Brand Strategy, Design & Development

We believe in helping people and companies who say and do what they actually believe. Because of that, we design environments that are rooted in who your brand is. There are a lot of designers who can make something look good. We are a design partner that understands how to make your brand's soul resonate.

FOoD Halls / Non-traditional food, beverage , retail and entertainment venues

What began with Food Halls has changed into many different varieties of multi-use environments. The recent changes in the landscape due to the pandemic have caused a lot of interest in a more modular approach that has a lot more out door space. Sort of like an outdoor food hall with a lot more. We began working on this before the crisis started and its clear we were on to something. While food halls are likely to continue they will need to adopt to a new way of thinking to make them work. they it was, the economics of them are not easy. The space has seen many high profile projects that look like a success from the outside but are not performing as hoped. In this environment, understanding the entire project’s economics as well as the unit level profitability is critical. We have learned a lot form studying and being involved in ones were mistakes were made and are creating models that solve these inherent problems.

We are now doing preliminary vision and business case studies for potential projects to help developers decide if and how to structure non-traditional venues. We get a lot of calls asking if a food hall is the right answer and its not a one size fits all answer. The studies we are doing for clients include how much and what type of food, beverage and entertainment venues can / should be there but also provides the budgets for development and deep dive operating proforma for revenue opportunity.

 We believe the future will belong to those with the vision to create projects that push the guest experience in new ways. Understanding the economics from all perspectives, as well as being able to work with restaurateurs in ways that developers can't, allows us to blend the vision with viability. We know how to make these projects work from all stakeholders’ perspectives.

prototype design

Our design work has always leaned heavily toward working on prototypical designs. One recent example is Tijuana Flats who commissioned us to create a prototype and remodel package for a number of locations. Working with the Brand began like it typically does, with us getting a deep understanding of who the brand is, where they came from and what their core values are. With that knowledge, we designed a packed that uses common materials in creative ways that lets the uniqueness that T-Flats is known for remain while bringing it to a more relevant look. we did the first one in 2017 and it was then chosen as the "Best New Prototype for 2017" by Restaurant Development & Design Magazine. Since then we designed dozens of new and remodeled locations and engage with them as needed to help keep the process deign relevant.

Good design is based on who a brand is, their “Why”. Great design also meets unit economics goals, creativity guided by common sense. There are a lot of great designers who can make something look good. It is quite another for it to look fantastic and meet the model. I don't quit until we achieve both.

purpose - Defining values

My  "Why" is to help others get where they want to go, wherever that may be. When approaching any design project we offer to help others find their why as it’s our view that a brand that knows what they stand for and is committed to being held accountable to it, is the key to building the strongest relationships with all stakeholders. Being true to your purpose and values should resonate in everything you do.