Standing out in a sea of sameness.
For intentional, multi-faceted founders, the branding process can seem like an oversimplification of their creativity, values and overall vision. But while brevity is certainly a virtue in branding, a great brand can also capture and convey meaningful complexity.
The projects featured in this issue of the Cognoscenti Quarterly don’t fit neatly in pre-defined categories. By providing a more nuanced, thoughtful experience, they appeal to their customers in an authentically human, personal way. Our goal, as the brand team for these businesses, is to help make this intangible quality tangible—to provide a clear sense of storytelling that feels holistic, rather than reductive.
LOLA’S
New York, New York
Visual Branding, Core Messaging, Website Design + Printed Materials
After 15+ years in the trenches of NYC fine dining, Chef Suzanne Cupps was slated to open her first independent venture. Already celebrated and respected for her work at Annisa, Gramercy Tavern and Untitled, this sourcing- and technique-driven chef was drawn to the opportunity to craft a more personal experience for her guests. Drawing inspiration from her Filipino grandmother’s wartime resilience, the warm upbringing she experienced in the South and the Asian influences of her fellow line cooks over the years—Lola’s was never going to be about just one, easy-to-label style of cooking. Instead, it would be an ode to all the layers, influences and travels that make Suzanne a fascinating person (and a talented chef!).
COPPER VINE
New Orleans, Louisiana
Visual Branding + Core Messaging
Since opening in 2019, Copper Vine has enjoyed a successful run as a neighborhood “winepub” in NOLA’s Central Business District. Yet as the guest experience continued to evolve, the owners felt that their initial branding didn’t speak to the attention to detail and taste level that their in-person hospitality conveyed. Beyond the bar and restaurant, Copper Vine also had a robust event business and was seeking to add a small number of upstairs guest rooms, so expressing these diverse offerings within a single cohesive brand was also a priority. To tie these various businesses together under one figurative (and literal) roof, we drew inspiration from Copper Vine’s distinct historic location, as well as the intentional approach to hospitality that informs the team’s day-to-day operations.
CULTURE STUDY ⊹ Mexico City
Earlier this year, Lauren enjoyed a whirlwind trip to Mexico City, staying at Bunkhouse Hotels’ new property, Hotel San Fernando in the La Condesa neighborhood. Walking and biking all over this awe-inspiring capital, she discovered soaring architecture and quaint neighborhoods, fine dining and iconic street food. In particular, she found creative inspiration in the mix of sophistication and grit that defined the city’s dynamic pace—as well as the dappled light filtering through lush flora onto the streets. Throughout her stay, Lauren also took note of how the textures, sounds and ambiance of this vibrant city were seamlessly tied into the storytelling of Bunkhouse’s place-based hospitality—something we strive to infuse in the brands we work with.
WORK IN PROGRESS
The importance of branding is self-evident for hotels and restaurants—but often, the companies that build those businesses from scratch don’t invest the same time into establishing their own brands. That’s why we’re so excited to be creating a custom brand identity for a new hospitality consultancy with decades of experience in the space. Rather than a stiff corporate vibe, these clients sought to showcase a sense of taste that feels both forward-thinking and timeless—just like their portfolio of work.
OUR DENVER DINING GUIDE
As former New Yorkers, we’re regularly asked if we miss the big city food scene. But truthfully, Denver continues to delight us with its growing roster of destination dining. From casual counter service, to chef-driven kitchens and more bakeries than we can count, we’ve seen entire neighborhoods transform with the addition of these noteworthy eats. Whether you’re local to the city or passing through for a whirlwind weekend, check out our updated guide to dining in the Mile High city.