Reinventing the way Thunder Bay experiences a night out.
The Industry Social House Thunder Bay is a popular restaurant and social gathering spot located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Established in 2023, the restaurant had built a strong local following, but its branding and online presence were in need of a refresh to keep up with changing market trends and customer expectations. This case study explores the journey of The Industry Social House Thunder Bay’s rebranding and web design transformation.
01
Background
We worked with The Industry Social House since its inception. We started by asking the right questions:
The Industry Social House Thunder Bay was envisioned as a hub for local communities to connect and celebrate life. The founders aimed to create a unique blend of urban chic and rustic warmth, offering exceptional dining experiences alongside a vibrant social atmosphere.
In the highly competitive restaurant industry, a strong brand identity is crucial. The founders realized that a distinctive brand would not only set them apart but also create an emotional connection with patrons.
To reach a wider audience and make it easier for potential customers to discover the restaurant, The Industry Social House Thunder Bay recognized the need for an engaging and user-friendly website.
02
Branding Solution
We started by conducting in-depth research into The Industry, and its local competitors. We also engaged in discussions with the client to understand their vision, values, and goals.
The founders engaged a branding agency to formulate a brand strategy that would capture the essence of the restaurant. This included defining the restaurant’s mission, vision, and core values.
The design agency crafted a brand identity that combined contemporary elements with rustic charm. The new logo featured a dynamic fusion of modern typography and an emblem inspired by traditional artisanal craftsmanship, symbolizing the restaurant’s blend of old and new.
A vibrant and inviting color palette was selected, comprising deep blues, beige tones, and energetic pops of yellow. This palette reflected the restaurant’s lively atmosphere and cozy interiors.
Comprehensive brand guidelines were established to ensure consistency across all touchpoints, from menus and signage to social media profiles.
03
Web Solution
Our team designed and developed a custom website that aligned with the rebranded image. Key elements of the website included:
The restaurant collaborated with a professional web design team to create an online presence that mirrored the in-person experience:
- User-Friendly Design: The website needed to be easy to navigate and responsive on all devices.
- Reflective of Brand: The design should align with the newly crafted brand identity.
- Functionality: Essential features, such as online reservations, menu accessibility, and event promotions, were prioritized.
Several design concepts were explored to visually encapsulate the restaurant’s ambiance. These concepts incorporated imagery of the restaurant’s inviting interiors, vibrant patrons, and mouthwatering dishes.
The chosen design was brought to life through meticulous web development:
- Responsive Design: The website was optimized for mobile devices to cater to on-the-go customers.
- Online Reservations: A user-friendly reservation system was integrated.
- Menu Showcase: The menu section was designed to showcase the restaurant’s culinary offerings.
- Event Promotion: The website featured an event calendar to inform customers of upcoming gatherings and specials.
- Social Media Integration: Links to social media platforms were embedded to encourage customer engagement.
To encourage user engagement, we included contact forms on multiple pages for inquiries and maintenance requests.
To improve online visibility, we conducted keyword research and optimized the website’s content and metadata. We also implemented on-page SEO best practices and ensured fast loading times for improved user experience.
