For our second project with Chef Brittanny Anderson, she asked us to design a restaurant inspired by her family’s Tidewater history. Particularly inspired by a photo of her great grandmother’s gas station, we decided to make this restaurant an homage to Dora.

Adding in shelves to mimic the retail component of the gas station, we decided to fill them with fake products. Packing for Chum! the fish-based energy drink, Shrimp Flakes, Mr. Mussels, Crab Daddy Bisque, Salty Bitch Beer, and Clamburger helper were design within a limited color palette by Gamut Studio.

Tables were lacquered with a boat-like finish, we used inexpensive industrial light equipment to lean into the gas station feel, and the restaurant is styled with watercolors by Chef Brittanny’s mother, and other folk art (like wooden ducks) by other relatives and acquaintances. The curtains were hand-sewn by her mother, and inspired by a dress worn by Dora in an old photograph.

We added areas of wooden siding to mimic the original gas station, and borrowed its warm white and green color palette for trim and millwork. We were even able to find the original sign from The Mooring, the first restaurant where Chef Brittanny worked.

The resulting restaurant is fun and feels designed, but is still a sweet tribute to an upbringing that so many people in the Tidewater region can relate to.

Chef/Owner: Brittanny Anderson
Branding and packaging design by Gamut Studio