Custom printed T-shirts are more than just uniforms—they’re an extension of your restaurant’s brand, a way to create unity among staff, and a form of mobile marketing. To explore how restaurants are using custom T-shirts to enhance their business, we sat down with three restaurant owners who’ve made T-shirts a core part of their branding strategy. Here’s what they had to say.
Interview 1: Lisa Chen – Owner of “Café Amore,” a Trendy Neighborhood Spot
Q: Why did you decide to invest in custom T-shirts for your staff?
Lisa: For us, it was about creating a sense of identity. Café Amore has always been about community and comfort, and I wanted our staff to feel like they were part of that story. The T-shirts are simple but stylish—they feature our café’s logo in a subtle, hand-drawn style that reflects our laid-back vibe. I also wanted the T-shirts to be something our staff would be proud to wear outside of work, not just a uniform they felt obligated to put on.
Q: How have the T-shirts impacted your branding and customer experience?
Lisa: They’ve definitely made an impact. Customers comment on how professional yet approachable our staff looks in the T-shirts. It’s a small thing, but it reinforces our brand message of being welcoming and warm. The fact that our staff enjoys wearing them has also contributed to a more unified team atmosphere. Plus, customers have started asking if they can buy them, so we’re now thinking of selling them as merchandise!
Interview 2: Mark Thompson – Co-Owner of “Burger Haven,” a Fast-Casual Burger Joint
Q: What was your motivation behind designing custom T-shirts for your restaurant?
Mark: Branding is a big deal in the fast-casual world. You have to stand out, and custom T-shirts are a great way to do that. At Burger Haven, we wanted something that matched our fun, energetic atmosphere. Our T-shirts are bold—we went with bright colors and our signature logo smack in the center. The design is simple but recognizable. We even added a tagline on the back, “Burgers Done Right,” which has become part of our identity.
Q: Have you noticed any changes in customer engagement since introducing the T-shirts?
Mark: Absolutely. Customers love the design and often compliment the staff on the shirts. We’ve also seen an increase in social media engagement. People snap photos of their meals, but they also tag us in photos where the staff’s shirts are visible. It’s like free advertising. The shirts have really helped reinforce our brand, and customers now associate that bright, playful energy with our food.
Interview 3: Sarah Jones – Owner of “The Green Leaf,” a Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Q: What role do your custom T-shirts play in the branding of The Green Leaf?
Sarah: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at The Green Leaf, and I wanted that reflected in every aspect of our business, including our uniforms. Our T-shirts are made from organic cotton and printed with eco-friendly inks, which aligns with our commitment to sustainability. The design is minimalist, featuring our logo and a small message about our farm-to-table philosophy. It’s a subtle but effective way to communicate our values.
Q: How do your customers respond to the custom T-shirts?
Sarah: They love them! Many customers have commented on how the shirts reflect the ethos of our restaurant, and some even ask if we sell them. We’ve noticed that the shirts start conversations, which is exactly what we want. It gives our staff an opportunity to talk about the importance of sustainability and how it influences our menu. It’s amazing how a simple T-shirt can open the door to those deeper conversations with customers.
Why Custom T-Shirts Are a Must for Restaurants
From boosting brand identity to fostering team unity and sparking customer engagement, custom printed T-shirts have proven to be a valuable asset for these restaurant owners. Whether it’s a bold design that attracts attention or a minimalist approach that aligns with a restaurant’s values, custom T-shirts can serve as a powerful marketing tool—both inside and outside the restaurant.
If you’re considering investing in custom printed T-shirts for your restaurant, take a cue from these owners: create something that not only looks great but also tells your brand’s story. It’s a simple yet effective way to make a lasting impression on both your staff and your customers.
