How to Profit from Branded Merchandise & Apparel at Your Bar or Restaurant

Branded Merchandise and Apparel Is Extremely Popular with Customers

Charles Borden, digital marketing manager at Pomegranate Hospitality in New Orleans – which runs Safta 1964 by Chef Alon Shaya, Silan Mediterranean, and Miss River, among others – pointed out that restaurants and bars are often venues for memorable moments in people’s lives, which is one reason why people like a merch item or two as mementos. “They can be the place where you always meet your friends from out of town or the local fixture that’s part of the neighborhood culture,” he said. “When you wear a hat or t-shirt with a restaurant’s logo, it’s a way of saying, ‘This place is important to me’ or ‘This place is a part of my culture,’ and it invites conversation about what makes those memories special.”

Bale, of R House Wynwood, said it’s all about the connection customers have with their brand. “When our guests are proud to love R House, they want to show it off, and R House merch lets them carry a little piece of the experience with them,” he said. “Plus, it’s a stylish way to say, ‘I’m part of the R House family.’

For Bale and his customers, branded merch is a total win. “It helps build loyalty, promotes the brand outside our walls, and turns regulars into superfans,” he shared. “It’s not just about the extra revenue – it’s about extending R House memories beyond the table. Our guests love feeling connected to the space, even when they’re not here, and that’s invaluable.”

Rob Mobsby, director of digital at EverythingBranded, one of the largest promotional product distributors within the United States, said consumers love to communicate their hobbies, values, or beliefs through branded merchandise and apparel, and it goes far beyond its functionality. “This form of expressions allows people to display that they’re a part of a specific community or fanbase, and instantly connects them to those with similar interests,” he explained. “Also in today’s digital age, having a tangible way to interact with brands can feel more authentic and is a nice break from being served digital advertisements or promotions all the time.”

Mobsby added that merch at bars, restaurants, or hospitality businesses is a great way to keep engaging with customers far after they walk out the door.

View this article where it was published on Bar & Restaurant News