A playful twist on a rich history sets the scene at this lively mussel & beer bar in Downtown Chicago.

HISTORY MEETS IRONY

D.B. Fisk & Co. was the first wholesale millinery in the Chicago area, founded in 1853 by Daniel Brainard. In 1912, D.B. Fisk & Co. erected the 13-story building which is now the home to The Kimpton Hotel Monaco. 

In honor of the history of the building, the name and wordmark were inspired by a historic D.B. Fisk & Co. millinery ad that ran in the 1900s, and are complemented by the use of bold, sophisticated fonts throughout the branding. 

However, playful graphics bring a fresh, modern twist to the brand. Drawing inspiration from old ship postcards showing cats chasing mice or rats off the boat, the ironic imagery of a feisty cat fresh from a successful fish hunt highlights the restaurant’s eccentricity and sense of humor. 

In partnership with the restaurant’s interior design team, the colors and materials reflect the cohesive identity between the branding and the interior space.