John Kyle Espresso

Helping John Kyle step out of their comfort zone.

Summary

Sector

Retail, Food & Beverage

Services

Brand Identity
Brand Positioning
Brand Strategy
Logo Design
Packaging Design

Background

John Kyle Espresso is known and loved by those on the Sunshine Coast for their specialty coffee and locally-sourced food menu. With two locations in Buderim and Maroochydore, their name sparked an opportunity to tell their unique story in a new way. The Australian café and specialty coffee market is one of the most competitive globally, making any branding project in this category a significant challenge.

Challenge

Our project had two key objectives to grow John Kyle from a local favourite into a lifestyle-oriented, destination café: craft a new brand story for the name ‘John Kyle’ that would captivate newcomers and still resonate with existing customers, as well as creating an identity that could support an increase in menu prices to grow the customer spend per head.

Solution

After extensive research, including dining at both locations, documenting first-hand accounts from regular customers, and surveying over 30 members of John Kyle’s target audience, we identified their defining value: providing customers with a home away from home.

This understanding led us to a key insight: when people feel safe and comfortable, they will let their hair down, be their authentic selves, and have the confidence to step out of their comfort zone.

This feeling of comfort and authenticity is what John Kyle’s service and environment create for both regulars and newcomers.

We started the brand refresh by reimagining the wordmark. Customised from the front TT Trailers, the bold weight, deep ink traps, and curved shapes, the wordmark captures the energy of John Kyle’s warm, welcoming, and attentive staff.

Our cheeky illustration of ‘JK’ acts as the brand’s icon and symbolises the idea of stepping outside your comfort zone and feeling confident to have fun while trying new things.

The vibrant forest green and sand colour palette was our opportunity to ground the brand in its locality, referencing the lush hinterland and soft beaches of the Sunshine Coast.

The tone of voice of the copy used through the brand also reinforces the laidback, down-to-earth and approachable side of the brand's personality that locals have come to know and love.

Results

John Kyle’s brand evolution has been fully embraced by their owners and staff. The new positioning accurately reflects the quality of the experience they provide and customers have endorsed the increase to prices and are thankful that their beloved café is getting the treatment it deserves. The brand story is referential of their local community and humble beginnings: resonating strongly with their current regulars and also describes the evolution of a cafe who’s confident in itself, able to have some fun and ready to share the John Kyle lifestyle with people who are looking to experience the best cafés on the Sunshine Coast, and beyond.

The world loves an Underdog story, so do we.
Let’s work together and create our own.

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