How Restaurants, Bars, and Cafés are Boosting Brand Awareness and Revenue in 2025
In our socially-dependent world where dining experiences extend beyond the plate, patrons crave not only a great meal, but an immersive connection with the brands they love. This is why restaurants have been implementing a game-changing strategy which is proven to build connection with their customers, boost loyalty, and significantly increase revenue.
The strategy is simple, connect with your customer through branded product.
This is often an overlooked avenue for restaurants, but you should not underestimate the benefits that it brings. Selling branded merchandise isn't just a new, diversified revenue stream; it's a dynamic and transformative tool that can redefine your restaurant's identity in the eyes of your customer.
To explain further, we’ve broken things down into dissectible sections outlining the top 3 benefits that restaurants are seeing from this strategy in 2025:
1. Cultivates Brand Loyalty
Branded merchandise allows your restaurant to evolve into a lifestyle brand. When customers incorporate your logo into their daily lives, whether it's on a mug at breakfast or a t-shirt at the supermarket, your brand becomes an integral part of their lifestyle. This deeper connection made through tangible product contributes to a long-term brand loyalty that restaurant owners are noticing. This also means they’re walking advertisements for your brand, which leads us to our next benefit.
2. Introduction to New Clientele
One problem all restaurants face is the difficulty to obtain new clientele. Getting them in the door for the first time is the toughest part, but why? Did you know that on average, customers need to see or hear about your brand seven times before they’ll become a first time customer?
There are several ways to attract new customers, but of those, the proven most effective is ‘word of mouth’. By offering branded apparel, headwear and tumblers you’re opening up countless opportunities for your customer to boast to the entire community about your atmosphere, friendly staff and great food. Your brand will be SEEN, and in turn, naturally start to build trust with your future customers.
3. Diversified Revenue Stream
It’s no secret that you can make a significant amount of additional revenue by implementing a merchandise shelf, but how much are we talking? From our experience, it starts with about 40% margins and increases as the investment rises. The more you spend up front, the higher the margins, however, it’s smart to start small if you’re unsure.
Although this additional profit is significant, you’ll notice it’s not #1 on this list for a reason. The loyalty and marketing aspects are proving to be the most beneficial to restaurants.
Want to Learn More?
We created an entire merchandise playbook specifically for restaurants, cafe’s and bars which outlines the exact strategy for starting your first successful merchandise program.
The playbook includes:
- How to understand your customers, their interests and budget
- Defining your brand
- The importance of a great design
- Selecting the right products
- Strategic placement
- Training your employees to engage with customers and sell products
- Pricing Strategies