Hey — George here. Just wanted to pop in with something we think about a lot when it comes to running a great space:
Details matter. Especially the small ones.
It’s easy to focus on the big stuff — your name, your logo, your coffee — but what really sticks with people are the quiet details. The things they touch, smell, sit on, carry, or take home without even thinking.
Good branding lives in those little moments. It’s how your space feels, even when no one’s talking about it.
Here’s how to get it right:
1. Napkins
Not just for spills. A nice napkin says, “We thought about this, too.”
Soft, thick, or branded — they elevate even the smallest moments.
2. Merch
Stickers, totes, mugs — small things that go a long way.
Good merch travels. Great merch turns customers into walking billboards. If someone buys a t-shirt with your logo on it, you're already winning.
3. Menus
A well-made rail or board menu brings structure and presence to your space — it becomes part of the store design.
How you display your menu says a lot about your brand.
4. Soap & Toiletries
If your bathroom soap feels like hotel shampoo from 2002, people notice.
Use something good. (And yes — we know when you're refilling the Aesop bottle with supermarket soap.)
5. Textures
Chairs, napkins, menus, locks on the bathroom door — it all adds up.
Cheap feels cheap. Materials that are soft, heavy, and well-made = trust. If the door lock doesn’t work, I’m wondering: “What else are they letting slide?”
6. Uniforms
Not costumes — vibes.
Whether it’s aprons or tees, what your team wears becomes part of the brand.
Bonus: No more customers asking fellow customers, “Excuse me, do you work here?”
7. Signage
Menus, restrooms, way-finding — it should all feel like one voice. Your tone, typography, and icons should match.
Boring signs = missed opportunity.
8. Scent
Smell is branding.
A signature scent or even just “it smells clean in here” can change how your space feels in seconds.
Fun fact – scent is the strongest trigger for memories, so use it to help people remember your space.
9. To-Go Packaging
Your brand doesn’t stop at the door.
A branded box, bag, or cup might be the most ‘Instagrammable’ part of your business.
Make it count — the takeout experience should feel just as considered.
In short:
If people can touch it, read it, smell it, sit on it, or take it home — it’s branding.
Do it well, and your space speaks for itself.
