Has the restaurant T-shirt replaced the concert T-shirt as a must-have item? Fast-food fans these days have plenty of buzzworthy apparel, drinkware and other merch available to satisfy their cravings.
1. Wendy’s Baconator Gift Bag
Wendy’s was an early adopter of the brand shop, establishing its merch site in 2018. The site offers everything from baby onesies to lapel pins to drinkware – plus gift bags to wrap them in. Pair the 8.5” x 11” Baconator gift bag with Wendy’s tissue paper (10 sheets per pack) to present Wendy’s-themed items like:
Frosty-flavored lip moisturizer in classic chocolate, as well as vanilla and peppermint – and a fourth option for maple French toast sticks.
The Dip Trip Sauce Holder clips onto a vehicle’s air vent and holds most standard sauce cups, or packets can be squeezed directly into the ramekin. No word on whether the company approves of pouring in a little bit of your Frosty to dip your hot fries (IYKYK).
2. Raising Cane’s Glossy & Saucy Nail Polish
Louisiana-born chicken finger chain Raising Cane’s capitalizes on the cult following of its super-secret Cane’s Sauce with multiple merch options, from this Glossy & Saucy Nail Polish to lip balm and soap (both plain, not sauce-flavored or scented) and even a “dipped” cellphone case or shower curtain. The tangy condiment was voted “most craveable” in a 2021 consumer poll, with a whopping 20-point lead over second place. In November 2022, Cane’s also collaborated with Anti Social Social Club for a limited-edition streetwear line including bandannas, hoodies and more.
3. Whataburger Fry Slippers
Any native Texan recognizes the iconic orange and white stripes of Whataburger, but as the chain has spread across the South and beyond, the company has also made the most of its fiercely loyal following with an extensive merch shop. Products range from the practical (tees and hoodies) to the whimsical (silver charms and customized versions of the chain’s famous table tents). For example, you can keep your tootsies toasty with these plush Fry Slippers, with fuzzy “fries” bursting out of the suede velvet slip-ons.
4. Del Toro Benihana Velvet Slippers
For something decidedly more upscale, luxury Italian footwear brand Del Toro has partnered with Japanese steakhouse Benihana for its handmade Benihana Velvet Slippers, available in both men’s and women’s sizes and a choice of two patterns embroidered in red on black – the restaurant’s iconic hat logo or flower bouquets. Complete the look with a matching embroidered baseball cap (white). A portion of the proceeds from sales of the Benihana collection will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
5. Taco Bell x Tipsy Elves Hot Sauce Packet Onesie
The first Taco Bell x Tipsy Elves Hot Sauce Packet Onesie (adult sizes) Taco Bell offered in its merch shop sold out within 24 hours. This cozy addition to the collection, which includes plenty of apparel and other product options celebrating their sauce packets – from socks and swimsuits to luggage to notebooks and pencils – drew more than 1 million visitors to the shop site within days, earning it a permanent spot in the shop.
6. Chipotle Custom Order Tee
Wearing merch from your favorite brand is all about identity and sharing your enthusiasm – and you are what you eat, as the old saying goes – so why not make it official and declare your burrito order to the world? Design your own Chipotle custom order tee (short- or long-sleeve) or tote bag with your favorite ingredients in black print on white fabric. The canvas totes and unisex slim-fit tees are made of GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton.
7. Hot Pockets Cargo Shorts and Hoodie
Just before Christmas 2022, Hot Pockets released an exclusive Hot Pockets Cargo Shorts and Hoodie giveaway that quickly “sold out” after creating major social media buzz. The kit included both garments, plus a coupon for a free two-pack of Hot Pockets, and the shorts featured two literal hot pockets – insulated pouches designed to carry the eponymous snack in cozy comfort until ready to eat.
