At Code Barcelona, we’re passionate about bringing you the very best in design and creativity. That’s why we dedicate a weekly feature to analyze outstanding design projects—this time, focusing on brand creation.
Today, we’re highlighting the Indigo Award 2019 winner for restaurant branding: Ally Chow.
Ally Chow, featured project
by Hover Creative
Project background
This project began with the need to create a brand identity for a new restaurant launched by renowned chef Trent Scarriba.
The restaurant specializes in Asian fusion cuisine and is defined by its unique setting and location.
The challenge was to ensure the brand and visual identity communicated both the culinary concept and the restaurant’s location in Queensland, Australia.
Additionally, part of the restaurant’s outdoor seating is set in an alleyway—a feature with great potential to enhance the dining experience.
With these simple insights, the name “Ally Chow” was born: “Ally” referencing the alleyway, and “Chow” serving both as an Asian surname and a colloquial term for food.
The result: “The Alley of Food” or “Chow Alley.” However you interpret it, the brand’s personality was already taking shape.
Simple yet highly effective—sometimes the best ideas are right in front of us.
Once the name was established, the rest of the brand identity followed.
The design project
This branding project included:
- Name creation
- Logo design
- Business card design
- Menu design
- Interior signage design
- Exterior signage design
- Interior design
Every element was crafted with a consistent visual language to reinforce the restaurant’s unique character and concept.
Own or manage a restaurant? We have extensive experience creating exceptional websites for this sector. Click here for expert advice on boosting your online presence. We’ll review your current website and provide a tailored action plan for improvement.
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Overall, the project is elegant, minimalist, and organic, with premium materials chosen to emphasize the restaurant’s personality.
Textured papers and meticulous finishing touches are among the project’s greatest strengths—without this attention to detail, it would have been just another branding exercise, unlikely to stand out.
About the creator
Hover Creative is a graphic design studio specializing in brand creation, helping businesses gain the visibility and momentum they need to stand out in the market.
This particular project was led by:
Gabriel Celuque, Design Director and Creative Director.
Award
This branding project recently won Gold in Branding at the 2019 Indigo Awards.
Our take
This project is a masterclass in elegant execution, with one great decision after another. The first is the name “Ally Chow”—a clever double meaning that fits the concept perfectly.
For the logo, the initials “AC” were designed in the style of a Japanese hanko stamp, enhanced with brushstroke textures inspired by Japanese calligraphy.
Another highlight is the finishing—true design excellence lies in the details.
Here, the materials are refined, elegant, and highly distinctive, resulting in a brand that is both powerful and enduring.
This branding project deserves a closer look—study the images and appreciate each element both individually and as a whole. It’s an inspiring exercise for any creative professional.
Own or manage a restaurant? We have extensive experience creating exceptional websites for this sector. Click here for expert advice on boosting your online presence. We’ll review your current website and provide a tailored action plan for improvement.
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