CASE STUDY: How a Simple A-Frame Sign Boosted a Food Stand's Sales by 65%

Can one smart, affordable marketing tool truly change the game for a small business? In a world of complex digital ad campaigns and ever-changing social media algorithms, it’s easy to assume the answer is no.

But for The Doghouse, a Knoxville-based gourmet hotdog stand, the answer was a resounding "yes."

This is the story of how they transformed their worst-performing sales location into a profit machine with a single, strategic investment in a tool that works just as hard as they do.

The Challenge: A Great Product Hidden in Plain Sight

The team at The Doghouse knew they had a winning product. Their unique, high-quality hotdogs were a local favorite. After months of hard work they had just secured a spot at their local hardware store for the summer. 

But there was a problem. Their specific spot was slightly tucked away from the main foot traffic path. Their small, homemade sign wasn't powerful enough to grab attention and pull people in. Week after week, they watched as hungry shoppers passed by, completely unaware of the delicious food just a few steps away.

The location was consistently underperforming. It was becoming a financial drain, and the owners were seriously considering abandoning the location altogether.

The Solution: A Strategic Investment in Visibility

Instead of giving up, The Doghouse decided to tackle the root of the problem: visibility. They invested in a custom-printed, double-sided Signicade A-Frame sign.

Working with our design team, they developed a two-pronged strategy for the sign:

1. The Menu Side: One side of the A-frame featured their simplified menu, printed in a large, clean, and easy-to-read font. This was designed to help customers make a quick decision once they approached the stand, speeding up the line.

2. The "Showstopper" Side: The other side was dedicated to a call to action featuring their mascot "Glizzy Gus" informing their customers of the 5 dollar combo deal. This side was meant to grab customer's attention as they were entering the store, giving them time to consider their purchase. 

Crucially, they didn't just place the sign in front of their stand. They placed it strategically at the main entrance, using the "showstopper" side to act as a can't-miss beacon, pointing customers directly their way.

The Results: Immediate and Staggering Growth

The impact was instantaneous and dramatic. On the very first Saturday using the new sign, The Doghouse saw a noticeable increase in traffic. Within the first month, the results were undeniable.

Average daily sales at this location increased by a staggering 65%.

The spot that had been a consistent money-loser was suddenly one of their most profitable and reliable weekly locations. The investment didn't just pay for itself; it fundamentally changed the potential of their business at the market.

"That Signicade A-Frame paid for itself in the first weekend," says Justin, manager of The Doghouse. "People would see the picture of the hotdog from 50 feet away and come straight to us. It completely changed the game for our Lowe's spot. The durability is also a huge plus; it's been knocked over by wind and kids, and it still looks brand new. It's the best marketing money we've ever spent."

The Takeaway for Your Business

The success of The Doghouse highlights a critical lesson for any small business, from food trucks and market vendors to pop-up shops and service providers: you can't sell to people who can't see you.

A professional, high-impact sign is not an expense, it's an essential marketing tool. It proves that a strategic investment in a durable, high-quality, and eye-catching sign can deliver a better and more immediate return than almost any other form of advertising.

Ready to see results like The Doghouse? Talk to our design team about custom Signicade A-Frame signs and let's design a powerful tool that gets your business noticed.