Despite its reputation, marijuana is a legit segment loaded with brands selling the benefits and lifestyle. From cute, innocent little gummies that help you sleep, to uber cool street wear by Cookies, big brands are getting in on the growing consumer base which, by the way, includes senior citizens says the New York Times . Not only is it big business on this planet but the metaverse could be the new frontier. Read what FastCompany has to say about pioneers like Snoop, Vans, Gucci & Nike.
Studio B is in the business of branding. In this case, the brand is House of Grass– a dope hat company–that opened an online store during the week of 4/20. Aimed at weed enthusiasts, golfers, skaters, hat-wearing fashionistas, the “House” launched with 4 hat styles and 4 designs–all crisp, all white. It’s an apparel brand with distinctive decorations and a convenient little tag that can hold your golf tee or a blunt. The brand is at ground zero for marketing but they’re open to the future.
Branding in other worlds
Let me paint a picture for you. You build your website and activate your social and maybe you even have an actual brick and mortar store in THIS world. But what about brand building in the other worlds? What? Crazy? Stupid? Well, hellllloooo, the concept of the future is suppose to sound crazy – that’s how it works. According to the brand team at House of Grass, they’re working on a pop up shop inside Sandbox right now. “It’s more about learning how it works and getting comfortable there than actual sales. BUT, we have seen how an online experience results in a physical delivery of goods, so, we won’t rule out sales!”
Open a store in the metaverse!
Enter Tyler, Anel, and Jerry – real estate agents offering space for lease in Tron Tower – inside Sandbox. It’s a few blocks from Snoop Dogg’s district – just past the Chipotle – wait that’s Roblox – I’m getting my metaverses confused. Tron Tower offers space in their futuristic multi-story building where you can office, open a storefront, exhibit art, or just have a bachelor/ette pad when you need to get away from it all…Ahhh.
“Birdguesa has been the most FUN restaurant concept I’ve been a part of yet. I’d say it’s my “baby” but it’s really a “teenage boy” brand in every way. Mexican Wrestlers. Trophies. Hot Rods. And a 3-Million-Scoville butt-burner of a hot sauce Challenge.”
TEJAS – Tex-Mex done sexy. I’m in. This week’s #FridayFeed restaurant branding review is TEJAS at 250 N. Bishop at Ninth Street in Oak Cliff. Studio B just moved to the Bishop Arts District in June so we only heard about what Tejas used to be, which was apparently a counter service, fast casual Tex-Mex burger & fries place. By the time we got here, they had shut it down for a full Covid remodel which included a change in business model-from counter service to sit down casual Mexican cuisine. “Healthy Tex Mex” with bright fresh ingredients and craveable Tex-Mex favorites, vegan options and fresh-caught seafood.
Order Up!
The menu is exactly the right size. Four kinds of guacamole, deliciously velvety queso, ceviche, carne aside fries, a poblano soup and few salads to start. Complimentary with meals, the chips and salsa are delicious. I’m sure they are fresh fried chips with sea salt and the salsa – I can’t describe – but is thick and tasty – not too much tomato. Entrees include standards like enchiladas, tacos, flautas, quesadillas, fajitas and a couple of plates – all with something just a little special, i.e. homemade flour tortillas, tomatillo slaw, house smoked brisket (which is to die-for). You can also get Skinny Fajitas with cauliflower rice and “cute, delicious and oh so mini!” mini tacos. Great for sharing with the No sugar added Margarita selections. My first lunch visit included brisket & queso tacos with fresh flour tortillas. Amazing. So good, in fact, that I ordered take out for dinner which included chicken enchiladas with a yummy creamy sauce and the enchiladas poblanos, also excellent. Danny and I went to review this week and I got the skinny steak fajitas with cauliflower rice. The steak was flawless and the cauliflower rice was really really good. I make A LOT of cauliflower rice variations so I know this veggie but I don’t know how they made theirs. It was delicious and I will snoop around to see if I can replicate at home. Danny got the brisket and queso enchiladas which came with special “rice and beans.” I say special because the rice was notably delicious and the beans were like a little bowl of savory bean soup. They were true sides vs plate fillers. Danny gave the whole meal a double thumbs up. Oh – and the tea was delicious.
Branding DNA/Environmental Branding:
The brand comes from Exxir Capital led by Michael Nazerian who says “ Places are the canvas. Experiences are the glue.” Exxir is responsible for a large part of the development of Bishop Arts along with Good Spaces and Jim Lake Companies. The thing about Exxir though is their curation of the experiences with restaurants, apartments, offices and green spaces.* It’s been said that their design is Southern California and I would agree. Tejas is rich with design elements like custom tiles, loads of plants and planters, awesome pops of color and texture, cool furniture, quirky glassware and even the staff uniforms. I hate to call them uniforms because I think the rules are structured but loose, meaning dress for “this” vibe. The lunch and dinner bartenders were wearing different style black bolero hats. It wasn’t contrived. Somehow I think they just attract the right people for their brands and it seriously all works.
Digital Branding:
Tejas has a minimalist website that can be easily navigated and is all about their food. Their Instagram features beautiful candid food photography of their amazing dishes. Overall, their website and social work great together to drive consumers to their restaurant.
–Danny
MJ’s Brand Opinion:
If you’ve followed our Friday Feed Reviews pre-Covid, you know I don’t gush over restaurants very often. It is rare that a brand is buttoned up in pretty much every category. Many times a restaurant will look great but the staff is just wrong or the operations are clunky. I’m guessing that Nazerian is a control freak about his design and his teams – it works. If there’s anything I think that is a little weak it would probably be website interface and their choice for the take out packaging. My two person take out order included 2 kraft handled bags, 3 kraft Champak containers and 5 styrofoam containers with lids. Since we’re packaging designers, we know how much money that adds to the bottom line and this is stock, unbranded packaging, so…it’s costly and not too eco friendly due to the shear volume of pieces. Unbranded Packaging aside – it’s a heart emoji for me.
TMZ Celebrity Sighting Bonus: While we were patio dining – a porche pulled up and I recognized it was Michael Nazerian. Obviously there to check on his many projects. 😉 MN-Call me about that packaging.
*Exxir also owns Paradiso (review to come – second visit required), Botonist, Good Companions along with Bishop North apartments, Bishop Flats, Camp Bishop and more.
Score:
MJ and Danny give Tejas an A+ in all categories. Go.
#FridayFeed:
Every Friday, Studio B Dallas visits a local fast casual concept for lunch to critique the brand (and eat lunch). Three rules apply: it’s a concept we haven’t been to or it’s been in the restaurant news and it’s within 10 miles of our office. Wait, four rules – it can’t be sushi. Danny doesn’t do sushi. If you have any suggestions on where we should eat next, feel free to leave it in the comments. Look for our restaurant branding reviews each Friday! MJ & Danny
SKY ROCKET BURGER – Remember when it was cool to dine-in?
This week’s #FridayFeed restaurant branding review is SKY ROCKET BURGER at 111 S. Hall at Commerce in Deep Ellum. About 3 weeks ago we visited Sky Rocket Burger. We’d never heard of it but decided to go after some colleagues recommended we try it. We love a good burger and fries!
Order Up!
The menu is super simple. Fresh ground angus prime choice beef burgers, cooked to order with free add-ons like raw or grilled onions, jalapeños, spicy mayo, hot sauce, etc. Premium add-ons include a fried egg, cheddar cheese and bacon. I ordered the single burger with cheese – no changes to the way it comes which is with lettuce, tomato, pickles, served sauce and mayo on a FRESH BAKED TOASTED BUTTERED BUN. Let’s just linger here for a minute. Real butter (because I asked management) slathered generously on a fresh baked bun, toasted until crisp on a flat top grill. Ahhhh-mazing. Danny got the single burger also but added grilled jalapeños. We tried the fries, the tots and the fresh brewed tea. This was truly a classic burger lunch with a delicious fried potatoes. No pretense, no crazy ingredients. The rest of the menu includes: double burgers, triple burgers, grilled cheese and cheese fries. Drinks and a Blue Bell shakes sign indicates they have vanilla, chocolate and strawberry shakes.
Branding DNA/Environmental Branding:
The branding is as basic as the burger. It works for the burger but since we’re restaurant “branders” we think there is much room for improvement here. I like the name but I think the logo and the menu and the interior provide opportunities for improvement. The website is really spare. The about us page says it is a family owned restaurant who takes pride in bringing best tasting food at best prices. What else? We did some googling and found that the concept was opened by Scott Wagner & his wife Tia. The couple has now partnered with a team that includes Alan Talebi who is known for Vidorra and Stirr. According to Culturemap, they opened the Deep Ellum location so they could have the burgers closer to where they lived. Another is planned for Arlington. How about a location in Oak Cliff next?!
Digital Branding:
There’s not much else to say except that we’ll go back – obviously for take out due to this Coronavirus quarantine. DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats and Postmates all deliver according to their Instagram and Facebook pages. –Danny
A Message to the Owners:
Studio B is a kick ass restaurant branding design studio in the Design District. You guys could use some branding. We could use a new project. We realize the restaurant business is in total crisis right now but there will be less competition when this is over. Let’s use this time and work something out. Let’s talk!
Score:
MJ and Danny give Sky Rocket Burger an A for the burger.
#FridayFeed:
Every Friday, Studio B Dallas visits a local fast casual concept for lunch to critique the brand (and eat lunch). Three rules apply: it’s a concept we haven’t been to or it’s been in the restaurant news and it’s within 10 miles of our office. Wait, four rules – it can’t be sushi. Danny doesn’t do sushi. If you have any suggestions on where we should eat next, feel free to leave it in the comments. Look for our restaurant branding reviews each Friday! MJ & Danny
Recent Comments