What’s driving the merch opportunity at restaurants?
Photos: El Poco Loco; P.F. Chang’s; Sonic

What’s driving the merch opportunity at restaurants?

P.F. Chang’s last week became the latest retailer to open an online retail store.

Included in PFCShop.com’s offerings are an Origami Crane Hoodie ($45), a Sushi Roll Bucket Hat ($30), Heat Activated Mug ($20), Three-Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set ($45) and 14-Inch Non-Stick Wok ($85). Select flagship locations, including in Las Vegas and Hawaii, will also sell the merchandise.

“We know that consumers are looking to connect with brands on a more experiential level, and we are launching PFCShop.com to meet that demand and integrate into their lifestyle in a new and meaningful way,” said Damola Adamolekun, CEO of P.F. Chang’s, in a statement.

Cracker Barrel, Waffle House, In-N-Out Burger, Margaritaville and Planet Hollywood are among food establishments that have long sold merchandise year-round inside locations as well as online. McDonald’s launched its first permanent online retail shop in 2019.

Others with year-round stores include Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, IHOP, Krispy Kreme. Taco Bell and White Castle. Many have holiday-themed shops, including Dunkin’, Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster, with many receiving social media buzz for their ugly Christmas sweaters. Arby’s is offering meat-scented wrapping paper this holiday season.

McDonald’s, KFC, Popeye’s, Wendy’s, Burger King and other fast-food chains have found success with limited-edition streetwear and other items, often in collaboration with celebrities. Tim Hortons just partnered with Justin Bieber on a limited-edition offering of donuts and co-branded merchandise, including a beanie, fanny pack and tote bag.

Culver’s and El Pollo Loco recently introduced their first limited-edition merchandise offerings.

Sonic earlier this year opened its first year-round online merchandise shop with a range of t-shirts tailored to local markets. Lori Abou Habib, Sonic’s chief marketing officer said in a statement, “We’ve seen incredible moments in which our guests have experienced life milestones both big and small, from weekend hangouts and driver’s license celebrations, to first dates and proposals, to weekly family nights. With these custom T-shirts, all Sonic guests can rep their local pride and encapsulate ‘THIS IS HOW WE SONIC’ in true style.”

BrainTrust

"It’s only natural that restaurants would explore opportunities to add transactions to existing traffic, and at the same time create walking billboards."

Jeff Sward

Founding Partner, Merchandising Metrics


"Whataburger is a cult in the South, and I will cop to owning a Fri-Yay Whataburger shirt, which I wear loud and proud!"

Jenn McMillen

Chief Accelerant at Incendio & Forbes Contributing Writer


"Because it is a heck of a lot easier to offer merch than train crews or hold them accountable."

Bob Phibbs

President/CEO, The Retail Doctor


Discussion Questions

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Why have retail merchandise offerings, whether year-round or limited-time, become such a possible tactic for fast-food chains and restaurants? Is the bigger benefit from these efforts commerce or marketing?

Poll

15 Comments
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Gene Detroyer
Noble Member
2 years ago

Really? I have never seen someone in McDonald’s, KFC, Popeye’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, IHOP, Krispy Kreme. Taco Bell, White Castle. Dunkin’, Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, Outback Steakhouse or Red Lobster apparel. Who is buying them? Who would even wear them? I hope someone is measuring the value of these endeavors because it sounds as if it is more trouble than its worth.

Maybe it is as simple as “McDonald’s did it, we better do it.”

james slifer
james slifer
Reply to  Gene Detroyer
2 years ago

Gene, in fast-fashion retailers such as Forever 21, Boxed Lunch, H&M, Zara, etc you can find t-shirts and accessories with Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and White Castle. Teens, tweens, and young adults are purchasing these brands, no different than if you see Coke, Corona, or Jeep t-shirts in the market.

Gene Detroyer
Noble Member
Reply to  james slifer
2 years ago

That could be, but I have never seen somebody with one.

Jeff Sward
Noble Member
2 years ago

People gotta eat. Sometimes several times a day. So it’s only natural that they would develop a relationship with favorite food and restaurant brands. And it’s only natural that restaurants would explore opportunities to add transactions to existing traffic, and at the same time create walking billboards. And sometimes it’s not even about wearing the garments. My In-N-Out Burger and Sriracha sauce t-shirts are fun reminders of Father’s Day or birthday gifts over the years.

Lisa Goller
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Restaurants and fast-food chains face fierce competition from food apps, meal kits and grocers’ prepared meals.

Now restaurants serve up merchandise to transform fans into walking billboards to keep their brands top-of-mind.

The commerce gains are negligible; this tactic is all about marketing mindshare.

Bob Phibbs
Trusted Member
2 years ago

Because it is a heck of a lot easier to offer merch than train crews or hold them accountable.

Mohamed Amer
Mohamed Amer
Active Member
2 years ago

It’s all about a sense of identity and belonging. To identify with a tribe, a lifestyle, and make a statement about who you are or want to be. Sometimes it’s as simple as having a souvenir marking a special event at a particular restaurant. Post COVID-19 lockdowns, people are celebrating life and pursuing some normality. Buying retail merchandise at a restaurant fills an emotional need. Have we reached peak merch opportunity at restaurants? Maybe, but I wouldn’t bet on it yet.

Scott Norris
Active Member
Reply to  Mohamed Amer
2 years ago

In the Before Times, getting a Starbucks mug or tumbler with the local artwork was my little “trophy” for a successful trip. The shelf by my coffee maker at home shows locations from Guangzhou to Copenhagen! Eagerly awaiting those opportunities to return.

Gwen Morrison
Gwen Morrison
Reply to  Scott Norris
2 years ago

Agreed. I have mine from all over South America!

Rich Kizer
Member
2 years ago

People are identity crazy. People will go to Florida for the winter and come back wearing a range of sweatshirts and t-shirts, all tailored to local markets and establishments where they have been. “Look how cool am!” And for businesses, those are great marketing endorsement messages! And even if you haven’t been there, you can probably buy the shirt on the internet! Then you’ll still be cool!

Camille P. Schuster, PhD.
Member
2 years ago

I have only noticed Margaritaville and Hard Rock t-shirts. If others see and notice the t-shirts then there is marketing value. If the t-shirts get purchased and not worn there is commercial value. With so many places now selling merchandise there should be a good test of whether the value is more commercial or marketing and whether the effort is profitable. Restaurants need to identify which consumers are interested in purchases and whether the effort would be profitable for them. The demand and profitability are likely to be different from one restaurant to another.

Jenn McMillen
Active Member
2 years ago

Whataburger is a cult in the South, and I will cop to owning a Fri-Yay Whataburger shirt, which I wear loud and proud! But I love Whataburger and wouldn’t wear it if I didn’t. In high school, I had a Coca-Cola rugby shirt that I wore constantly, but as I got older, I didn’t appreciate being an unpaid billboard.

Ryan Mathews
Trusted Member
2 years ago

I guess anything has the potential to be a “possible tactic,” but just because you can doesn’t mean you should. I’m not sure how large the market is for these merch offerings, but I am sure the potential varies drastically on a brand-to-brand basis. Put me in the camp that sees this as a marketing ploy.

Doug Garnett
Active Member
2 years ago

I’d be careful about trusting too much in the marketing from these efforts. If they don’t succeed on profit, then they shouldn’t be followed.

Rich Kizer
Member
2 years ago

There is a point well made in these comments, and it is that a sweatshirt or T-shirt will not sell a burger. True. But remember, it is all about branding, as in joining a club. If you see enough of them being worn, the bet is you will come to the point of trying them. There is no down side.