When you hear about the vibrant and colourful environment that the restaurant industry has to offer, one of the most recognisable logos is a palm tree. Restaurant businesses from cafes to upper-end restaurants around the world are choosing the tropical palm tree logo to give their dining experience its own unique mark. Although the choice of logo may be personal preference, there is no denying that many places of business for food-related pursuits are sporting the ever-popular palm tree logo.
One of the first restaurants to choose a palm tree logo was the famous ‘Cheesecake Factory’. With over 200 locations located across the United States, their logo has become iconic in the restaurant industry. They have kept the same logo since they first opened their doors in the 1920’s, and it has been continuously used as part of their branding ever since. By equipping their customers with a unique image, like the tropical palm tree, they are able to create an ambience that stands out from the competition.
The diversity of the palm tree logo has drawn attention from many restaurants, catering to many different cuisines. Seafood restaurants in the US have been one of the most popular establishments of all to opt for the tropical design, from casual spots to more expensive locations. These restaurants are aiming to create waves that bind together their traditional roots and embrace the casual atmosphere of waterfront dining. The ‘Bahama Breeze’ chain is one of the most successful restaurants to use the palm tree logo and they have grown to encompass more than 30 restaurants across the US.
While the palm tree logo is undoubtedly becoming an important part of the restaurant industry, it is still worth considering the importance of identity for each business. It is vital for restaurants to stand out from the competition and be able to invite more customers in. Choosing a logo like a palm tree is one thing, but it is important that the restaurant is still able to stand on its own. Customers want to be able to identify the brand and the owner’s vision should still be the focus rather than trying to replicate what another business has already done.
It is clear that the palm tree logo has become an iconic design for restaurants across the world. This leaves us with the unanswerable question; what does the future hold for the palm tree logo? Will it continue to represent the tranquillity and ambience of a tropical holiday as its current restaurants have, or will it become a symbol of a new era of dining experiences? What is clear, however, is that the palm tree logo is here to stay.
Advantages of The Palm Tree Logo
Choosing a logo like the palm tree, not only enables the restaurant to identify itself and separate it from the competition, but can also draw in new and existing customers who are looking for a unique atmosphere when dining out. The versatility of the logo also allows businesses to choose from many different designs and sizes, to suit their individual branding. Customers can be drawn in to an instantly recognisable and calming atmosphere, by simply seeing the logo. Furthermore, as the tropical logo is identified with vacations and leisure, more customers will be enticed to enter the premises than if it was just a regular logo.
The logo acts as a great way to engage customers and start conversations. Customers can discuss the logo that the restaurant has chosen and the impact it has had on the atmosphere. This can encourage customers to spread the word about the restaurant, therefore creating excellent publicity and potentially bring in more revenue.
Another advantage of the tropical logo is its freshness. It is evident that choosing a logo that has been used by many businesses can indicate that the restaurant may have ‘simply followed the herd’, which may not attract customers. However, when using a logo that is still fresh and opting for a tropical theme can symbolise a lighter and more care-free environment. It could be argued that this will led to customers dining there to be more relaxed, therefore creating a perfect atmosphere to dine in.
Overall, it is clear that opting for a tropical theme is beneficial when trying to stand out from the crowd. Although logos can be personal preference, the palm tree logo is evidently one of the most popular and versatile choices for businesses in the restaurant industry, and as a result has become an iconic symbol for restaurant owners.
Impact of Palm tree Logo on Brand Awareness
Apart from the diversity offer by the tropical logo, the impact it has had on brand awareness should not be dismissed. We can compare Cheesecake Factory, with over 200 locations in the US, to Lessings Corporate Dining Services, who have adopted the palm tree logo and achieved an excellent restaurant experience. By having a unique logo, it is easier for customers to remember the restaurant and as a result, it can become increasingly popular as time passes.
By aligning themselves with the tropical logo, those particular restaurants can invoke a sense of control, and adventure simultaneously. Customers are drawn to the jungle of the island, while still being offered a certain degree of reassurance. These feelings are greatly associated with different levels of success which can help the business grow and become a profitable venture.
Furthermore, as word of mouth continues to play an important role in how businesses grow, customers are more likely to mention the restaurant logo in conversations, compared to if the logo was plain or overly complicated. People are likely to remember the palm tree logo due to the fact that it is an easily recognisable image, making it easier to market the restaurant on social media platforms and other online networks.
Criticisms of the Palm tree Logo
Despite the advantages of the palm tree logo, there are some points that ought to be noted to ensure that the restaurant is still able to stand on its own. By opting for a logo that many restaurants have chosen before them, it can give the perception that the business lacks in creativity and originality. This could be damaging to the restaurant in the long run, as customers may misguidedly perceive the restaurant as just being like any other restaurant.
It is also worthy of consideration that what might look seductive and inviting to guests, can be too much for some customers. The tropical palm tree logo has a certain charm, yet some might feel overwhelmed by the contrast of colours and the feeling of a holiday in their local area. This could make some guests less inclined to visit the restaurant, as they would have to visit it again to have another experience. A simpler logo could potentially offer a more neutral atmosphere.
Overall, it is important to note that while the logo may draw in customers, the quality of food and ambience of the restaurant should never be underestimated or compromised. The restaurant should always aim to be unique and stay true to its identity, rather than trying to follow a trend.
The Use of Palm Tree Logo in Advertising
The palm tree logo has become especially attractive for restaurants to utilise when it comes to advertising, as it presents a more visually appealing look for the business. For example, in 2013 the restaurant chain, Bonefish Grill, based their advertising campaign around their logo, introducing logo-centric fishbowls which had the logo encased in the glass, and went on to hand out promotional coasters and vouchers, all fitting in with the same logo design.
It is evident that the tropical logo is being used by restaurants to create a memorable and exciting experience for customers, and by also focusing on other uses such as advertising and promotional attacks, it can help create effective branding that customers can immediately recognise and associate with.
This is especially unique as it enables the restaurant to stand out, as not many businesses are using the tropical logo as part of the promotional and advertising missions. What is also interesting to note is that higher-end restaurants have also been using this tropical logo, using it to display an elegant yet still lively atmosphere to differentiate themselves from the competition.
Creative Use of the Palm tree Logo
As previously stated, it is vital that the restaurant is able to stand out from the competition, which is not only achieved by the use of the logo, but also how the logo is customised for each business. For example, in Hawaii, the seafood restaurants often use the hula dancers in their logo designs, giving that special Hawaiian touch. In other parts of the world like in the UK, restaurants serve up British cuisine, utilising symbols from the culture, such as a red telephone box, as part of their logo design.
The creativity of how the logo is used should not be forgotten either. Some restaurants have chosen to incorporate the logo into their menus, which appeals to the customers, as they have the opportunity to see the design that the restaurant has chosen. It also adds to the overall ambience of the restaurant, while making it much easier to spread the word.
In conclusion, it is evident that the palm tree logo is becoming a familiar image in the restaurant industry, sought after by food-related enterprises globally. The versatility of the logo and its ability to invoke feelings of relaxation and joy to customers mustn’t be underestimated, as well as the importance of using creative and unique designs in order to distinguish the restaurant from its competitors. It is clear that the designers behind the palm tree logo have created a concept that is here to stay for many years to come.
