walks through the door.

At Marietta Signs, we’ve helped dozens of restaurants across Cobb, Cherokee, and Fulton counties get their signage right from day one. Here’s everything you need to know about restaurant signage in metro Atlanta, from exterior visibility to interior compliance.

Start with Your Exterior Storefront Sign

Your exterior sign is your hardest-working marketing tool. It tells people who you are, what kind of food you serve, and whether you’re open for business.

What to consider:

• Visibility from the street - Can drivers see your sign at 35 mph? If you’re in a strip center or tucked off the main road, you may need additional signage like monument signs or directional markers.
• Lighting - If you’re open for dinner service, illuminated channel letters or backlit cabinet signs ensure you’re visible after dark.
• Brand personality - Your sign should reflect your concept. A taco spot needs different energy than a steakhouse.
• Local regulations - Marietta, Roswell, and other cities have specific sign codes. We handle permitting so you don’t have to navigate zoning boards alone.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until the week before opening to order your exterior sign. Permitting and fabrication can take 4-6 weeks depending on complexity and jurisdiction.

Window Graphics and Decals

Your windows are prime real estate. Use them strategically.

Essential window signage:

• Hours of operation - Make it easy for customers to know when you’re open
• “Now Open” or “Grand Opening” - Build excitement and awareness
• Menu highlights or specialties - “Fresh Pasta Daily” or “Craft Cocktails”
• Logo and branding - Reinforce your identity
• Privacy or sun control - Frosted vinyl for booths or west-facing windows

Window graphics are cost-effective, easy to update, and give you flexibility as your business evolves.

Interior Signage: Function Meets Brand

Once customers are inside, interior signage plays a critical role in creating a smooth, professional experience.

ADA-Compliant Restroom Signs

This isn’t optional. Georgia restaurants must have ADA-compliant restroom signage, which includes:

• Raised tactile letters
• Grade 2 Braille
• Proper mounting height and placement
• Contrasting colors for visibility

We fabricate and install compliant signs that match your restaurant’s aesthetic while meeting all legal requirements.

Directional and Wayfinding Signs

Help customers navigate your space without confusion:

• Restroom directional signs
• “Order Here” or “Please Wait to Be Seated”
• “Exit” signs (required by fire code)
• Outdoor seating or patio entrance markers

Clear wayfinding reduces staff questions and improves the customer experience.

Menu Boards

Whether you’re a quick-service spot or a full-service restaurant, menu boards need to be legible, on-brand, and easy to update.

Options include:

• Backlit acrylic menu boards
• Chalkboard-style designs
• Digital menu displays
• Printed and framed boards

If your menu changes frequently, consider a design that allows for easy updates without a full replacement.

Outdoor Dining and Patio Signage

Metro Atlanta’s weather makes outdoor dining a major draw. Make sure your patio is easy to find and clearly marked.

Patio signage needs:

• Directional signs from the parking lot or sidewalk
• “Outdoor Seating Available” window decals
• A-frame signs for sidewalk visibility
• Branded umbrellas or banners for atmosphere

If your patio entrance is around the side or back of the building, don’t assume customers will find it on their own.

Parking and Accessibility Signs

Parking lot signage isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential for compliance and customer convenience.

Required and recommended signs:

• Handicap-accessible parking with proper state-issued markers
• Reserved parking for carryout or delivery drivers
• “Enter” and “Exit” directional signs
• Delivery and loading zone markers

Poor parking signage creates confusion and frustration. Make it simple.

Curbside Pickup and Delivery Signage

If you offer takeout, delivery, or curbside service, make it obvious.

Signage solutions:

• Designated parking spots with clear markers (“Curbside Pickup Only”)
• Window decals promoting delivery apps or online ordering
• Directional signs from the parking lot to the pickup entrance
• Interior signs directing customers to the pickup counter

With the rise of third-party delivery and online ordering, this type of signage has become a must-have, not a nice-to-have.

Temporary and Promotional Signage

Grand opening? Hiring? Running a weekend special? Temporary signage gives you flexibility without long-term commitment.

Popular options:

• Vinyl banners for grand openings or events
• A-frame sidewalk signs for daily specials
• Yard signs for directional support
• Feather flags for high-visibility promotions

These signs are lightweight, affordable, and easy to move or update as your needs change.

Permitting and Compliance Across Metro Atlanta

Every city in metro Atlanta has its own sign ordinances. What’s allowed in Marietta may not fly in Roswell or Kennesaw. And if you’re opening in a historic district or shopping center, there are additional layers of approval.

We handle:

• Site assessments and code research
• Permit applications and submissions
• Communication with planning and zoning departments
• Compliance with historic preservation guidelines (if applicable)

You focus on perfecting your menu. We’ll make sure your signs are approved and installed on time.

Don’t Leave Signage to the Last Minute

We’ve seen it too many times: a restaurant is days from opening, and the owner realizes they don’t have exterior signage, ADA-compliant restroom signs, or parking lot markers. Suddenly, the opening gets delayed or happens without critical signage in place.

Start your signage process early. Ideally, begin conversations with your sign company as soon as you sign your lease. That gives you time to:

• Understand local permitting requirements
• Design signage that fits your brand and space
• Fabricate and install everything before opening day
• Avoid last-minute stress

Let’s Get Your Restaurant Noticed

Opening a restaurant in metro Atlanta takes guts, planning, and attention to detail. Your signage should reflect the same care you’re putting into your food and service.

At Marietta Signs, we design, fabricate, and install signage for restaurants across Cobb, Cherokee, and Fulton counties. From exterior channel letters to ADA-compliant interior signs, we handle every detail so you can focus on what you do best.

Ready to discuss your restaurant signage? Contact Marietta Signs today and let’s make sure your grand opening is a success from the curb to the kitchen.