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Chefs and restaurants selling branded merchandise and tableware is nothing new, but it's something that's really taken off during the coronavirus pandemic.
As restaurants have been forced to shutter, pivot and deal with business uncertainty, e-commerce has flourished. Many chefs and restaurants have taken the opportunity to create a side line in branded apparel, kitchen kit and tableware to help support staff and pay rent. It's also a great way for customers to connect with and to support their favourite restaurants.
Here's a taster of what's around, from the US to Spain, whether it's t-shirts and baseball caps, or knives and kitchenware. Take a look:
1. Save Restaurants Collection - US
This one-stop aggregates more than a dozen restaurants and restaurant groups, directing shoppers to restaurants' websites like the Contra Group, Mission Chinese Food, Roberta’s and Russ & Daughters to pick up t-shirts, hats, books and more.
Save Restaurants - Care of Chan
2. Swag it back - US
Branding agency Any Studios has a mixed collection of merchandise from various outlets available on Swag It Back.
3. Dante - US
The historical New York hangout has a selection of apparel to pick and choose between, from face masks to baseball caps and negroni t-shirts.
4. Canlis - US
The Campus Store has got you covered, from hoodies to cheer shorts, crew jackets and baseball caps. Take your pick.
5. Olmsted Trading Post - US
Greg Baxtrom has a small curated collection of fragrant candles on offer alongside a tote bag and baseball cap amidst a host of pantry goods.
6. The Meat Hook
Go the whole hog with Brooklyn's butcher shop. Pick up a new wardrobe with branded tanks and t-shirts accessorised with a tote and koozie.
7. Marcus Samuelsson - US
The Harlem chef has a cheerful array of merchandise for Red Rooster and Streetbird - caps, t-shirts, totes and even a CD.
8. Jon and Vinny's - US
Jon & Vinny's keep it classic with some vintage t-shirts plus some striking custom green and white Vans where the net proceeds will go directly to the staff members that have been furloughed or have had reduced hours.
9. Ato Boy - US
New year, new tableware? Check out these ceramics from the Grammercy hotspot, Ato Boy.
10. Ikoyi - UK
Jeremy Chan and team have pivoted and re-invented themselves from the outset to ride out the pandemic. They're keeping it real and minimalist with a tote and a t-shirt for sale.
11. St. JOHN - UK
The British institution has a selection of characteristically fun and iconic t-shirts and prints on offer at their online shop.
12. Lyle's
James Lowe's Shoreditch destination restaurant is offering its classic apron in blue and white.
13. Dishoom - UK
Dishoom is throwing down the beats with a compilation album including tracks from The Bombay Royale, Gabor Szabo, and The Savages in this unique bit of restaurant merchandise.
14. Honey and Co. - Traditional Lithuanian linen aprons
Honey & Co. has channelled its magic into kitchen and homeware, offering traditional linen aprons made in Lithuania by Linen Tales, as well as other coveted kitchenware like shakshuka pans and falafel scoops.
15. Clink - UK
The Clink, a London based charity and training restaurant for prisoners, is offering a simple white and blue tea towel as well as mugs and aprons for some feel-good shopping.
16. Disfrutar - Spain
Look and feel like a chef with Disfrutar's branded chef whites, or update your tableware with their gold-plated oyster shells or oak leaf spoons.
17. Mugaritz - Spain
Andoni Aduriz is getting creative with his inspired collection of restaurant merchandise from the basque favourite, Mugaritz.
18. Casa Zanoni - France
Italian born Simone Zanoni at Michelin-starred Le George at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, has a selection of branded utensils and apparel to choose from.
19. Alexandre Gauthier, La Grenouillère - France
Chef Alexandre Gauthier at La Grenouillère is also offering a stylish selection of knives and aprons in his online boutique.
20. Davide Oldani - Italy
Or, pick up Italian chef Davide Oldani's famous 'spork' as featured at his restaurant D'O in Cornaredo, near Milan created with Schonhuber Franchi and Knindustrie. It's part spoon, part fork, and available to buy online.
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