A restaurant’s brand is as important as its food, service and vibes. Right now, our newfangled standard for restaurant branding is cool swag — merchandise, goods, lifestyle products, whatever you call it. Restaurant swag is in, and we’re not surprised. Just look at Starbucks. The cult coffee company makes billions, not just from selling coffee, but also from their reusable cups, tumblers and even yearly planners — all because fans believe in their sleek, smart and environmentally-friendly values. But big brands aside, we’re happy to see smaller, independent restaurants and cafes hopping on the swag train too! You may have already spotted restaurant staff wearing hip, custom-designed t-shirts, or saw someone on the streets carrying a tote bag from your favourite cafe and thought to yourself: “Man, I want one too.” And just like that, you’re sold.
Good merch make great conversation pieces too. The last time we donned one, people started chatting us up, telling us how much they loved that place. That’s what swag’s all about, isn’t it? Showing the world you’re obsessed with a brand, a dish, a neighbourhood joint, and somehow, finding the people out there who are as crazy about it as you are.
Here are some of our favourites:
Curbside Cantina x Pestle & Mortar Clothing
For taco tote bags and salsa caps
VCR
For non-slip, reusable coffee cups
Artisan Roast Coffee
For coffee mug t-shirts
Li Restaurant
For tote bags with yummy illo
PULP by Papa Palheta
For coffee pins and t-shirts
