Comma
In 2019, the Hiltons and the Ingrams became owners of the coffee shop formerly known as The Gathering Place Coffee Company in Shawnee, OK. When a lawsuit from a large park sharing the same name threatened the small business, Robot House stepped in to offer help, pro-bono. After gathering data through a comprehensive questionnaire, researching the market, and many in-person meetings with the new owners, the brand evolved from an inherited style into its own peace-inducing destination.
Key Considerations
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With the threat of a lawsuit big enough to close their small business, the primary goal of this rebrand was to give the owners a new name that was truly unique to them.
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To avoid any potential legal action against their business, it was important to research local business names to identify a new brand. With another “Comma” cafe in a distant state, we had to ensure our branding approach was unique to their location.
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One of the new goals for this coffee shop rebrand was to create a getaway space for patrons. Although there is not much competition in Shawnee, Oklahoma, because it is a fairly small town, the owners still wanted residents to feel that the space was a destination to experience rather than just a convenient stop for coffee.
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As part of the design, we provided cohesive packaging and marketing elements that the client can use should they expand.
Inspiration
Nature
Serene open spaces with the ability to provide a sense of calm and focus were the main driving inspiration for this coffee shop. Not only was the space meant to be an escape from the busy-ness of life, but also a destination in which visitors could feel they were taking a step into their own oasis. It was important to be conscious of the environmental factors that impact this feeling and to create branding elements that reflect and exude the same energy.
Architectural Structuring
With the promise of a new brand coming their way, the owners of the coffee shop were excited to start implementing fresh architectural design plans they had been brainstorming since they acquired the space. Knowing the rollout of the spacial environment would have a major impact on the new identity, it was necessary to assess the renders from the planned space and create a system that cohesively built upon the stylistic choices of the new interiors.
