Restaurant Matchbooks Make a Comeback, Becoming More Than Just a Fad
In an era where dining out is often about Instagram-worthy moments and trendy foodie spots, it's heartening to see restaurants revisiting the classic practice of handing out matchbooks. These small, yet meaningful tokens have become more than just a nostalgic nod to the past; they're also a symbol of connection and sentimentality.
For some, collecting matchbooks has become an intimate way to remember special meals with loved ones. Tara Shepherd, Senior Account Manager at Eleven Eleven PR, started her own collection as a way to gift herself and friends from restaurants she'd visited. "It became this nostalgic way to remember the meal and also stay connected to each other through the restaurants we love," she says.
Kaitlyn Sestak, a New York City-based public relations manager, took a similar approach when she started collecting matchbooks after her friend received custom ones at her wedding. Now, her extensive collection sits in a tall glass vase, serving as a fun memento of great dining experiences and an entertaining game to play with her husband.
But what's behind the renewed interest in matchbooks? For Maryanne Wetherald, a seasoned collector who inherited her father's and uncle's vast collections, it's about preserving memories. "I recently looked at them recounting memories of visits to restaurants and Las Vegas," she says. Her own collection now resides in a blue vase in her kitchen closet, waiting for inspiration.
The Noortwyck's Managing Director, Amedee Trimmer, sees matchbooks as an opportunity for brands to leave a lasting impression on customers. "To me, matchbooks are a way you can continue to represent your restaurant in someone's home...the more creative and unique your matches are, the more likely they'll keep them."
Beyond their nostalgic appeal, matchbooks have become a design trend, offering artful covers and funky designs that spark conversation at restaurants like Funke and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. Food blogger Sara Strasbaugh praises her Seneca Trattoria one from San Diego for its gold-foil lettering and matching flat matches with whimsical motifs.
For some matchbook enthusiasts, it's not just about collecting; it's a full-blown hobby. Phillumenist Bailey Disler has amassed 450 brands on her Google Map, sharing the experience of exploring neighborhoods and restaurants that offer unique matchbooks with her girlfriend. For Disler, collecting matches is more than just a novelty – it's a way to combat social anxiety by having a conversation starter that sparks memories and laughter.
As matchbook enthusiasts continue to grow, they're not only preserving memories but also turning an old-school practice into a modern trend. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual admirer, these small tokens have become a poignant reminder of the power of connection and shared experiences in our increasingly digital world.
In an era where dining out is often about Instagram-worthy moments and trendy foodie spots, it's heartening to see restaurants revisiting the classic practice of handing out matchbooks. These small, yet meaningful tokens have become more than just a nostalgic nod to the past; they're also a symbol of connection and sentimentality.
For some, collecting matchbooks has become an intimate way to remember special meals with loved ones. Tara Shepherd, Senior Account Manager at Eleven Eleven PR, started her own collection as a way to gift herself and friends from restaurants she'd visited. "It became this nostalgic way to remember the meal and also stay connected to each other through the restaurants we love," she says.
Kaitlyn Sestak, a New York City-based public relations manager, took a similar approach when she started collecting matchbooks after her friend received custom ones at her wedding. Now, her extensive collection sits in a tall glass vase, serving as a fun memento of great dining experiences and an entertaining game to play with her husband.
But what's behind the renewed interest in matchbooks? For Maryanne Wetherald, a seasoned collector who inherited her father's and uncle's vast collections, it's about preserving memories. "I recently looked at them recounting memories of visits to restaurants and Las Vegas," she says. Her own collection now resides in a blue vase in her kitchen closet, waiting for inspiration.
The Noortwyck's Managing Director, Amedee Trimmer, sees matchbooks as an opportunity for brands to leave a lasting impression on customers. "To me, matchbooks are a way you can continue to represent your restaurant in someone's home...the more creative and unique your matches are, the more likely they'll keep them."
Beyond their nostalgic appeal, matchbooks have become a design trend, offering artful covers and funky designs that spark conversation at restaurants like Funke and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles. Food blogger Sara Strasbaugh praises her Seneca Trattoria one from San Diego for its gold-foil lettering and matching flat matches with whimsical motifs.
For some matchbook enthusiasts, it's not just about collecting; it's a full-blown hobby. Phillumenist Bailey Disler has amassed 450 brands on her Google Map, sharing the experience of exploring neighborhoods and restaurants that offer unique matchbooks with her girlfriend. For Disler, collecting matches is more than just a novelty – it's a way to combat social anxiety by having a conversation starter that sparks memories and laughter.
As matchbook enthusiasts continue to grow, they're not only preserving memories but also turning an old-school practice into a modern trend. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual admirer, these small tokens have become a poignant reminder of the power of connection and shared experiences in our increasingly digital world.
. I mean who needs Instagram when you can get a cool matchbook and remember where you had your fave meal? It's like, a real tangible thing you can hold onto (literally!). And it's not just about the nostalgia, it's also super thoughtful - people are actually making an effort to collect them as a way to remember special moments with friends and family. I'm totally getting myself one of those Seneca Trattoria matchbooks from San Diego ASAP 
! It's amazing how something as simple as a little paper token can evoke such strong memories and emotions. I've seen some of my friends get super excited when they're handed out at restaurants, it's like a little surprise present 
. And the designs are getting so creative too! Some of them are literally works of art 
. I think what's really cool is how matchbooks are becoming this way for people to connect with each other over food and experiences. It's not just about collecting, but also about sharing those memories with others 
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The designs on them now are fire 
, from gold-foil lettering to fun little motifs. I'm all about collecting those unique ones from my fave restaurants. My friend got me some custom matchbooks from her wedding and it's become this awesome conversation starter 
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. I need to get my hands on some more brands ASAP! 
And can we talk about how cool it is that some people are turnin' this into a full-blown hobby? Like, Bailey Disler has 450 matches and she's just explorin' neighborhoods with her girlfriend... that's like, totally inspiring me 
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[GIF of a person eagerly collecting matchbooks]
they're like, so cool! i mean who doesn't love getting free stuff at restaurants? but seriously though what's up with all these people collecting them? is it just the nostalgic factor or is there something more to it? do you think matchbooks are just becoming a trendy thing because of social media? 
and omg 450 brands on google map?! that's insane! 
i could see how collecting them would be a fun way to remember special meals with friends, but at the same time it does feel like something we'd do as kids... or is it just growing older that makes us appreciate these little trinkets? 
I mean, who doesn't love a good excuse to go out for dinner and collect some sick designs? 
For real though, it's amazing how something as simple as a matchbook can evoke such strong memories and connections. I've got a few in my own collection from back when I was on a road trip with friends 
. And I love how brands are now seeing matchbooks as an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on customers – it's just so thoughtful and creative 
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Like Tara said, collecting them is like gifting yourself and friends with a small piece of memory to hold onto. And I love how some restaurants are now putting out unique designs that make the matches almost too pretty to use 
...I'm definitely tempted to start my own collection now 
. I remember when I was younger, my grandma used to keep a bunch of matchboxes from all the restaurants we'd dine at together. Now, with social media, I feel like I can connect with other foodies and share my own collection 
. I think it's awesome that brands are starting to realize the power of matching their matchbooks to their brand identity 
I mean, can't we just stick to the pics we post on Instagram instead? At least those don't break the bank... 
I've seen some crazy designs on matchbooks lately too, like the gold-foil one from Seneca Trattoria in San Diego. Anyway, I think it's awesome that people are collecting them and turning it into a hobby. Me personally, I used to collect Pokémon cards as a kid 
and now this is just like that... except with matchbooks! 
The fact that it's become a thing for brands to use as a way to leave a lasting impression on customers is genius. It's all about creating an experience, not just serving food. And can we talk about how fun it is to start a conversation with someone who has the same matchbook as you? 
. It's like having a little piece of their experience at home. Some people even have it as a hobby! 
. its like a little slice of human connection in an era where our screens are always staring back at us 
. And it's not just about collecting them, but also the story behind each one - the memories made, the people you shared meals with... it's so personal and intimate 
I get it now why people are getting obsessed over this. It's not just about the design (although, omg, gold-foil lettering? 
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