Tote bags may seem like a simple item—just canvas and handles—but for many restaurants, they’ve become a powerful tool for marketing, merchandise, and community engagement.
We interviewed three restaurant owners who embraced custom printed tote bags not just as swag, but as strategic branding assets. Their stories offer valuable lessons for anyone considering adding totes to their restaurant’s promotional mix.
Interview 1: “The Tote Bag Became Our Takeout Billboard”
Restaurant: Golden Noodle House – San Francisco, CA
Interviewee: Brandon Liu, Co-owner
Use Case: Branded takeout bags for large orders
Q: Why did you start using custom tote bags?
We were tired of giving out plastic or plain brown paper bags. For our big takeout family meals, we wanted something that felt premium. So we printed reusable canvas totes with our dragon logo and a Chinese proverb on the back. Customers loved it.
Q: What kind of results did you see?
People reused the bag everywhere. We started seeing our logo at parks, grocery stores, even the farmers’ market. It felt like free advertising. Some customers came back asking if they could buy another one!
Key Takeaway:
Reusable tote bags can double as eco-friendly packaging and walking marketing tools. They reinforce your brand beyond the transaction.
Interview 2: “It’s the Best Merch Item We’ve Ever Sold”
Restaurant: The Buttered Biscuit – Asheville, NC
Interviewee: Katie Simmons, Owner
Use Case: Branded merchandise and gifts
Q: Why did you choose tote bags for your restaurant merch?
We tried T-shirts and mugs, but nothing moved like the totes. People loved the idea of a functional, cute bag that also showed off their favorite brunch spot. We made a design with our biscuit mascot and a quote that says, "Butter makes it better."
Q: How did you promote them?
We displayed them near the host stand and offered $2 off if customers brought the tote back for a to-go order. That created repeat traffic and loyalty.
Key Takeaway:
Tote bags are not only profitable merch—they’re community-builders. A great design turns customers into brand advocates.
Interview 3: “It Helped Us Stand Out at Our Pop-Up Events”
Restaurant: Yalla Vegan Grill – Austin, TX
Interviewee: Sana Al-Masri, Marketing Manager
Use Case: Free giveaways at events and food festivals
Q: What made you invest in custom tote bags for pop-ups?
At food festivals, everyone hands out menus or business cards. We wanted to offer something useful. We printed totes that said “Falafel. Family. Freedom.” with a bold typeface and our website.
Q: What did people do with the bags?
They used them to carry everything else they got at the festival! Our logo was on display all day. Plus, we tucked a coupon inside the bag. 15% of those coupons came back.
Key Takeaway:
Tote bags offer instant utility at events and leave a lasting impression—especially when combined with coupons or QR codes inside.
Common Themes Across All Interviews
✅ People Love Useful, Well-Designed Items
Tote bags are kept, reused, and shown off—not thrown away.
✅ Low Cost, High Return
Compared to digital ads or print flyers, tote bags give long-term brand exposure with a one-time cost.
✅ They Reinforce Sustainability Values
Customers notice when your restaurant uses eco-friendly packaging and reusables. It aligns with today’s consumer values.
✅ Design Matters
Each interviewee emphasized having a clean, branded, and clever design that people want to carry.
Final Thoughts
Custom printed tote bags aren’t just extras—they’re brand extensions. They travel, they speak, and they stick around. Whether you're running a family-style restaurant, an edgy café, or a fast-casual pop-up, a well-designed tote bag can connect with your audience in a lasting and tangible way.
Need help printing your own restaurant tote bags?
We offer custom canvas tote printing with low minimums, full-color designs, and eco-friendly options—perfect for takeout, merch, or giveaways.
Let your customers carry more than just food—let them carry your brand.
Would you like to turn this into a video testimonial or an Instagram carousel featuring real quotes? I’d be happy to help!
