Matchbook Mania: The Nostalgic Trend That's Igniting a New Wave of Collectors
Restaurant matchbooks are making a comeback, and they're not just about lighting up your meal anymore. For many people, these small booklets have become sentimental trinkets that evoke memories of special dining experiences and connections with loved ones.
For Tara Shepherd, Senior Account Manager at Eleven Eleven PR, matchbooks serve as a nostalgic way to remember meals and share them with friends. "I'd grab two whenever I was out somewhere special that had them," she says, explaining how the practice started as a fun way to stay connected with her best friend who lives across the country.
The trend is not unique to Shepherd; numerous collectors have taken to gathering matchbooks from various restaurants and establishments. Maryanne Wetherald, a seasoned collector, credits her father's and uncle's extensive collections for sparking her interest. "It's a fun memento of all the great places I've tried," she says, showcasing her own collection in a blue vase.
Matchbook collectors have also found creative ways to display their finds, turning them into conversation starters with artful designs and unique covers. Funke and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles are among the restaurants that inspire admiration for their thick cardstock matchbooks featuring funky designs.
For some, collecting matchbooks has become a full-blown hobby. Phillumenist Bailey Disler has created a Google Map highlighting over 450 restaurants, stores, and hotels in New York City with branded matchbooks. Her passion for the practice was sparked by her grandfather's collection and has since become an adventure-filled weekend activity.
Disler finds comfort in collecting matchbooks due to its ability to reduce social anxiety. "I've genuinely found it beneficial," she says, revealing how the sentimental value of these small booklets brings back memories of inside jokes shared at each location. While it may not be about the food itself, the experience surrounding a matchbook can evoke strong emotions and create lasting connections.
As restaurants continue to bring back this nostalgic trend, collectors are thriving on social media platforms like Instagram, where they share their finds and inspire others to start their own collections. Whether as a sentimental keepsake or an artful conversation starter, matchbooks have become an unexpected symbol of the past, present, and memories yet to be made.
Restaurant matchbooks are making a comeback, and they're not just about lighting up your meal anymore. For many people, these small booklets have become sentimental trinkets that evoke memories of special dining experiences and connections with loved ones.
For Tara Shepherd, Senior Account Manager at Eleven Eleven PR, matchbooks serve as a nostalgic way to remember meals and share them with friends. "I'd grab two whenever I was out somewhere special that had them," she says, explaining how the practice started as a fun way to stay connected with her best friend who lives across the country.
The trend is not unique to Shepherd; numerous collectors have taken to gathering matchbooks from various restaurants and establishments. Maryanne Wetherald, a seasoned collector, credits her father's and uncle's extensive collections for sparking her interest. "It's a fun memento of all the great places I've tried," she says, showcasing her own collection in a blue vase.
Matchbook collectors have also found creative ways to display their finds, turning them into conversation starters with artful designs and unique covers. Funke and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles are among the restaurants that inspire admiration for their thick cardstock matchbooks featuring funky designs.
For some, collecting matchbooks has become a full-blown hobby. Phillumenist Bailey Disler has created a Google Map highlighting over 450 restaurants, stores, and hotels in New York City with branded matchbooks. Her passion for the practice was sparked by her grandfather's collection and has since become an adventure-filled weekend activity.
Disler finds comfort in collecting matchbooks due to its ability to reduce social anxiety. "I've genuinely found it beneficial," she says, revealing how the sentimental value of these small booklets brings back memories of inside jokes shared at each location. While it may not be about the food itself, the experience surrounding a matchbook can evoke strong emotions and create lasting connections.
As restaurants continue to bring back this nostalgic trend, collectors are thriving on social media platforms like Instagram, where they share their finds and inspire others to start their own collections. Whether as a sentimental keepsake or an artful conversation starter, matchbooks have become an unexpected symbol of the past, present, and memories yet to be made.
I mean who wouldn't wanna collect little booklets that bring back memories of special meals & convo with loved ones? 
Funke's matchbooks are straight fire 
... like Bailey Disler's Google Map is crazy! 450 restaurants in one map? That's dedication 
... I was saying, what's with all these people collecting matchbooks again? Is it just a fad or has there always been some matchbook enthusiasts out there?
... my friends and I thought they were so cool back then! It's interesting to see how it's become a trend again.
... I'm curious to know more about Phillumenist Bailey Disler's experience with collecting matchbooks. Does it really help reduce social anxiety? Maybe we can discuss that further 
matchbook collectors are total geniuses 
! i mean who needs fancy art pieces when u can have a tiny booklet from ur fave restaurant 
? and the designs are so cool 
funke & osteria mozza's matchbooks are 
. i can already imagine having a blue vase like maryanne wetherald 
. for bailey disler, matchbook collecting is like therapy 
it brings back happy memories and reduces social anxiety 
. let's get this matchbook party started 
!
Like, I saw this one thread on Reddit from like 2015 and it's amazing to see how it sparked all these collectors across the world to share their finds. It just goes to show that even something as small as a matchbook can bring people together 
I mean, can you believe how much people loved collecting matchbook thingies back in the 90s? I remember my grandma had this huge collection from her travels, and it was like a mini-museum in our house. Now they're making a comeback? It's just another example of how things come full circle... or should I say, come around again to being retro? 
it's also awesome to see how it's bringing ppl together online - i mean, who doesn't love a good collection or a fun conversation starter?