How often has a sign in the distance, barely in your line of sight, triggered your desire for a hamburger, pizza, or a freshly made donut? Now double and triple the visibility of that signage with the addition of a large entrance canopy with matching window awnings. Who could resist? Every inch of fabric, an open canvas (pun intended) for your logo and/or product advertising.

        Now for the common knowledge (or common to us awning folks)—nothing can dress up a restaurant, shop or business like a well designed awning program. Awnings have long played an important role in the cooling process of homes and businesses prior to the introduction of electricity. Awnings were a common sight in all parts of the country. Picture a city, town or village with its general store, haberdashery, soda shop and the likes and you will see a Main Street peppered with retractable awnings and entrance canopies with a little wooden sign faithfully hanging by each side. The perfect Norman Rockwell scene under each and every awning: customers idling beneath the striped awning in conversation, kids playing jacks and pitch with marbles, gentleman trading stories with their chairs carefully teetering on two legs, and women trading “oohs” and “aahs” as they admire the latest in merchandise. The great American dream unwrapped before our eyes with awnings front and center.  

        And now for the not so common knowledge—today the scenes have changed and some Main Streets have died and been reborn as village centers or modern versions of town squares, non-the-less awnings are still the first blush of what is hiding inside. Every business can catch that quick look from a passer-by and change their direction in a moments notice. Every restaurant, shop or business can say; we care so much about your well being that we are willing to cover our entrances to protect you from snow and rain and provide a spot to stop and take a breath. We want to make sure that the minute of pleasure you may receive window shopping and dreaming is not hindered by the glare from the sun on our displays, even if a purchase is not completed. And, we know that the benefits of awnings remain: cooler interiors, expanded outdoor retail and dining space, and fade protection for merchandise and furnishings.

Yes, who could resist a product that has stood the test of time—awnings are and will continue to be just plain ole' good business!