After
Visual Merchandising Design
Before
Featured in this portfolio is my visual design for canihaveabite, an organic carryout food business in Kansas City, MO. All food and beverages were designed to be taken home and eaten later. There was also a small cafe with dine-in meal options.
This project begins in 2021 when the business moved retail locations from the Plaza area to the Crossroads.
About This Project
Client:
canihaveabite
Time:
2021-2023
Role:
Creative Director
Design Highlights
-
![]()
Retail Overview
-
![]()
Ambiance Design
-
![]()
Menu Design
-
![]()
Visual Appetite
-
![]()
Popular Details
-
![]()
Outdoor Design
-
![]()
Digital Design
canihaveabite Retail Design Overview
Here is the 2021 retail space of canihaveabite. The brand colors were green, orange, and grey. As you scroll, you will move from the perspective of the front door to the interior seating area. Click on each image to learn more.
I attached LED light strips around the window frames to illuminate the store past closing hours. The business offered limited dine-in service; most orders were picked up and taken out the door. Seating for dine-in customers was available indoors and outdoors. The front room tables could easily be rearranged for large groups or special events.
Environmental sustainability was a core element to canihaveabite’s vision and brand. The dishes included organic ingredients from local farmers. The kitchen was zero waste. And from 2018 onward, all food and beverages were served in 100% compostable to-go packaging.
In designing the indoor space, I wanted it to feel earthy yet modern.
Featured images:
Live houseplants as decor
Store signs
Customer trash + compost bin
Embracing natural light
Seasonally infused water for customers
Visual Appetite
Visual appetite is integral to food service. We used colorful bamboo bowls and plates for dine-in service. This dramatically improved the visual appeal of the food for dine-in patrons. Pictured here is the same meal (and the same portion size), Island Hopping Bowl, in a dine-in vs. compostable bowl.
Popular Design Details
We wanted customers to have a positive experience from start-to-finish. It took approximately 10-20 minutes for the kitchen staff to prepare food for dine-in customers. I created an entertainment cart with games, community journals, and family-friendly books to help with the wait.
Outdoor Design
The business name and logo were printed on the windows. I used glass-safe paint for information subject to change during the COVID-19 pandemic (such as retail hours). To attract the attention of consumers walking past the storefront, we placed a traditional black chalkboard outside. This strategy was effective in attracting local customers. We also played music from a portable outdoor speaker near the patio tables.