When acclaimed chefs Roger Li and Dom Branduzzi approached us with their vision for Pittsburgh's first housemade ramen shop, they faced a common challenge for innovative businesses: how to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
Pittsburgh's booming restaurant scene had created a visual landscape cluttered with predictable restaurant branding—sectioned pig logos, generic imagery, and template websites creating a haze of sameness. The chefs had exceptional culinary expertise but needed a brand that would communicate their unique approach as memorably as their food.
Through collaborative partnership, we dove deep into customer exploration and market evaluation to uncover what would resonate in this competitive space. We didn't just create a logo—we developed a comprehensive identity system that brought the soul of Ki Ramen to life through conversational language and sensory-rich visuals.
Understanding that building anticipation is crucial for new restaurant success, we created a consistent branded experience across their early pop-up events. By meeting potential customers where they were and establishing a rhythm of engagement before the brick and mortar location opened, we helped build a community of advocates eager for Ki Ramen's permanent home. This early brand consistency fostered trust and excitement that translated into a strong opening.
The result? A brand experience as distinctive and authentic as their housemade ramen, setting Ki Ramen apart in a market where differentiation drives discovery and loyalty.
