Caffe Bar Zeba: A Journey of Nostalgia and Community

When I was approached by the new owner of Caffe Bar Zeba, I knew this project would be special. As a native of Ražine, a small town near Šibenik, and a regular at the bar for years, I was excited to take on the challenge. Caffe Bar Zeba has been a beloved local spot for over 30 years. It is known for its warm, nostalgic atmosphere where the community gathers to enjoy good company, cheer on sports events, and celebrate together, especially on Christmas Eve. The new owner wanted a rebranding that respected the bar's rich history while giving it a fresh look.

The Project Scope

The primary objective was clear: create a rebranding that felt both simple and powerful. My task was to design a new logo, a revamped menu, and promotional materials, including coffee mugs, t-shirts, stickers, and mug mats. This rebranding needed to reflect the spirit of the community while introducing a new era for the bar under its new name, Caffe Bar Zeba.

The Creative Process

Knowing the bar’s history was key to this project. Caffe Bar Zeba, previously known as Caffe Bar Puma, had a legacy tied to its former name, and the new brand needed to honor that. The solution? A strong puma character for the new logo—an homage to its past identity. The design process involved brainstorming sessions focused on how to best capture the essence of the bar and its community. It wasn’t easy; drawing is not my strongest skill, and perfecting the Puma character took several days of hard work and revisions. But eventually, I created a design that struck the right balance between nostalgia and new beginnings.

Design Elements and Choices

The rebranding centered around two main elements: imagery and typography. I envisioned the logo to resemble something you might see from an American high school football team—bold, impactful, and memorable. The puma character was designed to be serious and strong, not cartoonish, to reflect the bar's longstanding presence in the community. The bold typography complemented this, creating a cohesive look that was both modern and respectful of the past.

Collaboration with the Client

Working with the team at Caffe Bar Zeba was a fantastic experience. They were clear about their vision and provided valuable feedback throughout the process. After I presented the initial concept of the puma character, the team was immediately on board, thrilled with the direction we were heading. We then moved on to fine-tuning the color palette and typography, ensuring every detail aligned with their vision for the bar's future.

Results and Impact

The reaction to the rebranding has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers and the community have embraced the new look, which feels both fresh and familiar. The feedback has been great, and the new branding has significantly boosted brand recognition. The logo’s versatility has allowed for a wide range of promotional materials, from stickers to mug mats, all of which have been well-received by patrons.

Visual and Aesthetic Impact

One of the standout elements of the design is its ability to enhance the customer experience. The bold colors and the puma character are eye-catching and memorable, helping to create a unique atmosphere that patrons enjoy. I am particularly proud of the stickers and mug mats—they capture the American high school spirit that I aimed for and have become a hit among the locals.

Feedback and Reflections

The feedback from both the Caffe Bar Zeba team and its customers has been fantastic. They loved the new branding and are excited about the future. This project taught me a lot, particularly the importance of a strong brand character and how it can effectively communicate a brand’s identity, even when the name and other elements change. It also reminded me of the importance of clear communication and collaboration with the client to achieve a successful outcome.

Looking Ahead

At Monolith Forge, we value long-term relationships with our clients, and I’m glad to continue being available to Caffe Bar Zeba for any future needs. This project has set a new standard for how I approach branding, especially when working with legacy businesses that have deep roots in their communities. The experience has been rewarding, and I look forward to more projects that allow me to blend tradition with innovation, just as we did here.