Found this one while researching restaurants for a new concept I’m developing. I like the quick handed sketch feel and the interesting take on the name. Strong reds and warm colors bring out the vibrancy and action. Designed by Kudio while at Fabio Ongarato Design.

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It’s that time of year again. The time when Bill Gardner of LogoLounge reviews the trends seen in logo design for 2011. Color is playing a huge role, much like last year. This time, though, the colors are tinted and more subdued. Beyond that, it’s also noted that the traditional thought of logos is transcending:

It feels like what people believe a logo to be is also becoming more transcendent. A logo is no longer a single piece of flat art. It can be a favicon, an icon, or an entire set of marks that work together to support the team. Its boundaries have become less strict as well. There was a time when most logos could be enclosed in a simple hand-drawn square, circle or similar geometric shape, but now many logos drag outside those outlines. They just don’t want to fit the old mold.

Click here to read the entire report »

The studio Hatch is widely known across the US if not the world for great design. Their branding work for Specialtys is no exception. Simple, illustrative and strong. There’s just a touch of classic/traditional vibe to it but stays modern. The strong green/brown color palate touts its earthiness and sets the bar for a fresh experience.

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Food trucks are taking off and they’ve come a long way from your run off the mill dumpster on wheels. Now you can get a gourmet meal right out of these babies. I just wanted to show off some pretty rad looking truck concepts in this post, so here you go!

Food Trucks offer an amazing opportunity to blend branding, vehicle graphics and design. Will the ability to fully wrap a truck (or converted postal truck in some cases) the options are limitless. These mobile culinary wonders have designs that range from janky to luxury, illustrative to typographic, vibrant to subdued and run the gamut of everything in between.

NOTE: If you are the photographer of any of these images, or the designer of any of these trucks please comment with your information. It’s easier that way. If you’re pissed that I used a photo without permission … let me know and I’ll stop the free publicity for you.

Couldn’t resist putting in my favorite truck. It’s also featured in my upcoming book, Fire It Up: Building Restaurant Brands That Blaze.

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Here’s a little morning pick-me-up. The packaging design for Dogwood Coffee Co. is excellent. Designed by Holmberg Design, the packaging utilizes a number of finishing techniques that make it pop. Use of die-cuts and embossing add extra effects while budget it salvaged using only one color, rubber stamped as needed and printing on sticker stock so the whole package doesn’t need converting. Good use of print finishing techniques can make materials pop and give it the unique flair you want.

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Theurel & Thomas is an upscale dessert shop serving gourmet macaroons. The brand identity for this luxury-level dessert experience was designed by Anagrama. The branding is clean, fresh, crisp. It’s stark and minimal which allows the vibrant splashes of color to pop and stand out. The traditional style typography keeps things looking like a luxury brand while setting the expectation for the brand experience overall.

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I wish I had more photos of this one, but here it is nonetheless. El Amigo Meat Market’s brand identity was designed by Imagineria. The logo is an awesome display of retro-style sign design with a graphic illustration of El Amigo himself (I think.) I love the rough, earthy textures in combination with the bright and dark reds, obviously derived from the cuts of meat.

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Everyone seems to be launching their own clone, or rival, to Groupon’s system. Living Social has been around just as long, but is secondary to Groupon in adoption and use. The latest, and the biggest threat, is Facebook.

Facebook plans to launch it’s deals clone Tuesday in five major cities: San Diego, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas and Austin, Texas. What makes it a threat to Groupon and LivingSocial is its built in immense social reach.

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I’m posting this project despite its small amount of photos to display how a simple sticker can be extended and repurposed across multiple pieces thereby extending the branded elements themselves. This is a great technique when budget is low, but impact must still be high (and when should impact be at a max?) The Cornish Mill & Bakehouse brand identity is simple. It’s black and white and uses historical symbolism as the core of the identity. It’s simplicity makes for a clean identity that makes the actual food itself, pop and speak. A great design by Buddy Creative.

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Google has impeded on yet another market: Daily Deals. The Daily Deals phenomenon has been pioneered by Groupon and Living Social. While the effects and returns are argued by many restaurant owners, they still exist and patrons love them.

Offers is beta launched in three US cities: New York, Portland and San Fransisco Bay areas. Not sure about the choices, but New York definitely seems like a good option. Hey! Where’s Atlanta? We’re one of the most socially networked cities in the US!

Anyway, what can we expect?

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