Case Study: Neighbors & Friends

Neighbors & Friends is more than a coffee and cheese shop—it’s a breath of fresh air for Old Town Pasadena. Rooted in a vision of inclusivity and community support, Neighbors & Friends celebrates the unique flavors of Pasadena's diverse population. Every item on the menu is thoughtfully curated, featuring locally sourced products from BIPOC and nonbinary artisans. With a commitment to uplifting their neighborhood through every sip and bite, Neighbors & Friends is quickly becoming a beloved gathering spot that reflects the heart and soul of its community.

Services Provided: Strategy & Positioning, Creative Direction, Visual Identity, Web Design, Copywriting, Custom Illustrations, Print Design, Packaging Design

Project Timeline: 2 Weeks

When Neighbors & Friends came to us, they already had a logo in progress, but they needed guidance to make sure it aligned with their mission. We provided consultation throughout the design process, working alongside another designer to offer creative direction that led to the final logo design.

With their logo settled, they needed to build a complete brand identity that would go beyond visuals to create a memorable, community-oriented experience. They also required a functional online presence and physical collateral, including menus and packaging, all in time for their grand opening.

To bring their vision to life, we began by establishing a clear brand positioning and strategy that reflected Neighbors & Friends’ values of community, inclusivity, and local pride. We then crafted a visual identity that extended the logo’s essence into a cohesive look and feel across every touchpoint. Our team also defined a brand voice and tone that would communicate warmth and authenticity, helping Neighbors & Friends connect with their community in a meaningful way.

In terms of deliverables, we developed a landing page to create their online presence, giving potential customers a place to learn about their mission and explore their menu. For in-store needs, we designed menus that combined functionality with an inviting aesthetic, and created packaging that underscored their brand identity.

We completed all of this within a two-week sprint. By the time of their grand opening, Neighbors & Friends had a polished, professional brand presence that conveyed a story far deeper than a logo alone.

Though Neighbors & Friends is still in its early days, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the brand and the care that’s evident in every detail, from the warm brand tone to the locally sourced ingredients. Their new online presence has also made it easy for locals to find them, learn about their mission, and get excited about supporting a business that gives back to their community.

With a complete brand package ready for launch, Neighbors & Friends opened their doors with confidence, equipped with an identity that reflects the heart of their business and resonates with their neighborhood.

We specialize in delivering fresh, cohesive brands, designs, websites, and creative AI-driven work through efficient sprints. We partner with startups, established businesses, nonprofits, and emerging brands to provide design and growth solutions that match their fast-paced needs. Our streamlined approach, based on 2-week and 1-month project timelines, allows us to create high-impact work in a fraction of the time, helping our clients stay adaptable in a competitive market.

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