Our analog style “Split Flap” menus serve as a unique signature focal point for restaurants and bars. With more functionality and personality than static wall menus or digital screens, our large-scale displays are a dynamic storytelling tool.
What is a “Split Flap” Menu?
The Value of Our Custom Displays
Our Split Flaps are inspired by the vintage departure boards of mid-century airports and train stations.
- How It Moves: Split Flap menus use mechanical motion and kinetic energy to rotate modules and flaps, flipping letters to display a message.
- What It Displays: Users use our web-based app, Portal, to schedule and send custom messages (or post in real time) using a laptop, tablet or phone.
- Who It’s For: Split Flap menus are signature focal points at modern restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, and breweries looking for an “analog aesthetic”.
Oat Foundry’s Split Flap, nor a flat screen or static signage, is the closest in scale and size to the classic “Solari” board. We’re currently the only manufacturer in the US that customizes these large-scale displays for commercial use.
How Much Does a Split Flap Menu Cost?
Buying a Custom Installation from Oat Foundry
Our large-scale displays are sized and priced as similar custom architectural installations. The Classic Black finish, a popular choice amongst our clients, starts at $15k and scales up based on size, style, and customizations.
Pictured: 7 Rows x 24 Columns
Bars, Breweries & Wine Bars
Erosion Wine Bar and 12 Bones Brewing use Split Flap menus to rotate through seasonal brews and cocktails.
Pictured: 4 Rows x 24 Columns
Restaurants
Artisan Beer and Cheese and Momofuku’s Super Peach make Split Flap menus a part of their signature look.
Pictured: 7 Rows x 32 Columns
Enterprise Bakeries & Cafés
Julith Coffee and Crust & Crumb use customized Split Flap menus for personality-driven cafe design.
How Does a “Split Flap” Menu Work?
The Functionality of Our Custom Displays
An analog style Split Flap from Oat Foundry is built with six inch modules, arranged into rows and columns to create one large display. Framed with metal casing, our Split Flap uses mechanical movement and kinetic energy to “flip” the letters printed on the flaps. Once installed, brands can:
- Send Real-Time or Scheduled Messages: Create and send messages using your phone, tablet, or laptop (similar to Google Calendar).
- Keep Messaging On-Brand: Set authorized users to ensure on-brand messaging.
- Access Free Content Library: Pull templates from our free content library in Portal, our web-based app.
For busy bars and restaurants, users can increase flap speed to create a more pronounced, audible Split Flap click. Bakeries and cafes seeking a softer sound can slow it down for a relaxing soundscape.
Split Flap Menu Design
Customizing and Sizing Your Split Flap
With our custom Split Flap menus, brands can transform menus into an intentional design feature.
- Seamless Visual Integration: Modern typography, style, and clean lines integrate seamlessly into branding and visual identity.
- Scale to Fit Your Space: 100+ sizes to fit your space.
- Style to Fit Your Space: Can be customized with colors, font, logos, symbols, and more with several installation style recommendations.
Legible from up to 100 ft away, our default Split Flap text is ADA-compliant and easy to read.
Ways to Use Split Flap Menus
Creative Brand Messages and Content
Brands like Starbucks and Nespresso use their Split Flap menu to:
- Highlight Signature Items: The rhythmic movement and subtle sound bring attention to profitable items.
- Make Menu Changes: Quickly 86 items, schedule to transition between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and more.
- Promote Special Events: Post guest birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, and upcoming events.
- Create Social Media Content: The Irish Exit and Nolita Hall share photos and videos featuring their custom Split Flap menus.
Serving as a unique focal point, guests are always taking pictures of our customers Split Flap menus.
Pictured: 6 Rows x 32 Columns
Integrate Into Feature Walls
Pictured: 7 Rows x 24 Columns
Make Real-Time Menu Changes
Pictured: 5 Rows x 32 Columns
Customize to Your Branding
BAR & RESTAURANT USE CASES
Here’s a look at how several bars and restaurants are using an analog style Split Flap menu in their space.
Two 4 Row x 40 Column Displays in Classic Black
The Irish Exit uses two custom Split Flap menus at their Moynihan Train Hall commuter bar, programmed to show real-time MTA and LIRR train departures and arrivals.
4 Row x 32 Column Display in Classic Black
The Momofuku Noodle Bar Split Flap, located at the restaurant’s Columbus Circle location in New York City, is a modern, nostalgic focal point. The menu rotates key dishes, prices, and branded imagery in real time.
6 Row x 40 Column Display in Classic Black
Buck & Rider uses a custom six-row split-flap menu that showcases daily seafood specials, signature beef offerings, and personalized guest messages at its stylish, industrial-inspired Arizona restaurants.
Get Started with Oat Foundry
Ready to get started on a Split Flap menu?
Click the button below and fill out the form to receive a quote.
Not ready yet? Take our quiz to find the Split Flap that best fits your space.