Reconnecting with the Local BBQ Scene: How We Revitalized Brothers BBQ’s Brand Design
At Design on Edge, we love the challenge of taking an established brand and reimagining it in a way that deepens its connection with the local community — without compromising the brand loyalty that has already been earned. Our recent project with Brothers BBQ, a beloved family-owned barbecue joint in Reno’s MidTown District, was exactly that: a revisioning meant to amplify their culture, marketability, and relatability while honoring their proud heritage.
Honoring Authenticity, Enhancing Marketability
Brothers BBQ had cultivated a loyal following thanks to its time-tested family recipes and expertly smoked meats, which were made using apple and mesquite wood. Our goal wasn’t to reinvent the wheel but to build on that foundation by aligning their brand assets more closely with their story and audience.
Instead of a complete overhaul, we focused on:
- Illustrated support icons that reinforced their rustic, homegrown vibe
- A palette of warm, energetic colors evoking family tradition and the fiery passion of Texas BBQ
- Cohesive patterns, font stylings, and iconography that supported the logo and added depth across all materials
We know a brand can’t survive on a logo alone. It needs an ecosystem of visuals and messaging — from signage to social media graphics — that work together harmoniously.
Building a Cohesive Brand Experience
To make sure Brothers BBQ’s refreshed identity reached all touchpoints consistently, we developed:
- A unified tone and terminology that speaks authentically to their audience
- A strategic method to update existing collateral, from A-frame signage at the restaurant to a revitalized website look
- A series of effective call-to-actions (CTAs) coupled with affordable promotions, designed to grow an email marketing list for ongoing customer engagement
We then introduced the new visual language across their Google Business profile, Yelp listings, and social media channels with refreshed photos and illustrations that would make anyone hungry just by looking.
Bringing the Community Back to the Table
The launch wasn’t just an internal update — it was a community event. Brothers BBQ rolled out a special BBQ sauce promotion and worked with local media to reintroduce themselves as Reno’s go-to authentic Texas BBQ. The results were incredible: sold-out days became the norm, social media engagement tripled, and the email list surged from zero to 600 subscribers in just a few months.
The Power of Traditional BBQ Branding
Traditional BBQ visuals lean on a warm, earthy color palette that echoes the smoky, fiery flavors BBQ lovers crave. For Brothers BBQ, we incorporated:
- Fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and warm yellows reflect the heat and excitement of the grill
- Rich browns and charcoal tones evoke the char and rustic cooking style
- Accents of green and cream to hint at fresh ingredients and give vintage charm
These colors were paired thoughtfully — often in two to three color combos — to balance energy and tradition, such as the classic powerful red-and-black or the inviting warmth of red, orange, and yellow.
Bold Fonts for Bold Flavors
To match the intense spices and bold flavors that Brothers BBQ offers, we selected fonts that are bold, stylized, and energetic — fonts that convey confidence and authenticity, just like their meats do.
Why This Matters
This project highlights a key lesson: a brand’s strength lies not only in nostalgia or a logo but in how well it communicates and evolves with its community. For Brothers BBQ, that meant refreshing their look and voice to better express their heritage while inviting new and longtime customers to stay connected — one delicious meal at a time.
Bringing Texas BBQ Flavor to Northern Nevada
Nestled in Reno’s vibrant MidTown District, Brothers BBQ continues to serve up mouthwatering, fresh meals crafted from treasured family recipes passed down through generations. Whether at local events or catering, their promise is simple: “You’re like family, and we’re eager to treat you to amazing Texas BBQ you can’t resist.”
At Design on Edge, we’re proud to help local legends like Brothers BBQ elevate their stories and grow their businesses with thoughtful design that resonates. Ready for your brand’s next chapter? Let’s talk.
Contact us at Design on Edge to learn how we can help you reconnect and amplify your brand.
