How to Turn Barricades into Buzz: Pre-Launch Graphic Best Practices for Restaurants
When your new restaurant or retail concept is under construction, it’s easy to think of those walls and barricades as just… walls. But with the right strategy, they can become your brand’s first invitation to the community—and the spark that ignites early followship.
Barricade graphics are large-scale panels or walls installed around construction zones, typically used when a space is being built out from scratch. They create a blank canvas for bold, large-format storytelling. Blackout graphics, on the other hand, are applied directly to windows of existing storefronts to block visibility during renovations or buildouts. While barricades cover structural build sites, blackouts focus on creating intrigue and privacy for windowed spaces—both serve as high-impact marketing surfaces to tease what’s coming.
At Bullhearted, we treat these opportunities as campaigns. They’re not placeholders; they’re the first act in your brand’s story.
Here’s how we approach them for maximum impact (featuring a few examples from our own portfolio):
Barricade designs for the new concepts in Ponce City Market Foodhall in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lead with Story, Not Just Logos
Barricades shouldn’t just say “Coming Soon.” They should pull people in.
In our work for an upcoming Asian street food hall, we created a series of illustrations that transport passersby into another world—vivid street scenes, bold characters, and dreamlike food compositions.
The messaging? Playful, confident, and teaser-driven:
Asian Street Food That’s Far From Pedestrian.
The result? A story that feels alive and gets people asking questions—exactly what you want pre-launch.
Pro Tip: Use mystery intentionally. Don’t reveal everything.
Design for Social SharinG
Every barricade graphic should be a photo opp. That means:
Bold, striking visuals that photograph well.
Clever typography or phrases that feel worth sharing.
Integrated QR codes for digital capture.
In our campaigns, we always think about Instagrammable moments and even floor decals to frame photos. The goal: turn visitors into ambassadors before doors open.
Blackout graphics mockup for Dante’s Inferno in San Francisco, CA.
Offer a Clear Next Step
Intrigue alone isn’t enough. Make it easy for people to plug into your ecosystem.
QR codes should link to a landing page, not your homepage.
Offer something in exchange for emails—exclusive sneak peeks, launch parties, or early reservations.
Seed hashtags and social handles subtly on the barricade.
Think of the barricade as a lead-generation machine.
Match Your Brand Energy
A barricade isn’t a one-size-fits-all template. It should match your concept’s vibe:
Vibrant, playful, bold for energetic street food spots.
Moody, mysterious, cinematic for sultry cocktail dens or fine dining.
See how we shifted visual tones dramatically between projects—from neon-washed tigers at a night market concept to dark, hypnotic spirals teasing a fiery new dumpling bar.
Think Beyond the Wall
Barricade graphics aren’t just wall art. Consider:
Floor graphics leading to the entrance.
Interactive elements (windows, peek-throughs, or digital screens).
Tactile materials for high-touch zones.
Physical space is an experience. Use every surface as part of your teaser campaign.
Final Thought: Barricades Are Campaigns
Pre-launch graphics are your first marketing investment on-site. Treat them like a full campaign—tease, intrigue, capture, and invite.
If your barricade isn’t making people whip out their phone, you’re leaving energy (and potential diners) on the table.
Ready to make your barricade campaign bullhearted?
Drop us a line—we’ll help you build one that turns heads and drives sign-ups.
