Bodega Denver

After more than two decades as a chef and culinary director at such reputable Denver institutions as Tap & Burger and Steuben’s, Cliff Blauvelt was ready to launch his own independent concept. His vision for Bodega was simple, yet nuanced: to elevate everyday sandwiches (and provide a significant upgrade to Denver’s existing sandwich scene), while also providing a community hub for residents of the Sunnyside neighborhood.

We joined the project in the six months preceding Bodega’s opening, as Cliff focused his efforts on the buildout of the physical restaurant space. From logo design and core brand messaging, to supporting the brand’s digital presence and onsite collateral, our goal was to create a brand identity that built on the classic New York City “bodega” concept, while highlighting a unique, authentic sense of hospitality firmly rooted in the history and culture of Denver.

LOCATION

Denver, Colorado

PROJECT SCOPE

Logo Design
Brand Positioning + Copywriting
Photography
Squarespace Website Design
Menu + Printed Materials Design
Social Media Strategy

The Opportunity

Despite the rapid evolution and growth of world-class restaurants in Denver, the vast majority of neighborhoods in the city lack an exceptional, yet affordable sandwich shop. For founder Cliff Blauvelt, this void in the market represented not only a business opportunity, but also a call to action, leveraging his work as a chef and certified peer specialist for mental health to create a work environment and neighborhood eatery with a deeper sense of purpose.

The Challenge

The concept of a "bodega" is common to most urban environments—perhaps most notably, New York City, where the sheer density of these convenient corner stores has made them an essential component of day-to-day life. That "essential" quality, combined with an inviting, neighborhood feeling, was at the core of the client's vision. At the same time, the client was sensitive to the rich heritage and community pride that distinguishes Sunnyside from the rest of Denver, so we strove to create a modern brand that would still fit seamlessly among the mom-and-pop businesses that have long dominated this neighborhood. Taking inspiration from stylized retro signage and the gritty, graphic quality of Sunnyside's existing retail storefronts, we developed a bold, yet timeless brand with a playful, dynamic energy.

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Photography + Collateral

After establishing a cohesive brand and digital presence for Bodega, we turned our focus to the creation of an evocative library of lifestyle images, as well as the creation of custom brand collateral. For the photos, we aimed to bring a playful, relaxed vibe to the presentation of Bodega’s craveable sandwiches, rather than presenting stiff, immaculately styled imagery. For the collateral, we designed an opening menu and supported the creation of custom stickers, signage, stamps and merch, with the purpose of creating a more engaging, immersive brand experience at the restaurant.

THOUGHTS FROM THE CLIENT

“These wonderful humans took [my 1,000 crazy ideas] and narrowed it down into one complete brand that I am proud to stand behind. They are extremely helpful, bright, super fun and knowledgeable. Honestly couldn’t be happier. Thank you for diligently listening, your patience and creativity on this project.”