Hey! I’m Antonio, the owner of Top Banana USA. I started out doing graphic design for friends and local bands, eventually found my way into printing, and took over Top Banana USA in 2021. Here’s a little about how I got started and what we’re doing today.
Top Banana USA wasn’t built behind a desk. My journey started on the shop floor, learning how printing equipment works, understanding the production process, and figuring out what it takes to run a successful custom apparel printing business in Philadelphia.
Before becoming the owner, I worked closely with the previous owner of Top Banana USA, an experienced screen printer who became my mentor. He taught me the importance of quality control, consistency, and understanding every part of the printing process. Those lessons still influence how we operate today.
Before entering the printing industry, I spent most of my early career working in restaurants. Around 10 years ago, I started teaching myself Photoshop and graphic design, creating artwork for friends’ bands and local projects around Philadelphia.
What started as a creative hobby eventually turned into something much bigger. I loved seeing designs go from a computer screen to a physical product that someone could wear, sell, or give away.
My first experience with production came through printing stickers at NextFab, a Philadelphia makerspace. That introduced me to the equipment, materials, and hands-on problem solving involved in custom printing.
During that time, I also operated my own Etsy store and continued developing my design skills. Running a small online business helped me understand the challenges artists and independent brands face when creating and selling merchandise.
After spending time learning the business and working alongside the previous owner, I officially purchased Top Banana USA in 2021.
The first couple of years were challenging. I was handling production, customer emails, artwork, pricing, and daily operations while paying off the purchase of the business.
Instead of trying to grow too quickly, I focused on improving the shop one step at a time. As the business grew, I reinvested into better equipment, improved our production processes, and brought on additional employees.
That approach helped us expand our capabilities while staying focused on the quality and customer service that made Top Banana USA successful in the first place.
Over the years, Top Banana USA has grown beyond traditional custom T-shirt printing. Today, we help artists, businesses, clothing brands, musicians, and organizations produce merchandise using several different decoration methods.
Our services include:
We also help customers prepare artwork, select garments, and figure out which printing method makes the most sense for their project and budget.
In 2026, we moved Top Banana USA from South Philadelphia to Manayunk, giving our business a new home as we continue growing.
Our shop is now located at 4047 Cresson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127.
Even as our equipment, services, and team have changed, our approach has stayed the same. We want customers to feel comfortable asking questions, discussing ideas, and working directly with people who understand the printing process.
Whether someone needs a single custom T-shirt or hundreds of garments for a merchandise launch, we want to help them get the best possible results.
One of the things I enjoy most about running Top Banana USA is combining traditional printing knowledge with newer technology.
Along with learning the technical side of printing, I’ve spent years working on website development, online ordering systems, and ways to make custom merchandise easier for customers to order and sell.
Our print on demand fulfillment services are an example of that. Customers can connect their online stores, sell merchandise without purchasing inventory upfront, and let our team handle printing, packing, and shipping.
It’s a way for independent artists, clothing brands, and businesses to focus more on creating and selling their products while we take care of production.
What makes Top Banana USA different is that we’ve got real experience taking orders and seeing them through a system. We’re people who understand the artwork, equipment, garments, and production challenges involved in making custom apparel.
I’ve spent years learning these processes firsthand, and I still believe that being involved in the day-to-day operation is one of the most important parts of owning a print shop.
Our goal is simple: provide quality custom printing, communicate clearly, and help customers choose the right solution for their project.
Whether you’re starting your first clothing brand, ordering shirts for your business, or looking for a reliable merchandise fulfillment partner, we’re always happy to help.
Have a custom apparel project in mind? We’d love to hear about it!
Visit our Request a Quote page to send us your artwork, garment preferences, and quantities. We’ll help you figure out the best printing method for your project.
You can also learn more about our shop and the people behind it on our About Us page.
Top Banana USA
4047 Cresson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
info@topbananausa.com
Not sure which printing method is right for your project? Our Philadelphia print shop can help you choose based on your artwork, garment type, quantity, and budget.
Monday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: CLOSED
