Developing a Brand

I hate cliches. They're annoying, unimaginative, and dull. But when it comes to developing a brand for your bar or restaurant, only one thing comes to mind: don't try to reinvent the wheel. If you're a sports bar, be a sports bar. Put up TV's, host a sports trivia night, sponsor local recreational sports teams, hang banners/flags of whichever pro teams you support. If you're a nightclub, offer bottle service, hire the best DJs, charge $20 per drink. If you're a craft beer bar, serve drinks in their appropriate glassware, list tasting notes and ABV, and make sure to have no less than 3 beards or mustaches working at any given time.

All kidding aside, it's always better to simplify your concept. Getting too creative will result in confused customers who won't know what to expect when walking through your doors. Having a cohesive brand, from your social media/website, to your design interior, to your menu and drink options, to your service standards, is the best way to ensure your company will satisfy the largest segment of the market share possible. You never want your advertising and marketing efforts to be muddied and unclear, just like you don't want to offer mozzarella sticks at a sushi bar, even if your marinara recipe is killer.

I'm of the philosophy that as time goes on, concepts will become more and more one dimensional. And this isn't a bad thing. The strongest brands in the world definitely miss out on business by being who they are. I'm not going to McDonald's if I'm craving truffle fries. I'm not watching Disney+ if I want to see a good horror film. And I'm not buying a Tesla if I want to hear an American V8 engine roar down the interstate. Similarly, by trying to capture more customers, bars and restaurants can have a brand that's too busy. Hybrid concepts can work in certain markets, but it's better to have a clear, concise message throughout.

Want to know if your idea will work? Hit us up via email or the website chat. We're here to help make your vision a successful reality for years to come.