Custom Restaurant Uniforms: Rob Kang's Journey from Printer to Owner

Rob Kang's story starts where many entrepreneurial dreams begin: working for someone else while harboring bigger ambitions. As a former staff member at Tee Vision Printing, Rob spent his days surrounded by custom apparel and learned firsthand how powerful branded merchandise can be for any business. But his real passion was always cooking. Today, he's the proud owner of Owl Breakfast and Lunch, serving up breakfast platters and sandwiches to hungry Temple University students and faculty.

The transition from printing employee to restaurant owner wasn't just about switching industries. It was about Rob finally creating something that belonged to him, something that would let him serve his community in the most literal way possible.

Why Small Business Owners Like Rob Inspire Us

We've watched Rob's journey unfold, and it's been incredible to witness, not just as fellow business owners, but as friends who understood his drive to build something meaningful. Rob's dedication to his craft goes beyond just serving good food. He's creating a space where Temple students feel at home, where staff work as a unified team, and where every detail matters.

His commitment shows in everything from the menu to the custom restaurant uniforms his staff wears. This year alone, he's ordered screenprinted t-shirts several times, constantly refining his brand and making sure his team looks professional and cohesive. It's a testament to how the right apparel partner can support a growing business long after the first order ships.

The Real Challenge: Building a Restaurant Brand from Scratch

Starting a restaurant near a college campus comes with unique hurdles. You need to stand out among countless other food options, create an atmosphere students want to return to, and build a brand that resonates with young people. For Rob, the visual identity of Owl Breakfast became crucial to his success.

Finding a graphic designer for custom t-shirts and restaurant branding proved more complicated than expected. Local designers were either too expensive, took forever to respond, or just didn't understand the vibe he wanted to create. And once he had designs locked in, he still needed a reliable screen print shop to bring them to life consistently, not just once, but order after order.

Finding a Graphic Designer for Custom T-Shirts

Rob's breakthrough came when he connected with Jung, a graphic designer who immediately understood the vision for Owl Breakfast. Jung wasn't just another designer churning out generic logos. He took time to understand the restaurant's personality, its connection to Temple University, and Rob's desire to create something playful yet professional. The owl logo Jung created perfectly captures the restaurant's spirit. It's approachable, memorable, and works beautifully on everything from storefront signage to staff t-shirts. The tie-dye designs and color choices feel fresh and modern while maintaining that breakfast diner charm.

Overcoming Design Hurdles Together

Working with Jung wasn't without its challenges. Creating designs that translate well from digital screens to actual fabric requires specific expertise, something any experienced t-shirt printer will tell you matters more than most people realize. Colors look different on cotton than they do on computer monitors. Print sizes need adjustment based on shirt styles. Typography that looks great when large might become illegible when scaled down.

Rob and Jung went through multiple iterations, testing different color combinations and print placements. The result? Designs that pop whether they're on a white tie-dye shirt or classic black cotton. The tagline "Our Passion. Your Crave." perfectly encapsulates what Owl Breakfast represents.

Why Custom Restaurant Staff Uniforms Matter More Than You Think

Rob's insistence on quality custom restaurant uniforms isn't just about aesthetics. When your team wears matching, professional apparel, customers notice. It creates an immediate impression of organization and attention to detail. Staff members feel more like part of a team rather than just individual employees.

For Owl Breakfast's daily operations, Rob chose versatile pieces like the Bella + Canvas Unisex Jersey T-Shirt (3001C) for most staff members, appreciating its comfortable fit and excellent print quality. For management roles and special events, the team opts for the more formal Gildan DryBlend® Jersey Polo (8800), which maintains professionalism while still showcasing the distinctive Owl Breakfast branding.

The uniforms also serve as walking advertisements around Temple's campus. Students see Owl Breakfast shirts and immediately know where to grab their next meal. It's marketing that works 24/7 without any extra effort and it all starts with finding a reliable printer who can deliver consistent quality on every reorder.

Smart Tips for Finding Your Perfect Designer

Research Local Talent First. Start your search close to home. Local designers understand your market and can meet face-to-face when needed. Check out portfolios from recent design school graduates who might offer competitive rates while bringing fresh perspectives.

Look for Industry Experience. Designers who've worked with restaurants or food businesses before understand specific needs like menu design, signage requirements, and how logos need to work across different applications, from menus to screenprinted t-shirts and beyond.

Request Design Mockups Early. Before committing to a designer, ask for rough concepts. This helps you gauge whether they understand your vision and can execute it effectively.

Think About Production from Day One. A great design means nothing if it can't be printed well. Work with your designer and your printing partner together early on so you avoid costly revisions later. Whether you're working with a local shop or exploring online shirt printing options, make sure the design files are production-ready from the start.

The Repeat Order Strategy

Rob's approach to ordering custom shirts multiple times throughout the year serves several purposes. First, it allows him to refine designs based on customer and staff feedback. Second, it keeps uniforms looking fresh and professional rather than worn out. Third, seasonal variations keep the brand feeling current and engaging.

This strategy also helps with inventory management. Rather than ordering hundreds of shirts at once and hoping sizes work out, smaller frequent orders mean less waste and better fit for new team members. Having a trusted printing partner that offers rush orders, turnaround makes this approach possible without the stress of wondering whether your order will arrive on time.

Building Community Through Consistency

What makes Owl Breakfast special goes beyond great food or cool t-shirts. Rob has created a consistent brand experience that Temple students can rely on. From the moment they see staff in those distinctive uniforms to when they receive their food, everything feels cohesive and intentional.

The partnership between Rob and Jung demonstrates how finding the right graphic designer for custom t-shirts can transform a small business. It's not just about having a logo, it's about creating an identity that resonates with your community and having the right Philadelphia screen printing partner to produce it flawlessly every time.

Ready to Create Your Own Success Story?

Rob Kang's journey from Tee Vision employee to successful restaurant owner shows what's possible when passion meets purpose. His partnership with designer Jung proves that finding the right creative collaborator can elevate your entire brand. Whether you're launching a restaurant, retail shop, or any business that needs professional custom restaurant uniforms, the right custom apparel makes all the difference.

Ready to bring your vision to life? Visit our home page to explore our custom screen printing and apparel solutions. We understand what it takes to create uniforms that unite teams and build brands, let us help you make your mark, just like Rob did with Owl Breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a screen printing employee start their own business?

Absolutely. Rob Kang spent years working at Tee Vision Printing in Philadelphia before launching Owl Breakfast and Lunch near Temple University. The experience he gained understanding branding, custom apparel, and business operations gave him a strong foundation to build his own restaurant from the ground up.

Why do restaurants need custom staff uniforms?

Custom uniforms create a professional first impression, build team unity, and double as free marketing wherever your staff goes. Rob's Owl Breakfast team wears screenprinted t-shirts around Temple's campus, which keeps the brand visible to students 24/7 without any extra advertising spend.

How do I find a graphic designer for my restaurant branding?

Start local and look for designers with food industry experience who understand how logos need to work across signage, menus, and apparel. Rob connected with designer Jung, who nailed the Owl Breakfast identity by taking time to understand the restaurant's personality and its connection to the Temple University community before jumping into designs.

How often should I reorder custom shirts for my business?

Ordering multiple times throughout the year rather than one bulk order gives you the flexibility to refine designs based on feedback, replace worn-out uniforms, and accommodate new team members without wasting inventory. Rob reorders from his Philadelphia screen printing partner several times a year to keep his brand looking fresh and consistent.