MINNEAPOLIS, (October 13,
2009) — Duffy & Partners, the internationally
recognized branding and design firm, today announced the addition of another
client to its hospitality portfolio. Cooper,
the most recent addition in the collection of Cara Irish Pubs, officially opens
on October 14, in the newly developed West End in St. Louis Park, Minn. The
three additional Irish pubs owned and operated by Cara Irish Pubs are Kieran's
and The Local in downtown Minneapolis, and The Liffey in St. Paul.
Founder and owner of Cara
Irish Pubs, Kieran Folliard, tapped Duffy & Partners, to design a branding
plan that reflects his vision of establishing one-of-a-kind Irish pubs. Duffy
& Partners’ efforts for Cooper include the design of the Cooper crest,
business materials, menus, and the pub’s Web site, which is scheduled to launch
soon.
“As the son of an Irish
saloon keeper, I took this opportunity to create an authentic, unique and more
inspired brand experience, than that of typical pub chains,” said Joe Duffy,
founder and creative director of Duffy & Partners. “Cara Irish Pubs is
about harnessing community legacies, adding a dose of exceptional Irish
hospitality, and designing world-class experiences. Cooper is truly stunning,
with no design detail left unconsidered.”
“I worked with Joe and his
team because of their ability to capture emotion and experiences with design,”
said Folliard. “The inspirations behind Cooper are the classic Cooper Theater
once found in the pub’s location, and our vision of what Irish hospitality and
pubs should be, specific to the communities in which they serve. A cooper is
also a barrel and cask maker. Joe gets it, and was the perfect addition to an
Irish crew of lads for this project.”
Duffy & Partners also
established a branding system for Cara Irish Pubs, based on a family crest.
Folliard plans to continue expanding these pub locations, each with novel
atmospheres and distinct menus. The brand mark for each pub will be based on
its region, the history of the Irish community in an area, and the local fare
that contributes to each menu offering.
“The branding system speaks
at once to the heraldry and tradition of generations, with a contemporary
presentation connected to modern expectations,” said Duffy. “Our designs are
meant to be neighborly with a bit of wit.”