Challenge

Kokomo, an upscale Caribbean restaurant celebrated for its unique position in Brooklyn's vibrant culinary scene, had already invested in establishing a strong and differentiated positioning strategy. However, their existing visual presence didn't fully capture or project this unique identity and personality across all brand touchpoints. The critical challenge was to translate their established strategic vision into a cohesive and compelling new brand identity system—from logo to environmental cues—that would truly reflect Kokomo's distinct experience and resonate powerfully in both the competitive Brooklyn market and the broader upscale dining landscape.

Strategy

With Kokomo's foundational positioning strategy already defined, our primary goal was to translate this into a vibrant and authentic visual and verbal identity. The strategy centered on meticulously crafting brand elements that would vividly express the restaurant's unique Caribbean-inspired experience, upscale capabilities, and distinct personality. We aimed to develop a comprehensive brand ecosystem that was not only true to their established vision but also strategically designed to enhance recognition and appeal within Brooklyn's dynamic restaurant scene and the wider upscale culinary market.

Solution

The solution was a dynamic new brand identity system designed to capture Kokomo's unique essence and adapt to its varied experiences. A key innovation was the development of a visual identity with a distinct "day and night" vibe, allowing the brand to seamlessly transition its atmosphere from brighter daytime gatherings to sophisticated evening events. This was achieved through a versatile logo, carefully selected color palettes that could shift in mood, and a typographic approach that balanced upscale elegance with Caribbean warmth. These elements were translated into a cohesive suite of applications, including striking signage, stylish merchandise, and adaptable menu designs, all equipping Kokomo to express its multifaceted personality consistently.

Results

The new brand identity system was met with great enthusiasm by the Kokomo team, successfully capturing their strategic vision and unique personality. While the full market implementation is pending, the client's strong satisfaction with the visual direction and its "day and night" adaptability has already led to discussions for Cavehaus to partner on an upcoming branding project for another of their high-end Brooklyn restaurant ventures. This early endorsement underscores the perceived value and potential of the new Kokomo brand identity.