Harry's Bar & Grill
It all started with a photo of his dad.
When Hart Epstein, a well-known local chef, wanted to open a restaurant, he knew he wanted to name it after his dad, Harry. Harry Epstein and his brother ran an independent bookstore in Downtown Iowa City in the 70's that was host to many distinguished and internationally known authors, and home base for many local progressive community members. The challenge in creating the identity for Harry's Bar & Grill was to honor Harry, and yet reflect Hart's sensibilities as a chef. Harry's is known for its deep, intelligent, and simple flavors; food as it's meant to be, according to Hart. Breakfast is all day, and proportions are generous. Everything about every element of Harry's branding needs to say vintage, modern, and authentic.
Of course there's swag!
Sweatshirt and t-shirts and the mugs your coffee comes in are are available for purchase from your server. Still trying to talk Hart into a branded baseball cap. Check back for updates.
And once you have a coffee cup . . .
you'll need something to put in it. Being the die-hard Star Trek fan that he is, Hart named his restaurant's signature coffee blend after one of his favorite character, Harry Mudd. The coffee logo adds the distinctive hat to his dad's image, and the labels instantly distinguish between regular and decaf.
First impressions.
Walking by Harry's leave little doubt as to what you'll find inside. The distinctive red awning is intentionally branded to identify the restaurant in any drone footage, and catches your eye even if you're a block away. Brand typefaces convey the old-school diner vibe.
