Five Best Examples of Restaurant Rebranding

The restaurant industry is fiercely competitive, and staying relevant often means evolving with the times. At Nice Branding Agency, we’ve seen a lot of successful restaurant rebrands in our industry - ones that can breathe new life into a restaurant, attracting new customers while keeping the loyal ones engaged.

Here are five standout examples of restaurant rebranding done right, showcasing the transformative power of thoughtful design and strategic marketing.

16 Handles

The New York City-based frozen yogurt franchise, 16 Handles, approached us for a rebranding project that was both challenging and exciting. The task was to refresh the brand without altering its well-recognized logo, a testament to the franchise's success and popularity since its inception in 2008.

Our strategy was to enhance the logo's balance and legibility, especially for its exterior signage, making "16" a standalone icon synonymous with top-notch frozen yogurt. Additionally, we revamped the food packaging with witty brand-centric phrases and eye-catching designs, significantly boosting the brand's visibility on social media through user-generated content.

Read more about our 16 Handles rebrand.

Dunkin’

In 2018, Dunkin' Donuts streamlined its name to "Dunkin'," a nod to its broader menu beyond donuts and a reflection of its commitment to serving the fast-paced, on-the-go consumer.

The rebrand included a modernized store design featuring an eight-headed tap system for cold beverages, a more accessible bakery case, and enhanced mobile order facilities, including a drive-thru lane exclusively for mobile orders. These changes underscored Dunkin's evolution from a traditional donut shop to a premier, quick-service brand.

Burger King

The global fast-food giant Burger King underwent a comprehensive rebrand, the scale of which was monumental given its presence in over 18,000 locations worldwide.

Created by Jones Knowles Ritchie, the Burger King rebrand touched every aspect of the visual identity, including the logo, packaging, merchandise, menu boards, uniforms, signage, and digital assets. Described as "mouthwatering, big and bold," the new branding was a testament to Burger King's commitment to remain playfully irreverent while embracing its authentic self.

Read our full review of the Burger King rebrand.

Baskin Robbins

After decades, Baskin Robbins unveiled a new logo and brand identity that cleverly integrated the "BR" initials with the iconic number "31," representing the brand's variety of flavors.

The Baskin Robbins redesign extended to its packaging, adopting a minimalist approach with a bespoke design for cones and a refreshed look for its cups. This rebrand elevated Baskin Robbins' image, blending its fun, colorful heritage with a more sophisticated, modern appeal.

Mr. Wong’s Chicken and Rice

Our agency took on the rebranding of Original Chicken-N-Rice, reimagined as Mr. Wong’s Chicken and Rice, to better connect with its customer base and stand out in a crowded market.

The rebrand focused on identifying and highlighting the restaurant's unique selling points, leading to the creation of a new logo that incorporated a chicken icon and typographical elements reminiscent of a chicken footprint pattern. This rebrand was about more than just aesthetics; it was about crafting a narrative that resonated with both existing and potential customers.

Learn more about our rebrand of Mr. Wong’s Chicken and Rice.

Rebrand Your Restaurant with Nice Branding Agency

Are you considering a rebrand for your restaurant? Nice Branding Agency specializes in transforming restaurant brands to connect with current market trends and customer preferences. Our approach is comprehensive, touching on every aspect of the brand from logo design to digital presence, ensuring a cohesive and appealing identity that captures the essence of your business.

Let us help you make your restaurant not just a place to eat, but a brand to remember. Connect with us online or call 615.905.9936.