Overview
Our hospitality industry is hit hard every time we enter another lockdown, but there are a few ways that you can show your support. As well as splashing out on contactless delivery and pickup, you can grab yourself some sweet merch and look the part. Whether you're after a simple logo-emblazoned tee, tote bag or Japanese-style handkerchief, these ten establishments will sort you right in the merch department. Eat good, look good.
OCKHEE
The tees from this Ponsonby Korean restaurant are as mouthwatering as the braised bosaam pork. The drop of regular cut tees might currently be unavailable, but you can still pick up one of the long-sleeve numbers in tan featuring the restaurant's soul diva logo on the back. Hopefully the lighters make a comeback, too.
BABY G BURGER
This pop-up is best-known for its square-shooting smash burgers — which fly off the grill in record time. Baby G's $10 cheeseburgers are a must have, as are the signature staff t-shirts which come in both black and white. Cop one while you can.
FEDERAL DELICATESSEN
Al Brown certainly knows the value of pumping out decent merch. Habanero mustard, olive oil and coffee beans all come marked with the chef's name. Coffee mugs are the signature item at his New York-style diner, Federal Delicatessen, but are currently only available in store. There's still plenty to choose from, including tees and the chef's line of books.
KOKAKO COFFEE
Whether you're after a coffee bean sack doorstop, compostable dish cloth or insulated beverage mug, Kōkako has you sorted. Hot picks from the coffee roaster's line of merch include the 'Blooming' Good' coffee flowers tote bag with reusable cup holder and the Collective Canvas sneaker collab.
BURGER BURGER
This reliable burger joint started its own general store last lockdown. As well as all the bits and pieces to make your own beef and bun creations at home, the shop is hawking one-size-fits-all caps with a flipping massive Burger Burger logo. Protect yourself from the sun and look like you work at one of the six locations.
SNEAKY SNACKY
You're going to have to wait until Auckland shifts down an alert level before getting your hands on one of Sneaky Snacky's signature staff tees. Show your love for Karangahape Road's much-loved doughnut burger joint with one of the 'Original Glaze' tees — just try not to soil the crisp white number with some of that burger juice.
EVERYBODY EATS
Food rescue organisation Everybody Eats has been feeding bellies instead of bins since June 2017. You can support the not-for-profit dining concept by volunteering, chowing down on a pay-as-you-feel three-course meal, or donning one of the very stylish Everybody Eats aprons at home or on the street. One size fits all.
COFFEE SUPREME
Coffee Supreme is another coffee roaster going all out in the merch department. Yes, you can pick up a coffee mug, but why not treat yourself to a Japanese tenugui handkerchief, themed rugby jersey or pair of barista socks? You'll probably need the heavy duty market bag to help carry all of your new goodies, too.
PEACH'S HOT CHICKEN
Panmure fried chicken joint Peach's is another spot slinging killer tees — handy if you happen to sweat through your first option after downing the fiery Nashville-style hot chook. If you're tackling the 'Holy Cluck' level spice, which is touted as something of a religious experience, then why not spread the gospel post-meal with a souvenir t-shirt?
HELLO BEASTY
The signature 'Beasty cat' mascot finds itself on all of the merch from this popular Asian fusion restaurant. Pick up one of the stunning unisex black or pink tees, or make a subtle nod to the restaurant with the logo cap or pin. The merch is produced in limited runs — get in quick.