Start with Coffee Shops and Restaurants to Create a Strong Brand

What do coffee shops or restaurants need in promotional apparel? 
Coffee shops and restaurants share the same need in promotional apparel and that is to promote their brand throughout their venue.  What I mean by promoting their brand includes the garments that their crew members are wearing.  A simple decorated polo and apron is a great start for servers or barista’s, however distributors should also ask about the rest of the team members and their role in promoting the brand.  For example, when outfitting a restaurant remember to inquire about all the team members (i.e., head chef and kitchen staff), their roles and what they require from branded or decorated apparel. 

If the coffee shop has a drive through window, you may want to suggest a decorated fleece vest to keep the associates warm in the cold months.  You’ll be surprised at the additional needs for the crew members that are not seen by the patrons. 

Lastly, ask the owner what they are wearing to promote their brand.  They may only need a limited number of branded garments that includes a dress shirt, neckwear and perhaps a sweater, however, they set the tone for their entire brand and it lets their entire team know that they care about every aspect of their business.

What advice would you give a distributor selling ad specialties to coffee shop/restaurant clients? 

Distributors who sell ad specialties to coffee shop and restaurant clients have an established relationship with the owner if they are already providing them branded hard goods.  Why not ask for their apparel business as well.