In today’s competitive food service landscape, sandwich shops are more than just places to grab a bite—they’re community hubs, lifestyle brands, and social media moments waiting to happen. Whether you’re a neighborhood deli, a fast-casual chain, or a gourmet sub shop, custom merchandise can help you stand out, deepen customer loyalty, and generate additional revenue.
This guide presents 25 top-performing custom merchandise items for sandwich shops, organized into five strategic categories: apparel and accessories, food packaging and takeout gear, in-store and retail items, lifestyle and reusable products, and promotional giveaways. Each item is selected for its branding potential, customer appeal, and operational value.
Apparel and Accessories
1. Branded T-Shirts – Soft cotton or tri-blend shirts with your logo, slogan, or sandwich-themed artwork. Offer in multiple sizes and colors. Ideal for staff uniforms, retail sales, or giveaways. T-shirts are wearable billboards—every time a customer wears one, your brand gets exposure.
2. Embroidered Hats or Beanies – Includes dad caps, trucker hats, or knit beanies with stitched logos. These are perfect for kitchen staff and front-of-house employees, and they double as retail merchandise for fans of your shop.
3. Aprons with Logo Patch – Functional and stylish. Aprons can be part of your staff uniform or sold to home chefs and sandwich lovers. Choose durable fabrics and bold branding for maximum impact.
4. Custom Socks with Sandwich Icons – Fun and quirky. Include subs, hoagies, or deli meats in the design. Socks are trending in merch sales and make great social media content when styled creatively.
5. Bandanas or Headwraps – Useful for kitchen staff and trendy for customers. Print with sandwich patterns or slogans like “Stacked & Toasted.” These are low-cost, high-visibility items that work well in warm kitchens or outdoor events.
Food Packaging and Takeout Gear
6. Custom Sandwich Wrapping Paper – Grease-resistant and brandable. Includes logo, tagline, or repeating pattern. Reinforces brand identity with every order and enhances the customer’s unboxing experience.
7. Branded Takeout Bags – Kraft paper or reusable fabric bags with bold logos. Used for delivery, catering, and walk-ins. These bags travel far and wide, turning every customer into a walking advertisement.
8. Custom Deli Paper Liners – Used for baskets, trays, and dine-in service. Adds a professional touch and visual consistency. Include QR codes or social handles for added engagement.
9. Reusable Sandwich Bags – Eco-friendly silicone or fabric pouches. Sell as merch or include in loyalty bundles. These align with sustainability goals and appeal to eco-conscious customers.
10. Drink Carriers with Logo – Cardboard or molded pulp carriers for combos and catering. Include QR codes, slogans, or seasonal artwork. These are especially useful for large orders and help reinforce your brand during delivery.
In-Store and Retail Items
11. Branded Coffee Mugs – Ceramic or travel mugs with your shop’s name and a sandwich pun. Used in-store or sold as gifts. Mugs are a staple in retail displays and offer daily brand exposure.
12. Custom Magnets – Shaped like sandwiches or featuring your logo. Great for fridges, lockers, and impulse buys. Magnets are inexpensive and perfect for bundling with gift cards or kids’ meals.
13. Sticker Packs – Includes sandwich-themed designs, slogans, and mascots. Used for packaging, giveaways, or retail. Stickers are popular with younger customers and ideal for social media campaigns.
14. Gift Cards with Custom Sleeves – Branded cards with themed holders. Ideal for holidays, birthdays, and loyalty rewards. Gift cards drive repeat visits and expand your customer base.
15. Mini Sandwich Plush Toys – Fun and collectible. Used in kids’ meals, retail displays, or social media giveaways. These add personality to your brand and encourage family engagement.
Lifestyle and Reusable Products
16. Reusable Water Bottles – Stainless steel or BPA-free plastic with your logo. Used in wellness campaigns and merch bundles. Water bottles are practical and align with health-conscious branding.
17. Insulated Lunch Totes – Branded cooler bags for sandwiches on the go. Used in catering or sold as merch. These are ideal for office workers and students who pack lunch daily.
18. Custom Notebooks or Recipe Journals – Includes sandwich illustrations or prompts like “My Dream Sub.” Sold in-store or online. These are great for foodies and aspiring chefs.
19. Phone Grips or PopSockets – Printed with your logo or sandwich art. Popular with younger customers and ideal for influencer kits or giveaways.
20. Canvas Totes with Food Puns – “Lettuce Eat,” “Grilled to Perfection,” or “Sub Culture.” Used for groceries, books, or merch. Totes are reusable, stylish, and perfect for brand storytelling.
Promotional Giveaways
21. Keychains with Mini Sandwich Charms – Fun and collectible. Used in loyalty programs or giveaways. These are great for impulse purchases and add a playful touch to your brand.
22. Scratch-Off Loyalty Cards – Custom printed with rewards, discounts, or freebies. Drives repeat visits and adds excitement to the customer experience.
23. Branded Buttons or Pins – Includes slogans like “Team Mayo” or “Extra Pickles.” Used in staff uniforms or customer giveaways. Pins are low-cost and high-impact for brand visibility.
24. Custom Air Fresheners – Shaped like sandwiches with scents like “Fresh Bread” or “Italian Herbs.” Quirky and memorable. These are perfect for car-based promotions or delivery kits.
25. Social Media Photo Props – Branded cardboard cutouts or signs for in-store selfies. Includes hashtags and QR codes. These drive user-generated content and increase online engagement.
How to Use Merchandise Strategically
To maximize the impact of your merchandise program, consider these implementation tips:
- Bundle items – Create themed kits (e.g., “Lunch Lover Pack” or “Sub Squad Bundle”) to increase perceived value.
- Rotate seasonally – Introduce new designs for summer picnics, fall tailgates, or winter holidays.
- Use signage and storytelling – Explain the origin of your merchandise, especially if it’s locally made or sustainably sourced.
- Train staff to upsell – Equip your team with talking points and incentives to promote merchandise during checkout.
- Leverage social media – Encourage customers to post photos with your merch using branded hashtags.
Why Merchandise Works for Sandwich Shops
Custom merchandise isn’t just about revenue—it’s about connection. When customers wear your shirt, carry your tote, or sip from your mug, they’re expressing loyalty and sharing your story. Merchandise builds emotional engagement, turns customers into ambassadors, and keeps your brand top-of-mind. It also:
- Extends your brand beyond the shop – Merchandise travels into homes, offices, and public spaces.
- Creates new revenue streams – Retail items can boost margins and diversify income.
- Reinforces your identity – Every item tells a story about your values, style, and personality.
- Supports marketing campaigns – Use merch in giveaways, influencer kits, or seasonal promotions.
Final Thoughts
Sandwich shops thrive on personality, community, and repeat business. Custom merchandise helps you amplify all three. Whether you’re launching a new location, refreshing your brand, or building a loyalty program, these 25 items offer a flexible, high-impact way to grow your visibility and deepen customer relationships.
Start with the essentials: branded apparel, takeout packaging, and reusable totes. Then expand into lifestyle items, seasonal kits, and social media-ready giveaways. With thoughtful design and strategic placement, your merchandise can become a signature part of your sandwich shop’s success.
References
- ReusablePromos.com. (2025). 25 Best Custom Merchandise Items for a Sandwich Shop. https://www.reusablepromos.com/blog/25-best-custom-merchandise-items-for-a-sandwich-shop/
- Crestline. (2025). Custom Wholesale Gift Shop Items & Merchandise Ideas. https://crestline.com/c/gift-shop-merchandise
- RushKing Promotions. (2025). Custom Branded Food Industry Products Swag Online. https://rushking.com/collections/food-industry-products
- Customizable.com. (2025). Custom Sandwich Bags | Personalized Packaging. https://customizable.com/sandwich-bags
- Perfect Imprints. (2025). Top 50 Promotional Products & Trends for 2025. https://perfectimprints.com/blog/promotional-product-trends-2025