The biggest misunderstanding restaurants have when considering signature drinkware...and other common fallacies.

“Is it worth it to go to all the effort for signature drinkware?"
The simple answer is “Absolutely!” (if it’s done correctly). When it is, it creates the “buzz factor,” which simply means when a signature drink is served in a special glass, the other guests take notice and want to know what it is. They ask your server, which in turn opens the door for your server to offer them the drink. Your servers need no special training, just the ability to make it sound as if your guest is missing out on something new and exciting that others are enjoying!

1. Signature glasses and ceramics cost more than existing, or stock, drinkware.

Conventional wisdom would lead you to believe it costs more to have signature drinkware created than it does to buy existing designs. But we’re not conventional. Because we have direct relationships with the factories in China, we eliminate two to three tiers of middlemen, and two to three tiers of mark-ups. Granted, in a few instances it may be true that buying stock costs less, but certainly not in the majority of cases.

2. It takes too long to have them made.

Time is relative: so it does depend on your concept of what “too long” is. Sure, proprietary pieces involve quality time designing, producing, and shipping, but our shortest turnaround time to date was only one month! Of course, the process could take up to six months, but there are ways it could be reduced. We’ve even modified existing glassware which has worked very well, and by using multiple manufacturing facilities and quicker shipping options we can turn large quantities around faster than you might expect.

3. Do I have to order a whole boat load?

No. You can acquire a test order for as little as a couple of thousand. And after you’ve receive your goods, we are so confident that you ‘re going to come back to us after the initial order, it’s possible we can continue to do lower runs. Once your signature glassware or ceramic piece is created, ordering repeat quantities becomes very reasonable. Click here to learn more.

4. Replacing broken drinkware must be a huge pain!

Believe it or not, you can have something that looks great AND is more durable than you’d think hand crafted, mouth-blown glassware would be. With years of experience, we know what works and what doesn’t. We can assure you we make the most durable item technically possible for the masterpiece we build for you. And because we’re not talking about your average machine made and molded drinkware, some consideration must be given to strength. So while you may be giving up a little in the way of durability, you’re gaining a tremendous amount in something that’s completely unique for your restaurant.

5. Can our logo stay on for the life of the a glass?

Definitely. When ceramic or glassware is made, there are certain things which can make or break the final product. From the firing process to the type of colored material used in glass, each step is a critical part of the production. We make sure the method we use includes re-firing the annealed glass or ceramic in a lower temperature oven (400° Celsius/750° F) to bake on a decal. If that is not done, the logo will not stay on for the life of the glass. When we do it, it’s a permanent fixture to the glass. We make sure it’s done correctly.

6. How unique could my drinkware be?

How many fish are there in the sea? Lots. And we have almost unlimited options to make your piece unique. We’ve successfully designed over 150 unique styles of martini glasses, each with their own individual statement. We work with you to create a design that reflects your restaurant’s style: with your stem, your swirl, and your base. So if your restaurant has it’s own distinct style, your drinkware will too. After all, that’s why you’re here.

7. Durability may not go hand-in-hand with beauty:

But that’s not a problem when the life of your give-away is limited. Machine-made glass, by nature of its one-piece design, is more durable. If your glass is multi-piece, and/or multi-color, mouth-blown, or hand-crafted, it’s time in use may be limited. The more exotic, or colorful a glass is, the more fragile it becomes. We have extensive experience knowing the right combination of effects to get the best of both for your client.

8. Heat treatment may or may not equate to tempered:

Most custom-made glass is not tempered. It is impossible due to the fact that the multi-color glass composition (in the same glass) is different than all clear glass composition. The melting of the colors or separate pieces inherently makes a glass more fragile. But with our experience we can assure you we make the most durable item that’s technically possible. And at the end of the day, when it’s finally in your customer’s hands, you want the quality of that promotional item to be a reflection of the quality of your product.

9. Breaking up is hard to do:

As you know, all glasses break. Period. Some sooner, some later. So unless glasses are made from borosilicate sand, are machine-constructed in one piece, or are tempered, you’ll never have the quality that keeps them from breaking in day-to-day use. That’s why we also create items in metal, ceramic and plastic. Our clients love what we do for them because we know what works.


Contact us today so we can help you with your signature drinkware.