By: Olivia Mendez, Owner of Bubble Bloom Café – Austin, TX
When I opened my café three years ago, I thought custom packaging was something only big chains could afford. I was more focused on making good drinks and paying rent. So we started with plain cups and a Sharpie.
Fast forward to today, and I can honestly say that custom plastic cups have done more for my brand than any paid ad. They're affordable, eye-catching, and surprisingly effective at getting our name out there—every single day.
Let me share what I’ve learned, what worked, and why I’ll never go back to blank cups again.
First, Let’s Talk Visibility
I never thought people would take photos of our cups. But once we started using clear plastic cups with our logo printed in white ink, customers started snapping pics of their matcha boba, strawberry milk, and cold brew… and tagging us.
Even better? Those photos looked branded. When your cup is in someone’s hand at the gym, in their car, or on their desk at work—it’s free exposure.
We saw a direct spike in Instagram followers and walk-ins the week we launched our new cup design. It was instant.
Then There’s the Psychology
Before we had custom cups, people would throw them away without a second glance.
Now, they pause. They read the slogan (“Sip Slow, Stay Bright”) and ask where the café is located. I’ve even had people keep the cup and reuse it.
It made our brand feel intentional and memorable, not just convenient.
Small Investment, Big Returns
Here’s the part most restaurant owners don’t realize:
Custom plastic cups are affordable.
We started with just 1,000 16 oz clear PET cups. Full-color logo on one side. We didn’t need a huge order or fancy equipment. It cost us less than one social media campaign, but we saw more return on customer engagement.
If you're worried about price—don’t be. Start small. Even 500 cups make a difference.
Tips I’d Give to Another Restaurant Owner:
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Keep your logo bold and readable. On clear cups, simple white or black ink pops best.
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Add a hashtag or QR code. Make it easy for people to engage online.
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Use uniform branding across sizes. Whether it's a 12 oz kids’ drink or 24 oz iced latte, consistency matters.
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Try seasonal prints. We did a holiday cup in red ink last year, and it became a collector’s item!
Bonus: Eco Options Are Available
We’ve since switched to recyclable clear PET cups and added compostable straws. Our customers noticed and appreciated it—especially younger diners and environmentally conscious families.
Sustainable branding is a huge plus in today’s market. You can stay stylish and responsible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to grow your restaurant, café, or food stall, don’t overlook the power of what your drinks come in.
A cup is not just a cup—it’s a mini billboard, a photo prop, a customer touchpoint. It travels. It speaks. It sticks in people’s memory.
Investing in custom printed plastic cups helped us stand out, build loyalty, and grow our community—without spending thousands on advertising.
So to anyone still serving great drinks in blank cups: it’s time to level up. Your brand deserves to be seen.
Ready to print your own custom cups?
From 12 oz to 24 oz, clear or colored, we offer full-service design support and low minimums—perfect for cafés, bubble tea shops, juice bars, and restaurants.
Let your cup start the conversation.
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