Custom t-shirts are one of the most practical branding investments a New Jersey restaurant can make. Whether you run a casual beachside spot in Asbury Park, a family diner in Freehold, or a fast-casual restaurant in Red Bank, branded staff uniforms create a professional appearance that customers notice and trust.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about ordering custom t-shirts for your restaurant — from choosing the right printing method to getting the design right the first time.
Why Custom T-Shirts Matter for NJ Restaurants
In the competitive New Jersey restaurant market, first impressions matter. A uniformed staff signals professionalism and organization. It also makes it easy for customers to identify who works at your restaurant — reducing confusion and improving the overall dining experience.
Beyond the dining room, branded staff shirts serve as walking advertisements. When your team wears your logo outside the restaurant, they create brand impressions in the community — at the grocery store, at local events, and on social media.
Step 1: Choose Your Printing Method
The right printing method depends on your order size and design complexity:
- Screen Printing: Best for orders of 12 or more shirts with simple, bold logos. Cost-effective for large quantities and produces durable, long-lasting prints.
- DTF Printing (Direct-to-Film): Best for small orders (1–11 shirts) or designs with many colors and fine details. No minimum order required.
- Embroidery: Best for polo shirts, hats, and aprons where a premium, professional look is required.
For most NJ restaurants, we recommend screen printing for staff t-shirts (12+ pieces) and embroidery for manager polo shirts and hats.
Step 2: Design Your Restaurant Uniform
Your uniform design should reflect your restaurant’s brand identity. Key design considerations include:
- Logo placement: Left chest is the most common placement for restaurant logos. Full back prints work well for casual dining and food trucks.
- Color selection: Choose shirt colors that complement your restaurant’s color scheme. Dark shirts hide stains better in kitchen environments.
- Font and text: Keep text minimal. Your logo and restaurant name are usually sufficient — avoid cluttering the design.
- Garment type: For front-of-house staff, fitted t-shirts or polo shirts work well. For kitchen staff, consider darker colors and more durable fabrics.
At M&M Graphic Designs, our in-house design team creates custom mockups for your approval at no extra charge with qualifying orders.
Step 3: Choose Your Garments
Not all t-shirts are created equal. For restaurant environments, we recommend:
- 100% cotton shirts: Breathable and comfortable for long shifts
- 50/50 cotton-polyester blends: More durable and wrinkle-resistant
- Moisture-wicking performance shirts: Ideal for kitchen staff and outdoor dining environments
We carry a wide range of garment brands and styles. Contact us to discuss the best options for your specific needs and budget.
Step 4: Place Your Order
When placing your order, have the following information ready:
- Your logo file (vector format preferred: .ai, .eps, or high-resolution .png)
- Quantity and size breakdown (S, M, L, XL, etc.)
- Preferred shirt color(s)
- Printing method preference
- Your deadline
If you don’t have a logo, our design team can create one for you.
Pricing Guide for NJ Restaurant Uniforms
Pricing varies based on method, quantity, and garment type. As a general guide:
- Screen printed t-shirts (12 pieces, 1 color): starting around $12–18 per shirt
- DTF printed t-shirts (small orders): starting around $20–30 per shirt
- Embroidered polo shirts: starting around $25–40 per shirt
Contact us for a free, accurate quote based on your specific order.
Order Custom Restaurant T-Shirts in New Jersey
M&M Graphic Designs is located in Long Branch, NJ and serves restaurants throughout Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore region. We offer fast turnaround, in-house design services, and competitive pricing for all order sizes.
Phone: (732) 567-9316
Address: 559 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Website: mmgraphicsdesigns.com
Contact us today to get started on your restaurant uniform order.