Gold Star Chili has long been a frontrunner in the race for Cincinnati’s best chili. Three-ways, four-ways – these creations of spaghetti, chili and cheese are samples of the Queen City’s quintessential cuisine.
Not one to play second ladle to Skyline and other local chili rivals, Gold Star is taking a fresh approach to its brand. It’s got a new name and updated look, and now Gold Star Grill thinks it can be the go-to spot not only for those who crave chili, but also for those who want a healthier, broader menu.
The food retailer chose Chute Gerdeman Retail (Columbus, Ohio) to create a friendly neighborhood atmosphere with the grill concept at the heart of the design.
Much like a family cookout, everything centers around the kitchen area. The order counter, dining area and ceiling panels all feature slight curves and striations to imitate rippled flames coming from the kitchen.
Elements of the restaurant’s flame-topped, five-pointed star logo are studded throughout the space on pendant lighting fixtures, concrete flooring, chair backs and exterior signage. Heated tones of red, orange and amber paired with rustic materials like brick, anodized metal and textural vinyl give a flame-kissed look to the design. Hints of green in the family-style booths and wall color trigger fresh cues in reference to the new menu offerings.
Metal signage with cut-out words and phrases like “tasty” and “ignite your appetite” encourage guests to sample some of Cincinnati’s classic fare.
Client
Gold Star Grill, Cincinnati
Basheer Daoud, development director
John Sullivan, ceo
Mike Mason, operations director
Design
Chute Gerdeman Retail, Columbus, Ohio
Elle Chute, principal
Denny Gerdeman, principal
Lori Mukoyama, director, design development
Glennon Schaffner, program director, design development
Jodi Backes, program anager
Katie Clements, environments designer
Adam Limbach, director, brand communication
Whitney Kyle, brand strategist
Asako Maruyama, brand communication, designer
Kate Barone, design development, designer
Steve Pottschmidt, director, design development
Susan Siewny, director, graphic production
George Waite, graphic production
Architect
Hap Pendleton (Creative Shelter Architects), Cincinnati
General Contractor
Hemmer Industries Inc., Florence, Ky.
Signage/Graphics
General Theming Contractors LLC, Columbus, Ohio
Wallcoverings and Materials
Knoll Textiles, Cincinnati
Kitchen Equipment
Wasserstrom, Cincinnati
Brandon Jones Photography, Columbus, Ohio