During a time where digital fatigue is real and competition for attention is fierce, multi-location restaurants are leaning back into more print. From personalized matchbooks to full new store opening kits, brands are leaning into tactile, memorable experiences that help them stand out in local markets and build long-term brand loyalty. 

The matchbook comeback: Small but mighty branding 

What started as a nostalgic nod to a previous era has turned into a full-blown trend. Restaurants in metropolitan cities like D.C. and New York are creating custom matchbooks that double as keepsakes and mini brand billboards. 

According to Eater DC, restaurants like Bar Spero, Bad Roman and Le Dive have embraced matchbooks not just for utility, but for aesthetic value and storytelling. These custom-designed pieces have become a must-grab item at the host stand and a low-cost way to spark organic social media engagement, especially when they’re tied to limited editions or seasonal themes. 

Whether it is a witty quote, custom illustration or campaign hashtag, matchbooks offer a physical takeaway that keeps your brand in your guest’s pocket. 

Beyond matchbooks: Print as a storytelling tool 

For multi-location restaurant groups, print offers consistency with room for local flavor. Think: 

• Coasters and cocktail napkins with rotating designs tied to location or theme 

• Printed loyalty punch cards with custom offers by region 

• Mini menus or postcards highlighting seasonal specials, chef stories or sustainability commitments 

Diners overwhelmingly still prefer physical menus over QR codes, and printed materials help reinforce your brand experience in ways that screens cannot.  

New location openings: Why a branded print kit matters 

A grand opening is more than a ribbon cutting.  It is a branding moment. Multi-location operators are now investing in store launch kits that include everything from promotional signage to influencer handouts. 

These kits often feature: 

• Exterior signage: Grand opening banners, sidewalk A-frames and window clings 

• Branded swag: Coasters, matchbooks, t-shirts or pins with the store’s opening date or logo 

• Soft opening invitations or press kits: Printed menus, personalized cards or branded tote bags for local media or influencers 

• Take-home flyers or coupons to drive return visits 

The goal? Create a consistent guest experience across markets while giving each location its own flavor. According to Treebird Branding, multi-location brands are finding that thoughtful, well-designed print elements help create cohesion across locations without sacrificing authenticity. 

Bringing print into your marketing stack 

Even as AI and digital personalization tools become more advanced, restaurants are finding that print adds a critical human layer to their outreach, especially when tied to digital channels. 

• Add QR codes to print items to bridge the gap between physical and digital (think loyalty sign-ups or event RSVPs) 

• Use a platform like dokshop to centralize marketing templates for each location, ensuring speed and consistency when launching a new restaurant 

This hybrid approach empowers marketing teams to move fast, maintain brand standards and personalize based on market needs. 

In a fast-paced, digital-first world, diners crave something real. By using print intentionally, from a beautiful menu to a clever matchbook, you give guests something to hold onto (literally and emotionally). For multi-location brands, it is one of the smartest ways to stay both consistent and memorable. 

From menus to matchbooks, we’ve got your restaurant covered. Contact us today.