RARITAN, NJ — A local father is tapping into a love of food, family and nostalgia with his family-run T-shirt business.
Brian Ryno launched EATSHIRTS, a family-run brand based in Raritan, with his newest collection of summer designs.
Ryno said the collection was created with America's 250th birthday in 2026 in mind.
Instead of a typical flag design, he said the shirts were inspired by the kind of ice pops many people remember from childhood at barbecues, pools, sports games and July 4 gatherings.
He described the line as "one of the clearest examples of what we are about: simple, family-friendly food shirts."
Ryno said he was from North Plainfield before moving to Raritan in 2007 with his wife.
He said the business idea started during COVID after a conversation with his stepson.
"It would be cool to have a business," his stepson said, according to Ryno.
Ryno said he replied that if he started a business, he would make "food on shirts, like food shirts," and his stepson answered, "Food shirts. He goes, how about eat shirts?"
That idea developed into EATSHIRTS, which began taking shape in 2022 and later became an LLC, Ryno said.
He said the company first focused on fruit-themed designs, then added seasonal items including apples in the fall, candy corn and pumpkin spice for Halloween, and turkey, pumpkin pie, gingerbread and candy canes for later holidays.
Since taking over the business himself in January, he said he has moved further into comfort-food themes like mac and cheese, tacos, pancakes and the new ice pop designs.
"Food is like everything people relate to," Ryno said. "It's not just about food; it's about nostalgia. It's about feeling good. It's about things that make you happy."
He said many of the designs are meant to connect with family routines and familiar meals, from tacos to weekend pancakes.
Ryno said he now creates the designs himself, sometimes starting with AI tools and then refining the artwork for printing.
He said one current top seller features "a hot dog riding a rocket pop."
Looking ahead, he said the brand plans more seasonal releases this fall, including apples, cider and donuts, and pumpkins.
Ryno said he hopes the business can grow into something lasting for his family.
"I wanted something to pass down to my kids," he said.
For more information or to purchase a shirt, visit eatshirtsofficial.com or facebook.com or instagram.com/eatshirtsofficial.
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