Can Tho Kitchen Bar
Queensland, Australia
Can Tho
Kitchen Bar
Queensland, Australia
Taking over an existing, well-functioning business and then making transformational changes is not for the faint-hearted. It takes vision, strategy and plenty of guts.
Taking over an existing, well -functioning business and then making transformational changes is not for the faint-hearted. It takes vision, strategy and plenty of guts.
Uncovering the story
Uncovering the story
Australian business Can Tho served great quality Vietnamese food at an affordable price with great service but lacked soul and culture.
The culture around takeaway food in Australia centres around Asian inspired takeaways - sometimes dodgy sometimes great. Can Tho fit neatly into this cliché, complete with plastic chairs and disposable tablecloths. Not so typical of this scene though was the quality of food that came out of these four walls.
The Can Tho brand story started back in the 80's when Tara and her mother first arrived in Australia from a struggling Vietnam. Moving around Australia working for various restaurants, they eventually settled on the Gold Coast and opened the doors to their family business Can Tho.
Fast forward a few years, Tara's mother retired and she along with her partner Vien - who also worked at the restaurant, took over the business. With the new ownership, came a new set of ideas and ambitious vision.
Inspired by Melbourne institution Chin Chin - a quintessentially Australian take on Asian food - the duo wanted to create their own authentic version of this success story. The vision was to transform this local hidden gem, into a hip and bustling atmosphere that offered share plates, communal seating and a dining experience worth travelling for.
The culture around takeaway food in Australia centres around Asian inspired take-aways - sometimes dodgy sometimes great. Can Tho fit neatly into this cliché, complete with plastic chairs and disposable tablecloths. Not so typical of this scene though was the quality of food that came out of these four walls.
The Can Tho brand story started back in the 80's when Tara and her mother first arrived in Australia from a struggling Vietnam. Moving around Australia working for various restaurants, they eventually settled on the Gold Coast and opened the doors to their family business Can Tho.
Fast forward a few years, Tara's mother retired and she along with her partner Vien - who also worked at the restaurant, took over the business. With the new ownership, came a new set of ideas and ambitious vision.
Inspired by Melbourne institution Chin Chin in Melbourne - a quintessentially Australian take on Asian food - the duo wanted to create their own authentic version of this success story. The vision was to transform this local hidden gem, into a hip and bustling atmosphere that offered share plates, communal seating and a dining experience worth travelling for.
Together our team worked with Tara and Vien to carefully unpack the workings and heritage of Can Tho and to define their business goals. This set the foundation to start building on the purpose, brand story and integrated approach to brand and interiors.
During the initial workshops, we were focused on searching for stories that the customers could relate to and help build the brand authenticity. We didn't need to look too hard. Conversations and research revealed a family story that is nothing short of inspiring. Something that needed to be shared.
Embracing the story of Tara and her mother, the proceeding brand and interior design choices focused on authenticity, meaningful dates and family images.
Risk & reward
Since Can Tho Kitchen Bar re-opened in October 2014 booking and revenue have more than doubled.
Although the die-hard locals were sad to share their local gem with southern Gold Coasters, Tara and Vien had managed to build brand awareness and were now drawing new clientele from near and far.
The atmosphere has transformed into an extremely cozy and inviting space. The quality of staff applications has also improved with staff satisfaction at an all-time high - a good thing with the increasing demand for staff. Tara and Vien now have the new challenge of encouraging staff to go home at the end of their shifts.
The outcome is beyond Tara and Viens expectations. An emotive response to a real, meaningful, authentic family story that is now more clearly communicated to patrons, through an integrated branding approach.
"If I was face to face with you now, I’d have to hug you. Thanks so much. Mum said ‘the sky is raining and so is her soul’. I don’t think she ever could’ve imagined what she saw today. We are so grateful for the tremendous turnouts night after night"
- Tara Luong. Co-owner, Can Tho
Creating good business is collaborative
Brand positioning, strategy and design, art direction, stationery, spatial concept, print design, digital direction - Harmonica
Interior design - Escape Plan Designs
Restaurant photography - Stylin Images
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Contact
Thorvald Meyers Gt 30
Grünerkøkka
0555
+47 900 23 663
kate@moloneyme.com
Contact
Thorvald Meyers Gt 30
Grünerkøkka
0555
+47 900 23 663
kate@moloneyme.com
Aligning business
& communications
Looking to take an idea to the market, or in business already?
Get in touch to chat about design that goes beyond aesthetics.
Aligning business
& communications
Looking to take an idea to the market,
or in business already?
Get in touch to chat about design
that goes beyond aesthetics.
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