A cafe or small restaurant often has a handful of staff covering several jobs. The same person might make coffee and run plates in the same hour. The uniform needs to work for all of it and still match the feel of your place.
This page goes into detail for smaller food and drink venues. For the broader picture, see hospitality and tourism uniforms.
Start with the apron
For many cafes, the apron is the uniform. Staff wear their own black or plain clothes, and the branded apron pulls the look together. It is a simple place to start if you are branding staff for the first time.
Baristas usually want a bib apron with a chest pocket for a thermometer or pen. Floor staff often prefer a waist apron that leaves the upper body free. Put the logo on the bib or pocket, where it sits above the counter line and guests can see it.
Coffee and red wine both leave marks. Charcoal, navy, black and denim-look fabrics hide them much better than white or pale colours.
Tees and shirts for the floor
Casual cafes and bars often choose a plain tee with a small chest logo and a bigger print on the back. AS Colour tees are a common base, and DTF printing reproduces full-colour logos and fine detail on cotton.
Restaurants with table service may want a collared shirt or fitted polo instead. Biz Collection makes shirts and polos in a range of colours, in women's and men's fits.
In a dimly lit bar, black or charcoal is the usual pick. A single-colour or tonal logo looks sharp under low light without pulling attention away from the bar itself.
The kitchen
Chefs and cooks need jackets that handle heat and constant washing. JB's Wear has chef jackets, pants and aprons made for a working kitchen. A small embroidered logo on the chest is standard, and some kitchens add the chef's name underneath.
If your kitchen requires hair to be covered, branded caps or beanies keep the team matched. Check your food safety requirements for what is acceptable in your kitchen.
Food trucks, pop-ups and markets
Mobile venues and market stalls need gear that goes on fast and can be spotted from the back of a queue. A bright tee or cap with a clear logo helps. A large print on the back lets people find your stall again next week.
Selling your brand
Some cafes and bars sell branded tees, caps or tote bags at the counter. Regulars like wearing them, and your logo travels around town. Our promotional products range covers the items worth stocking.
Adding to your order as you grow
Small venues often add to their uniform order as staff come and go. Keep a note of your garment codes and logo placement, so new aprons match the ones already in use.
Most orders are completed within 10 business days. Get in touch or call 02 4228 3508 with your logo and staff list.