RESTAURANT BRAND DESIGN Sol & Sisu
One Table. Many Origins.
Sol & Sisu is a full-service Finnish and Caribbean fusion restaurant in Traverse City, Michigan, blending two vibrant culinary traditions into a cohesive and memorable dining experience. Rooted in the founders’ heritage, the brand honors tradition, craftsmanship, and community while introducing guests to a unique fusion of flavors. Sol & Sisu positions itself as both a culinary destination and a gathering place, offering a thoughtfully designed identity and experience that reflects the restaurant’s story, mission, and the evolving food culture of Traverse City.
PROJECT TYPE
Brand Identity, Design System
ROLE
Research, Brand Story, Brand Design, Visual Design, Mockups
TOOLS
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Figma, Figjam, Keynote
DELIVERABLES
Brand Story, Brand Identity System, Mockups, Final Presentation
THIS WAS MADE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
Sol & Sisu stands as a tribute to tradition, friendship, and fusion. Where family recipes meet modern craftsmanship, and every dish tells a story worth sharing.
Sol & Sisu is a restaurant that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean and Finland, blending these vibrant cultures into a unique dining experience in Traverse City. By introducing this fusion cuisine, we offer guests the chance to explore new flavors while fostering connection and community. In a city with limited fusion options, our concept enriches the local food scene, inviting both residents and visitors to step outside their comfort zones and experience a culturally engaging, memorable meal.
PROBLEM
Traverse City, Michigan, lacks a full-service restaurant that blends diverse culinary traditions while offering a unique dining experience. While the city has a growing interest in international flavors and locally sourced ingredients, there is an opportunity to introduce a Caribbean–Finnish fusion concept that celebrates cultural contrast and harmony. The restaurant would serve as both a culinary destination and a community hub, appealing to residents and visitors seeking thoughtful, full-service dining that reflects Traverse City’s diverse heritage, vibrant culture, and evolving food scene.
SOLUTION
Sebastián grew up on a small farm in Puerto Rico, where food was a source of connection, care, and tradition. Later, drawn north by the water and the promise of something new, he arrived in Traverse City and met Onni, a quiet, methodical cook shaped by Finnish heritage and time spent cooking beside his grandmother. Though their backgrounds differed, they shared a deep respect for ingredients and the power of food to bring people together.
What began as creative tension became collaboration. Blending Puerto Rican warmth with Finnish precision, they built a restaurant rooted in resilience, friendship, and fusion. Today, their kitchen honors heritage while embracing craft, a place where every dish tells a story meant to be shared.
OUTCOMES + TAKEAWAYS
This project strengthened my ability to think critically about brand cohesion, combining two distinct cultures into a seamless, unified identity. I learned to develop a brand holistically, considering menu offerings, target audience, and location alongside the visual system. Crafting a believable brand story challenged me to create a narrative-driven design that feels authentic and fosters meaningful connections.