Crest Cafe
Crest Café is a beachfront environmentally-constructed, surf snack shop located in Greenport, Long Island with a menu focused on vegan health food. Meals include to-go options and snacks surfers can grab on-the-go after a surf. This café is built out of recycled materials and sits above the sand to allow habitats to be developed under the building. Every week, the café focuses on educating passerby with environmental education workshops and beach cleanup events. At these affairs individuals can pay a small fee for vegan tasting sessions. The small surf shop features retail items made from recycled materials, all from small local vendors, such as wet suits and sea-safe sunscreen.
INSTITUTION: Tyler School of Art and Architecture
INSTRUCTOR: Katey Stafford
ELEMENTS: Branding, Packaging, and Social Media
Look and Feel
When I began the process of composing the brand concept and the visual design aspects of the brand I began to look for inspiration through environmentally focused brands and physical establishments. This started the process of the ocean, paired with a raw and natural feeling leading to the main colors of blue, tan, and white; with other variations mixed in. Additionally, the illustrative elements backboned the colors, focused on the ocean’s natural side with waves, animals, and simple shapes.
Packaging
Since my cafe focused so heavily on environmentally friendly alternatives we limited our deliverable options. I decided to go with take out containers, the exterior and interior, accessories such as glass jars, tote bags, aprons, and a shirt. I wanted to bring out the café aspect of the restaurant while also sticking to the main focus which is sustainability and environmental impact.
Exterior Elements
To continue with the restaurant’s visually simple, but ocean nature focused design. I brought in deliverables that would illustrate the physical establishment. The establishment’s original concept was a café built out of recycled materials, that also sits above the sand to allow habitats to be created under the building’s structure. I wanted to visualize this idea as well as present the design beauty of the interior and exterior of the café.
Social Media
A very popular way of connection today is social media, especially to speak about environmental problems and possible solutions for them. I decided to create a social media presence for Crest Café. Not only to advertise the café further bringing customers in, but also to educate individuals scrolling through social media. This continues Crest Café’s mission to not only provide amazing food, but to also education passing individuals with information that could save the environment one step at a time.
Conclusion
As one of the world's most vital ecosystems, the ocean deserves appreciation and protection. Crest Cafe not only provides customers with delectable food, but also highlights the importance of preserving the ocean. Located on the beachfront and constructed with environmentally conscious materials, this surf snack shop offers more than just a tasty meal. Through educational events and lessons, Crest Cafe invites customers to learn about ocean conservation while enjoying their food.