Customer Feature: Deli Fresh Threads
Dating all the way back to childhood, Anthony also known as “Biggie” has always loved sandwiches.
“My dad made me breakfast sandwiches every morning before school and I could always count on a bologna sandwich or some sort of sandwich in my lunch”
According to Anthony “Biggie”, almost anything can be made into a sandwich “Spaghetti and meatballs ....put it between two slices of garlic bread and you have a sandwich!”
We recently got an inside look at the brand Deli Fresh Threads, started by Anthony “Biggie” Bencomo in 2013. The web-based deli counter opened on Jan 18th of that year and what started as a small online shop has grown into a brand that sandwich fans have become obsessed with.
Biggie took his passion for t-shirts to the next level while in college at the University of Central Florida with a brand of merch dedicated to the UCF Knights. As time went on he felt the need to branch out and challenge his creativity. After months of research and brand name contemplation, he decided to combine his love for t-shirts and sandwiches: Deli Fresh Threads was born.
So why sandwiches? For Anthony it was easy. A sandwich is the ‘King of Meals’ - it’s something you can have for lunch, breakfast, or dinner.
He puts his love for sandwiches into every detail in the order process, from the custom hem tags to the way he packages each order.
“I package my shirts like the sandwiches they would look like wrapped; a shirt that is about a sub or hoagie will be wrapped like a sub and a PB&J will be folded and wrapped square. When customers open a package (regardless online or from a market) they get a packed bag with their shirt inside, napkin, and a handwritten note.”
It’s the small details like these that help to set his brand apart. He’s created a niche market full of people who love sandwiches just as much as he does.
Biggie is constantly looking for ways to interact with his audience about their shared love of sandwiches. He’s constantly posting his designs on social media (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) and reposting his followers who are wearing them. Anthony “Biggie” even has a website for Deli Fresh Threads that is more than shirts. You can get a real layered look at sandwiches there!
Deli Fresh Threads goes beyond the digital space and connects in person with their followers.
“I created #SandwichEatUp events which are monthly events where I go to local sandwich shops and eat sandwiches with other sandwich lovers.”
A good sandwich needs quality ingredients and the same goes for t-shirts. Deli Fresh Threads prints on amazingly soft and comfortable shirts with really fun bold designs. “I like American Apparel 2001. I am a big guy - I like how the AA2001 shirt feels and fits - as long as you hang dry them.”
Besides being a sandwich lover, Biggie is a true business owner. When it comes to building his brand, marketing his products, and creating new designs he has some great insight. “Communicate and create a community.” is more than just advice, it’s what he’s used to grow his own brand through local events, social media, and reaching out to his community.
We asked Biggie for some final advice for anyone looking to start their own t-shirt company and this is what he had to say:
“My advice is to find a great printer that you trust and does quality work. When starting it's ok to have champagne taste with a beer budget. You can start small and build up from there.
I know we live in a world of immediate gratification. Run the race but know it's a marathon, not a sprint. Stay focused and consistent with your brand; believe in yourself and the concept and put the work into it.”
Check out Deli Fresh Threads Here:
- Website: http://delifreshthreads.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delifreshthreads/
https://www.facebook.com/threadbird
