Exterior storefront signage of Left Bank Brasserie late on a sunny, fall day

Left Bank Brasserie

A Fresh Look for a Bay Area Classic

Multiple Locations, Bay Area, CA

SERVICES

Verbal Identity
Visual Identity Development
Collateral Design
Signage
Public Relations

The Brief

For over 30 years, the highly regarded Left Bank Brasseries have built a reputation for authentic French fare and charming atmospheres evocative of a Parisian brasserie. The concept is also infused with a good dose of fun, “Let’s French!” Approaching a milestone anniversary and a new location,  the brand was at an ideal point to refresh the visual identity to ensure it fully captured the lively experience guests have come to know and love, while also appealing to new audiences. Equally important to the new visual identity was a verbal identity that articulated the unique value propositions that Left Bank provides guests in each neighborhood location.

Left Bank logo on a blank background
Custom illustration of a red-haired woman in yellow pouring red wine riding a pig
Well lit empty dining booth
Warmly lit interior shot of the dining room

Visual Identity

Our team clarified the messaging strategy and brand persona, capturing the essence of the authentic-style Brasserie experience with its convivial spirit and unique Bar Américan-inspired beverage program. A refreshed logo system, updated color palette and vibrant supporting graphics breathe fresh life into the brand experience and ensure their team has the tools they need to fulfill a variety of digital needs. Inspired by vintage hand-painted Parisian signage, a dimensional wordmark feels nostalgic and classic with unique nuances to the letterforms that feel approachable and slightly playful. The refreshed color palette seamlessly integrates with recent updates to the interior design and are a nod to oversized vintage French advertising posters, a ubiquitous decor element across all locations. Additional graphic treatments like ornate borders are paired with cheeky custom illustrations which complement each other across various brand touchpoints, balancing historical references and the patina of age and tradition with a playful approach.

Flat lay of the entire menu suite from the All Day menu to Happy Hour, Dessert, and Beverage book surrounded by playful coasters and custom matchboxes

“Left Bank Brasserie Sails Into Jack London Square With Classic French Fare and Seafood Platters”

Custom branded coaster designs scattered on a vibrant salmon background
Bright sunlight shining on an empty table setting with vintage toile wallpaper and a vintage poster reading, "Contratto".

“Left Bank Brasserie Launches in Jack London Square”

Classic moules dish with a glass of white wine and a salad in the foreground served outside on a brightly lit day
Custom business card design with the front card elevated on a wood board

Public Relations

Carbonate managed the Public Relations launch for the newest location in Oakland’s Jack London Square, a sprawling 2,500 sq. ft. waterfront restaurant with additional outdoor seating. An opening feature with photography of the restaurant’s food and spectacular views ran in Eater and was featured as the cover-story in the daily newsletter just days before the restaurant opened. This was followed by coverage in numerous local outlets, both digital and TV, driving interest and generating word of mouth for the new restaurant and the brand overall.

Man in an alleyway wearing a white baseball cap and Left Bank branded t-shirt

“Hottest New Restaurants in
the East Bay”

“Feast on classic French fare with waterfront views”

Rotating gif flipping through the pages of a custom designed cocktail book inspired by classic writers
"Let's French" over a pig silhouette graphic
Flat lay custom postcard designs on a blank background
Interior red dining room with round wood tables, vintage toile wallpaper and french posters

Photography: Leila Seppa

Custom Left Bank wordmark