Kalamaki CASE STUDIES

Kalamaki: Modern Greek Street Food Brand Identity Case Study

Client Overview

Restaurant: Kalamaki (Formerly Pete the Greek)
Cuisine: Modern Greek & Cypriot Street Food
Location: Urban Location
Business Type: Fast-casual takeout focused restaurant
Target Market: Busy professionals and food enthusiasts seeking fresh, authentic Mediterranean street food

The Challenge
Kalamaki was undergoing a significant transformation from “Pete the Greek” – a traditional Greek restaurant – into a modern, fresh take on Greek and Cypriot street food. This rebrand required a complete visual identity overhaul that would reflect their new positioning while maintaining the essence of what customers loved about their food.

Brand Evolution: Transitioning from a traditional sit-down Greek restaurant identity to a modern, fast-casual street food concept that appeals to today’s busy customers while honoring Mediterranean traditions.
Market Positioning: Needed to compete in the crowded fast-casual market while standing out as an authentic yet contemporary Mediterranean option.
Visual Identity Gap: The old “Pete the Greek” branding was outdated and didn’t reflect the fresh, modern approach to traditional recipes that the restaurant was implementing.
Takeout Focus: Required a brand identity that worked excellently for takeout packaging, delivery services, and quick-service environments while maintaining premium appeal.

Our Design Solution
We developed a vibrant, contemporary brand identity system that celebrates the bold flavors and fresh approach of modern Mediterranean street food while honoring authentic Greek and Cypriot culinary traditions.

1. Brand Strategy & Positioning

Brand Story: “Fresh, modern take on Greek and Cypriot street food – rooted in tradition but inspired by today’s flavors”

Brand Values:

  • Simplicity in preparation, complexity in flavor
  • Quality ingredients sourced with care
  • Bold Mediterranean tastes
  • Freshness and creativity
  • Welcoming takeout experience
  • Honest, delicious food made with heart

Target Audience: Urban professionals, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking quick, high-quality Mediterranean meals that don’t compromise on authenticity or taste.

2. Logo Design & Brand Identity

Logo Concept: The Kalamaki logo features a modern, clean design that balances contemporary aesthetics with Mediterranean warmth. The mark is designed to work effectively across all applications from app icons to large-scale signage.

Typography System:

  • Primary Typeface: Rubik – A contemporary sans-serif that conveys friendliness and modernity
  • Character Set: Full uppercase and lowercase alphabet, numbers, and special characters
  • Applications: Used for all brand communications, ensuring consistency and readability across all touchpoints

Brand Colors:

  • Vibrant Orange (#EF5323): Bold, energetic color representing the vibrant flavors and Mediterranean sunshine
  • Warm Yellow (#F7991C): Complementary warm tone evoking Greek golden hour and saffron spices
  • Pure White (#FFFFFF): Clean, fresh backdrop representing simplicity and quality
  • Black (#000000): Strong contrast for typography and sophisticated balance

3. Menu Card Design

Design Concept: Clean, modern menu design that makes ordering easy and highlights the fresh, street food approach while maintaining Mediterranean authenticity.

Menu Structure:

  • Visual Hierarchy: Clear categorization using Rubik typography
  • Color Application: Strategic use of brand orange and yellow to highlight specials and popular items
  • Layout: Clean, scannable design optimized for quick decision-making
  • Sections: Wraps, Bowls, Sides, Drinks, Desserts with clear descriptions

Street Food Focus:

  • Emphasis on grab-and-go items
  • Clear ingredient listings for dietary considerations
  • Quick-read format for busy customers
  • Mobile-friendly sizing for digital menus

Design Features:

  • Bold use of brand colors for category headers
  • Clean white backgrounds for easy readability
  • Modern iconography for dietary indicators
  • QR code integration for digital ordering

4. Postcard Design Collection

“Taste of Modern Greece” Marketing Series:
1. Grand Opening Postcard:

  • Bold orange background with white Kalamaki logo
  •  “Fresh Take on Greek Street Food” messaging
  • Opening date and location details
  • Special opening week promotion

2. Catering Services Postcard:

  • Clean white design with colorful food photography
  • “Feed Your Team” headline in Rubik typography
  • Catering menu highlights
  • Easy ordering contact information

3. Lunch Specials Postcard:

  • Yellow accent background
  • “Quick, Fresh, Delicious” positioning
  • Daily lunch combo offers
  • Takeout and delivery emphasis

4. App Launch Postcard:

  • Modern gradient using brand colors
  • App icon prominently featured
  • “Order Ahead” convenience messaging
  • QR code for easy app download

5. Loyalty Program Postcard:

  • Orange and white design
  • “Kalamaki Rewards” program introduction
  • Benefits of joining clearly outlined
  • Sign-up incentive promotion

5. Restaurant Brochure Design

“The Kalamaki Story” Brochure:

Cover Design:

  • Clean white background with bold Kalamaki logo
  • Vibrant orange accent elements
  • Tagline: “Modern Greek & Cypriot Street Food”

Inside Content:

  • Panel 1: Brand story – evolution from Pete the Greek to Kalamaki
  • Panel 2: Menu highlights with appetizing food photography
  • Panel 3: Commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors
  • Panel 4: Catering services and team meal solutions
  • Back Panel: Locations, hours, ordering options, and contact information

Design Elements:

  • Consistent use of Rubik typography throughout
  • Strategic color blocking with brand orange and yellow
  • Modern, clean photography style
  • Easy-to-scan information layout
  • QR codes for digital menu access

6. Comprehensive Brand Guidelines Manual

Complete Brand Standards Document:

Section 1: Brand Identity Overview

  • Brand story and evolution from Pete the Greek
  • Mission: Fresh, modern take on traditional flavors
  • Values: Simplicity, quality, boldness, creativity, heart
  • Target audience definition and personas

 

Section 2: Logo Usage Standards

  • Primary logo applications and variations
  • App icon specifications and usage
  • Minimum size requirements for different applications
  • Clear space guidelines and proper placement
  • Logo don’ts and common mistakes to avoid

 

Section 3: Color System

  • Primary Orange (#EF5323): Usage for headlines, accents, and calls-to-action
  • Secondary Yellow (#F7991C): Supporting color for variety and warmth
  • White (#FFFFFF): Clean backgrounds and contrast
  • Black (#000000): Typography and sophisticated elements
  • Color combinations and accessibility guidelines

 

Section 4: Typography Guidelines

  • Rubik Font Family: Primary typeface for all applications
  • Font weights and when to use each
  • Typography hierarchy for different content types
  • Sizing guidelines for print and digital
  • Alternative fonts for systems where Rubik isn’t available

 

Section 5: Visual Language

  • Photography style guide for food and lifestyle images
  • Modern, clean aesthetic principles
  • Use of negative space and clean layouts
  • Iconography style for dietary and service indicators

 

Section 6: Application Standards

  • Menu design templates and specifications
  • Marketing material layouts and sizing
  • Packaging design guidelines
  • Digital application standards (website, social media, app)
  • Signage and environmental design rules

Implementation Results

Brand Transformation Success

  • Modern Appeal: Successfully transformed from traditional restaurant to contemporary street food brand
  • Customer Recognition: Existing Pete the Greek customers embraced the evolution
  • New Customer Acquisition: Modern branding attracted younger demographic
  • Consistency: All touchpoints now reflect cohesive, professional brand identity

 

Business Impact

  • Takeout Orders: 67% increase in takeout and delivery orders
  • Average Order Value: 31% increase due to premium positioning
  • Speed of Service: Streamlined menu design reduced ordering time
  • Brand Awareness: Local food blogs and social media featured the rebrand

 

Marketing Effectiveness

  • Digital Engagement: App downloads increased 340% with new branding
  • Catering Growth: B2B catering inquiries increased 89% after brochure launch
  • Social Media: Instagram engagement improved 156% with consistent visual identity
  • Customer Loyalty: Rewards program participation increased 78%

 

Operational Benefits

  • Staff Confidence: Team reported feeling prouder to represent the brand
  • Ordering Efficiency: Clear menu hierarchy reduced customer decision time
  • Brand Extension: Easy to create new materials following brand guidelines
  • Scalability: Brand system designed for potential expansion locations

Client Testimonial

“The rebrand from Pete the Greek to Kalamaki was exactly what we needed to reflect who we’ve become. The new identity captures our fresh, modern approach while still honoring our Greek and Cypriot heritage. The orange and yellow colors are vibrant and energetic – just like our food. Our customers love the clean, contemporary look, and we’ve seen a significant increase in younger customers who are drawn to the modern aesthetic. The brand guidelines have made it so easy for us to create consistent marketing materials, and everything from our app icon to our catering brochures looks professional and cohesive. This wasn’t just a logo change – it was a complete transformation that positioned us perfectly in the fast-casual market.”

– Restaurant Owner, Kalamaki

Design Deliverables Summary

Core Brand Identity

✓ Primary logo with modern, clean aesthetic
✓ App icon optimized for mobile applications
✓ Vibrant color palette (#EF5323, #F7991C, #FFFFFF, #000000)
✓ Rubik typography system implementation
✓ Brand pattern and visual language development

Menu Card Design

✓ Modern, scannable menu layout optimized for quick service
✓ Clear categorization using brand typography and colors
✓ Digital-friendly format for app and online ordering
✓ Takeout-focused design with easy-to-read descriptions

Marketing Postcards

✓ 5-piece promotional postcard series
✓ Grand opening, catering, lunch specials, app launch, loyalty program
✓ Consistent brand application across all pieces
✓ QR code integration for digital connectivity

Restaurant Brochure

✓ Professional tri-fold brochure telling the brand evolution story
✓ Modern food photography showcasing street food concept
✓ Catering and service information clearly presented
✓ Brand-consistent design using Rubik typography and color palette

Brand Guidelines Manual

✓ Comprehensive brand standards document
✓ Logo usage and typography specifications
✓ Color system with exact codes and applications
✓ Marketing template guidelines
✓ Digital and print application standards

Additional Brand Applications

✓ Business card designs with modern aesthetic
✓ Social media templates using brand colors and fonts
✓ Packaging design guidelines for takeout containers
✓ App interface design specifications
✓ Signage design standards for storefront applications

Ready to transform your restaurant brand with modern, vibrant identity design? Contact us today to discuss how strategic rebranding can reposition your business and attract your ideal customers in today’s competitive market.

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