(ARA) - Americans are eating in restaurants a lot more than they used to. Because our lives have become more hectic, many of us now view a meal out as entertainment. It’s not just about the food, but the complete experience.

You won’t see ambiance on a menu, but it has a lot to do with the success or failure of a restaurant. In today’s competitive market, new restaurants can’t just rely on what they serve to set them apart. A winning formula includes a mix of good food, a friendly atmosphere, and attractive, interesting surroundings.

“Creating a space that has its own distinct personality is important for a restaurant,” says Todd Imholte, president of Environmental Graphics, a company that specializes in interior design products. “It’s a way for a place to set itself apart, and be remembered in a competitive market.”

Even if the food is great, you may not go back to a place if the surroundings are dull or shabby. When you eat out you want to feel like you’re somewhere special; the setting should grab your attention and make a strong statement about the place.

“As you are thinking about your design, keep in mind that you want it to mesh with your building, and with the style of food you are serving,” says Imholte.

Environmental Graphics has an innovative solution for anyone who wants to add a one-of-a-kind design impact to a restaurant or other commercial space. It’s called Murals My Way and it allows users to create their own customized wall mural from any photograph, poster, picture or other graphic element they choose.

You can either provide the image yourself or select from their gallery of more than 500 licensed images including paintings, photographs and vintage posters. If you don’t see what you need, you can submit a specific request.

“For instance, if you want a photo of kiwi fruit, or a row of martini glasses, we can go out and find an image for you,” says Imholte. “You can request something that will fit your requirements exactly.”

Once you have either submitted or chosen an image, the company will produce a 2-by-2-foot sample. When you have approved it, they will create your full-size mural. There is no size restriction, it can be as large or as small as your space requires, and the whole process takes no more than a week.

Environmental Graphics is adding to its image gallery all the time. To browse the possibilities and create a one-of-a-kind mural for your restaurant or commercial space, visit muralsmyway.com or call (888) 295-9764.

Courtesy of ARA Content