(L-R) Jerry Lamela, Tom Lamela, Jim Lamela, Pat Lamela Follow TFS on Google News
At a time when efficiency and customization are paramount to a restaurant’s success, Cleveland Menu is taking menu design to the next level. The company’s newly launched DIY Menu Store is an innovative service that allows restaurants to design menus from scratch, print them on high-quality inventory, and have them returned within 72 hours.
This innovation marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cleveland Menu, a family-owned company that has been providing quality menu solutions for more than 90 years. This new addition to the line is the latest in a multi-generational track record of innovation, from menus to table tents, wine lists and plaid covers.
Founded in 1930 by Jerry Lamela’s father, Cleveland Menu has always been ahead of the curve in menu printing and design. The company started as a local printer of daily menus for Cleveland’s finest restaurants and has since grown into an industry leader. The business is currently run by the third generation of the Lamela family, including Jerry Lamela (President), Jim Lamela (Co-CEO) and Patrick Lamela (Co-CEO).
“My father was an orphan in West Virginia and learned the printing trade,” Jerry Lamela said. “When he came to Cleveland, he started working at a small printing shop that eventually became Cleveland Menu. Since then, our company has grown significantly, but the values of quality and service that he instilled in the business… The view remains faithful.”
Cleveland Menu’s new Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Menu Store provides restaurant owners with an easy-to-use platform to print menus without the need for expensive custom printing shops. The platform allows restaurants to upload their designs, choose from a variety of paper materials, and order online, simplifying the entire process. In just 72 hours, your menu will be printed on Cleveland Menu’s proprietary Durapoly synthetic paper and delivered directly to your restaurant’s door.
“This service addresses what restaurants are looking for today: speed, flexibility and cost-effectiveness,” explains Jim Lamela. “Restaurants can now easily order and print just 50 menu items and update their offerings without shelling out big bucks or waiting weeks for delivery.” Ease of use is a key selling point. Small, independent restaurants with limited resources can now take advantage of Cleveland Menu’s premium printing services, which were previously available primarily to large chains and high-end restaurants.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for restaurants to quickly adapt to changing customer preferences and operational challenges. With takeout and delivery services booming, many restaurants have reduced their menu offerings and focused on dishes that attract more customers in order to streamline operations.
“The way restaurants use menus has changed dramatically,” says Patrick Lamela. “During the pandemic, there was a big push for digital QR code menus, but now diners are returning to physical menus. That’s why our waterproof and durable synthetic paper is a popular choice for both dine-in and take-out menus.”
Cleveland Menu does more than just provide a blank canvas for restaurants to print their menu items. The company’s team of experts is well-versed in menu engineering principles and can help restaurants maximize revenue through strategic design and food placement.
“Menu design is an important part of a restaurant’s brand and guest experience,” added Jim Lamela. “Our clients come to us for advice on how to highlight the most profitable dishes or how to create a certain atmosphere through menu design. Placing high-quality items can subtly influence customers’ choices. A menu is more than just a list of items. It’s an important part of the dining experience and the overall restaurant brand. provides clients with guidance on layout, font selection, and even the use of high-quality food photography.”
Although DIY Menu Stores are the newest offering, Cleveland Menu continues to offer a wide range of menu solutions for all types of eateries. From custom leather-bound wine lists to sleek, waterproof takeout menus, Cleveland Menu caters to restaurants large and small. The company’s flagship product, DuraPoly, a proprietary synthetic paper that is waterproof and tear-resistant, has become popular among restaurants that need menus that can withstand frequent use.
“Our Durapoly menu has been transformative for many of our clients,” said Patrick Lamela. “They are fully recyclable and last much longer than laminated paper menus, which are less environmentally friendly. Additionally, our synthetic paper is much more durable, meaning fewer replacements over time. , reducing costs.”
Looking to the future, Cleveland Menu is focused on continuing to innovate and meet the evolving needs of the restaurant industry. The launch of DIY Menu Store is just one step in that journey.
“We are excited to bring this new service to market,” concluded Gerry Ramella. “This will allow us to expand our business and provide high-quality menu solutions to a wider range of restaurants. Now we have access to the same quality that we have.”
With a focus on quality, speed, and customization, Cleveland Menu is poised to remain a leader in the menu printing industry for years to come.
For more information about DIY Menu Store or other Cleveland Menu products, restaurants can visit ClevelandMenu.com, order directly through our e-commerce site at store.clevelandmenu.com, or call our sales team at 1-800-MENU- Please call us (NOW).
