What good menu copy does
- Explains the main ingredients.
- Shows flavor or cooking style.
- Mentions portion, side, or add-on details when helpful.
- Marks spicy, vegetarian, gluten-free, or allergy notes where useful.
- Sounds like real food, not a sales pitch.
Before and after examples
Before: Chicken sandwich
After: Crispy chicken sandwich with house slaw, pickles, and spicy mayo.
Before: Pasta special
After: Penne pasta with tomato basil sauce, parmesan, and grilled chicken.
Before: Breakfast plate
After: Two eggs, breakfast potatoes, toast, and your choice of bacon or sausage.
Fast cleanup checklist
- Rewrite vague item names first.
- Make best sellers sound appetizing and clear.
- Remove old or unavailable items.
- Check prices and disclaimers.
- Make the menu readable on a phone.
Owner tip
A customer should not have to guess what is in the dish. Short, useful descriptions are usually better than fancy wording.
Open growth checklist