The Kids’ Table

Published in

TylerGAID

8 min readDec 22, 2023

WHO ARE WE?

The Kids’ Table is not just a restaurant; it’s a nostalgic journey into the whimsical world of childhood. From whimsically named dishes that evoke the creativity of a child’s imagination to walls adorned with the vibrant chaos of crayon art, every element at The Kids’ Table is a celebration of the carefree spirit of youth. Step into a realm where the joy of being a kid is not just remembered but relived, where the concept of childhood is not merely a theme but the very heartbeat of the establishment. In this culinary haven, the essence of playfulness and wonder is not only served on plates but infused into the very ambiance, creating an immersive dining experience that caters to specifically the young… at heart! Welcome to The Kids’ Table, where every bite is a taste of nostalgia, and every moment is a celebration of the everlasting magic of childhood.

LOGO

At the core of The Kids’ Table’s enchantment lies its captivating logo — a visual celebration of boundless childhood creativity. “The” is whimsically scrawled in black crayon, mirroring the carefree cursive of a child while hinting at the mature nature of our fine dining experience. In delightful contrast, “Kids’’ bursts forth in a expressive handwriting, reminiscent of a vibrant crayon. Despite this crayon-like line texture, the custom typeface toys with the balance of an immature child learning how to write the ABC’s and a modern, expressive lettering. We have created a flexible logo that changes with each of its uses, displaying a new version of the word “Kids’’ furthering the idea of this ever-changing, imperfectly perfect logo.

The ultimate challenge that I faced was creating a visual balance in the branding that displayed, both, the high end nature of The Kids’ Table experience as well as the playfulness of the restaurant’s theming as a whole. For ninty-percent of the semester I had a logo that leaned much farther into the kitsch, playful themes. Upon putting all of the restaurant assets I had designed together and analyzing whether or not them accurately represented the brand in my head, I realized I had to perform a last-minute redesign. Ultimately, I had to go back in and create new rules, patterns, and even ideas to utilize to better display the high-end nature of my restaurant.

Adding to the charm, a lovable character, adorned with a chef’s hat and wielding a frying pan, playfully graces mascot logo. Crafted with the innocence and imagination of a child, this delightful figure embodies the whimsy that defines The Kids’ Table. The logo serves as an inviting prelude, ushering patrons into a world where the culinary experience is not merely about food, but a jubilant celebration… and of course he needed a friend or two to hang out with!

Explore our carefully curated selection of dishes that pay homage to the comfort foods of your youth, each crafted with an expert touch. The menu is a symphony of flavors, a refined journey through the familiar yet elevated tastes of childhood. Whether it’s a gourmet take on mac ’n’ cheese or a sophisticated twist on a classic PB&J, The Kids’ Table transforms every dish into an artful creation, served with a touch of imaginative flair that elevates the dining experience to a delightful journey through both taste and creativity.

The design is simple, allowing the menu items to shine for themselves. The menu is decorated with more, one-of-a-kind scribble drawings to continue increasing the personal connection built between customer and brand throughout the dining experience. Restaurant go-ers are encouraged to pick up the crayons off of their table and channel their inner child by contributing to the doodles decorating their menu.

A pad of paper awaits each table, featuring whimsical illustrations and designated spaces for you to jot down your drink choices. Whether it’s a twist on a childhood favorite or an inventive creation, our menu features an enticing list of cocktails to choose from. Your orders become a personalized experience- simply scribble your preference in the crossword boxes, hand it to our eager waitstaff, and watch as the magic unfolds in your glass. Welcome to a dining experience where creativity knows no bounds, and every sip is a celebration of the kid in you!

PACKAGING

At The Kids’ Table, the dining experience is as visually delightful as it is culinary. Picture this: instead of the conventional silver platters, our dishes make their entrance in charming tin lunchboxes. These playfully replace the expected elegance of traditional serving methods, bringing an element of childlike charm to your table.

As the server brings the lunchbox to your table, anticipation builds. The moment arrives, and the lunchbox is opened, revealing a delightful surprise. Each tin container is adorned with imaginative drawings of the dish inside, adding an extra layer of creativity to the presentation. The inventive sketches capture the essence of the meal, creating a visual feast before the culinary experience even begins.

But the charm doesn’t end there. The lunchbox is carefully lifted, unveiling the culinary masterpiece resting on the bottom tray. This unique presentation not only adds an element of surprise but also enhances the overall dining experience, creating a sense of childlike wonder and joy.

COLLATERAL

Step into The Kids’ Table boutique, where our fun collateral takes a whimsical spin on adulthood with a playful nod to childhood. Explore a selection of unique items designed to bring laughter and a touch of nostalgia to the grown-up experience.

First on the list are our cheeky condoms, each adorned with fun kids’ drawings that add a lighthearted twist to these adult essentials. The playful packaging brings an element of fun to the item, turning a useful product into a silly conversation starter...

For those who appreciate a good sip, dive into our selection of playfully packaged wines and beers. Each bottle is adorned with original kids’ drawings, turning the beverage into an artful and amusing experience. The labels capture the essence of childhood, creating a perfect blend of grown-up indulgence and youthful joy.

ADVERTISING

Embark on a visual journey with The Kids’ Table’s dynamic bus poster. In the first slide, we spotlight the strength of our culinary core, showcasing a meticulously crafted dish that defines our commitment to fine dining excellence. Transition to the next slide for the power of thematic crayon imagery, a playful celebration of childhood creativity. In the grand finale, the third slide masterfully merges the two worlds, harmonizing our gourmet offerings with whimsical crayon drawings. This visual synergy encapsulates The Kids’ Table — a dining experience where culinary mastery and nostalgic charm converge. Join us for a delightful journey where food and concept blend seamlessly to redefine your dining experience.

In the pages of your favorite magazine, The Kids’ Table invites you to take seat in a dining experience that captures the essence of carefree childhood days. Our magazine ad seamlessly blends the sophistication of fine dining using the playful nostalgia of children’s crayons to reemphasize the warmth and freshness of our food. Immerse yourself in a visual feast as expressive, custom script mimics the free forming nature of the steam emitted from our delicious food. We hope to invite readers to join us on a culinary journey where each bite evokes cherished memories, and each crayon stroke adds a touch of whimsical delight. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of the everlasting magic of childhood.

Environmental

Our adaptable architecture, akin to building blocks, seamlessly incorporates similar elements and colors into each new restaurant, creating a cohesive yet individually unique experience. Just like building blocks come together in endless configurations, our exterior design evolves to harmonize with the character of each new environment.

Step inside, and the chic white interior unfolds, providing a canvas for the whimsy that defines The Kids’ Table. Silly crayon drawings adorn the space, as if a child’s playful imagination has run wild with a pack of crayons. The contrast between the sophisticated white backdrop and the spontaneous crayon art creates an ambiance that is both chic and delightfully nostalgic.

Whether you find yourself in the heart of the city or nestled in a suburban landscape, The Kids’ Table’s adaptable architecture ensures that each location is a unique chapter in our story, yet all share the common thread of blending sophistication with the carefree spirit of childhood. Join us in a space where the world of gourmet dining collides with the unrestrained creativity of youth, creating an experience that is as visually enchanting as it is gastronomically satisfying.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the process of creating an entire, original restaurant concept to thinking of how the food is served and what the floorplan is has been an exciting challenge. I most enjoyed the beginning stages where my imagination was encouraged to run wild and landed on the idea of a Michelin star restaurant with theming that mimicked childhood, both in the menu and branding. Being given free reign as an art director was what I learned the most from, realizing that every decision, even just when I may use a certain typeface in a specific color, can set rules for all future assets and designs in a project.

The result of this entire process is something that I am extremely proud of. Despite the blurry vision, numb fingers, and humiliating instances of running for a charger that came from the countless hours spent designing this project, I have come to recognize not only the amount of work required to create and visualize an entire brand, but also the satisfaction and pride that comes along with it too.

CREDITS

Design & Art Direction: Andrew Rosso

Instructor: Nathan Young, Tyler School of Art