10 Best Restaurant Merchandise Ideas

In today’s competitive business landscape, it's increasingly common for restaurants and fast food establishments to offer more than just meals to their customers. Many businesses are aiming to create lasting impressions that go beyond the conventional dining experience by selling their own merchandise. 

This shift towards restaurant merchandise has become a key component of branding strategies for popular eateries and renowned chefs, providing more than just an additional revenue stream but tangible mementos that remind customers of their dining experience. 

In this article, we'll delve into the significance of branded merchandise for restaurants and present a curated selection of the best and most popular merchandise ideas, aiming to inspire restaurant owners and managers in their branding efforts.

Why Sell Restaurant Merchandise?

Restaurant merchandise serves as more than just a branding and marketing tool; it's an avenue for restaurants to connect with their customers on a deeper level. Let's delve into the key reasons why restaurants should consider adding merchandise to their offerings:

Brand Visibility

Restaurant merchandise not only promotes brand awareness but also serves as a walking advertisement for the eatery. Beyond traditional souvenirs, eateries like Chipotle and KFC have capitalized on the trend, offering fans the chance to take a piece of their favorite dining spots home with them. Chipotle's line of branded apparel, including t-shirts and hats featuring their distinctive logo, allows customers to flaunt their love for burritos and bowls wherever they go.

Similarly, KFC's merchandise range extends beyond the kitchen, with items like finger-lickin' good t-shirts and chicken-themed accessories adding a playful touch to everyday wear. By transforming their logos and signature items into wearable art, these fast food restaurants not only boost their brand visibility but also foster a sense of community among patrons who proudly sport their gear. 

Additional Revenue Streams

Diversifying revenue streams is crucial for restaurants, especially in the face of economic uncertainty or unforeseen challenges like the ones posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order for restaurants to thrive in today’s market, they must explore innovative avenues to bolster their bottom line. This is where the sale of branded merchandise steps in as a valuable asset.

By leveraging their established brand identity and loyal customer base, restaurants can tap into a lucrative market beyond the confines of their physical dining spaces. Whether it's through online stores, pop-up shops, or collaborations with retail partners, merchandise sales provide a steady stream of income that isn't contingent on foot traffic or table reservations. This additional revenue can make a significant difference in covering overhead costs, investing in staff training, or even exploring expansion opportunities.

Moreover, merchandise sales offer a unique opportunity for restaurants to engage with their audience on a deeper level. Beyond the transactional nature of food service, these items serve as tangible reminders of memorable dining experiences and beloved culinary traditions. Customers who purchase restaurant merchandise aren't just buying a t-shirt or a coffee mug; they're investing in a piece of the restaurant's story, becoming brand ambassadors in their own right.

Fostering Customer Loyalty

For many customers, purchasing restaurant merchandise isn't just about acquiring a physical object; it's a way to proudly proclaim their devotion to a beloved establishment. Whether it's a sleek coffee tumbler adorned with the logo of their favorite cafe or a cozy hoodie emblazoned with the name of a cherished neighborhood eatery, these items serve as badges of honor, signaling to the world their affiliation with a particular culinary community.

This emotional bond not only encourages repeat visits but also cultivates a sense of reciprocity. Customers who feel a strong connection to a restaurant are more likely to support it through word-of-mouth recommendations, social media shoutouts, and positive online reviews. In essence, restaurant merchandise becomes a catalyst for organic marketing, as satisfied customers become enthusiastic ambassadors for the brand.

10 Best & Most Popular Restaurant Merch Ideas

Now that we understand the importance of restaurant merchandise let's explore some of the best and most popular merchandise ideas that are sure to resonate with customers:

1. Branded Apparel

From t-shirts and hats to sweatshirts and aprons, branded apparel allows customers to wear their support for the restaurant proudly. 

With branded apparel, restaurants and fast-food chains can take the most popular aspect of their establishment and center a distinct line around them, giving customers a fashionable way to show their love for their favorite eatery. 

For example, Taco Bell's ingenious incorporation of their iconic hot sauce packet designs onto shirts and hoodies is a prime example of this trend. These garments not only showcase customers' love for the popular hot sauce packets, but also serve as conversation starters and fashion statements.

Looking to start your restaurant’s own line of clothing? Then check out Fourthwall’s apparel catalog for inspiration and affordable pricing on some of the best apparel to sell online. 

2. Drinkware

Customized drinkware items like mugs, tumblers, and water bottles offer both practicality and promotional value. These items have been especially popular with breweries and cafes, providing patrons with stylish glassware to enjoy their favorite beverages while also serving as effective marketing tools. 

Breweries often offer branded pint glasses or growlers, allowing customers to bring a piece of the brewery experience home with them and share it with friends. Similarly, restaurants like Yard House offer souvenir stein mugs and their iconic yardstick glasses for beer enthusiasts looking to add to their collection. 

With each sip, customers not only enjoy their favorite drinks but also inadvertently promote the establishment to those around them, extending the reach of the brand beyond the confines of the cafe or brewery walls.

From wine and beer glasses to stainless steel water bottles, explore Fourthwall’s drinkware catalog and discover a wide array of customizable options to elevate your customers' beverage experience while promoting your restaurant's brand.

3. Kitchenware

Kitchenware items such as cutting boards, utensil sets, and oven mitts provide functional merchandise options that customers can use in their daily lives. 

This type of merch is especially popular with prominent chefs who use their own name and credibility to sell their own line of kitchenware to fans who are looking to get into the culinary world themselves. 

For example, Emeril Lagasse, renowned for his bold flavors and innovative cooking techniques, has his line of cookware featuring durable pots and pans designed to withstand the rigors of the kitchen while embodying his culinary philosophy. 

Similarly, Rachel Ray, with her accessible approach to cooking, has curated a collection of kitchen essentials ranging from versatile bakeware to colorful utensils, catering to home cooks looking for practical yet stylish tools.

By putting their names behind kitchenware products, chefs not only provide their fans with trusted tools to recreate their recipes at home but also extend their brand presence into households worldwide, further solidifying their status as culinary authorities.

4. Accessories

Accessories are the perfect way to add a touch of personality and flair to your restaurant's merchandise lineup, offering customers an opportunity to express their support in creative and versatile ways. 

Keychains, tote bags, phone cases, or pins featuring your restaurant's logo or iconic menu items serve as practical reminders of memorable dining experiences and a great way to market your brand in public.

In addition, koozies branded with your restaurant's name and vibrant colors add a festive touch to outdoor gatherings and picnics, ensuring that your logo is prominently displayed wherever the party goes. 

Whether it's a playful rendition of your mascot or a clever slogan celebrating your culinary creations, these small but mighty accessories allow customers to wear their support for your restaurant with pride. 

If you’re looking to take your restaurant’s merchandise to the next level then Fourthwall has you covered. Fourthwall’s accessory catalog has everything you need from pins and phone cases to tote bags and hats. 

5. Novelty Items

Novelty items serve as delightful additions to any restaurant's merchandise selection, injecting a dose of whimsy and personality into your customer’s experience. 

From stickers and magnets with fun designs to branded coasters and postcards for keepsakes, these items not only enhance the overall ambiance of your restaurant's merchandise lineup but also serve as inexpensive yet impactful marketing tools. 

A great example of a restaurant selling novelty items is Bob’s Big Boys. The iconic burger joint has a vast collection of novelty items that are available online. 

From postcards to coasters to even having their own line of skateboards, these items not only serve as keepsakes for loyal patrons but also attract collectors and enthusiasts eager to own a piece of the restaurant's rich history. 

Fourthwall has plenty of fun knick knacks and novelty items to add to your merch collection. From magnets and postcards to plush toys and stickers, elevate your brand’s merchandise with these clever keepsakes. 

6. Seasonal Merchandise

Seasonal merchandise presents a golden opportunity for restaurants to infuse their brand with a sense of excitement and anticipation, tapping into the festive spirit of holidays and special occasions. 

Imagine cozy sweaters adorned with festive designs for the winter holidays, inviting customers to bundle up in style while spreading cheer wherever they go. 

Or, come summer, vibrant tank tops and sunglasses featuring playful designs evoke images of sun-drenched days and leisurely outdoor dining experiences, enticing customers to embrace the season with enthusiasm. 

7. Cookbooks

Recipe books are more than just collections of instructions; they're gateways to culinary adventures and treasured memories. Imagine flipping through the pages of a beautifully curated cookbook filled with mouthwatering recipes for your restaurant's most beloved dishes, from secret sauce recipes to decadent desserts.

By creating recipe books featuring signature dishes from your restaurant, you offer customers the opportunity to bring a piece of your culinary expertise into their own kitchens.

Each recipe not only provides step-by-step instructions but also shares the story behind the dish, offering insights into the ingredients, techniques, and inspirations that make it special.

Whether your customers are seasoned home chefs or aspiring cooks, these books offer a window into your restaurant's world, creating a deeper connection and loyalty that extends far beyond the dining table.

8. Gift Cards

Gift cards are a versatile and powerful tool in a restaurant's merchandise arsenal, offering plenty of benefits for both the business and its customers. 

For restaurants, gift cards represent a reliable source of revenue, as they often result in repeat visits from recipients who redeem their cards. They also serve as effective marketing tools, as they introduce new customers to the restaurant's offerings and encourage them to explore the menu. 

Additionally, gift cards provide valuable insights into customer purchasing behavior, allowing restaurants to track trends and tailor their marketing strategies accordingly. From a customer perspective, gift cards offer convenience and flexibility, serving as a convenient gifting solution for any occasion. 

Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or holiday celebration, a restaurant gift card is always appreciated, allowing recipients to enjoy a delicious meal or dining experience at their leisure. 

9. Local Artisan Products

Collaborating with local artisans to offer unique and locally sourced items is not only a smart business move but also a way to foster community support and create memorable experiences for customers. 

By showcasing products crafted by local artisans, restaurants can tap into the vibrant culture and creativity of their surrounding community, while also supporting small businesses and independent makers.

From handcrafted ceramics and artisanal chocolates to locally roasted coffee and homemade jams, these merchandise items offer customers a taste of the region's rich culinary landscape.

And if you're looking to get into the coffee buisness, Fourthwall offers custom roasted coffee with 14 unique blends for those looking to sell quality roasted coffee to their customers. 

10. Sauces & Marinades

Bottling and selling signature sauces and marinades is a savvy move for restaurants, as it allows them to extend their brand reach beyond the confines of their dining establishment while offering customers a taste of their culinary expertise in the comfort of their own homes. 

These sauces and marinades are often the secret ingredients behind the restaurant's most beloved dishes, imbued with the unique flavors and character that customers have come to love and crave. 

By making these signature products available for purchase, restaurants not only satisfy the cravings of loyal patrons but also attract new customers eager to recreate the restaurant experience in their own kitchens. 

Whether it's a tangy barbecue sauce, a zesty salsa, or a fragrant marinade, each bottle becomes a vessel for sharing the restaurant's culinary story, allowing customers to savor the flavors of their favorite dishes time and time again. 

Best Practices to Sell Restaurant Merchandise

Now that we have a list of merch ideas, let's explore some best practices for effectively selling restaurant merchandise:

Open an Online Store

Establishing an online store is crucial for expanding the reach of your restaurant merchandise beyond physical locations. 

Utilize e-commerce platforms like Fourthwall to create a user-friendly online storefront where customers can browse and purchase merchandise items from the comfort of their homes. 

Optimize your online store with high-quality product images, detailed descriptions, and easy checkout processes to provide a seamless shopping experience. 

Additionally, leverage digital marketing techniques such as search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising to drive traffic to your online store and attract potential customers.

Designing and Sourcing Merchandise

When designing and sourcing merchandise items, prioritize quality, functionality, and alignment with your restaurant's brand identity. 

Work closely with designers and suppliers to create merchandise that reflects the unique aesthetic and values of your restaurant while also meeting the preferences and needs of your target audience. 

Consider factors such as material quality, durability, and sustainability to ensure that merchandise items resonate with customers and provide long-lasting value. 

Whether it's apparel, drinkware, or novelty items, aim to create merchandise that customers will be proud to own and display, thereby enhancing brand loyalty and visibility.

Developing a Marketing Strategy

A well-executed marketing strategy is essential for effectively promoting your restaurant merchandise and driving sales.

Develop a comprehensive marketing plan that encompasses both online and offline channels, including social media, email marketing, and in-store promotions. 

Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase merchandise items, share behind-the-scenes content, and engage with customers in meaningful ways. 

Leverage email marketing campaigns to announce new merchandise arrivals, offer exclusive discounts, and encourage repeat purchases. Additionally, consider hosting in-store events or pop-up shops to generate excitement around your merchandise offerings and provide customers with a hands-on shopping experience. 

By implementing a strategic and multi-channel marketing approach, you can maximize visibility, drive traffic, and ultimately boost sales of your restaurant merchandise.

Transform Your Restaurant's Branding with Fourthwall

In summary, restaurant merchandise offers a multitude of benefits, from enhancing brand visibility to fostering customer loyalty.

By leveraging platforms like Fourthwall, restaurants can transform their branding efforts by designing an online store, creating merchandise, and effectively marketing products to customers. 

Explore Fourthwall today to launch your online merchandise store and take your restaurant's branding to the next level.