When most people write about restaurant logos, much of the emphasis is placed on either national or nationally known establishments. However, there are many smaller restaurants that have brands and logo designs that rival or even surpass the big guys. Here are a few local restaurant logos that are a good example of logo designs success in this field, representing many different areas and just as many different types of food and atmosphere.

1. The Lanai Local Restaurant Logo Design

Because this word is Hawaiian, the use of a tropical flower is both beautiful and appropriate. However, this restaurant is offering modern fare, so the logo design uses a modern, muted color palette with calming organic green and a warmer deep orange. The word ‘lanai’ is in lower case letters in a hand-drawn cursive font, a soft and even feminine look that is balanced by blocky upper case writing used for the other words. This logo is well-balanced: tropical yet modern, friendly yet serious.

2. Vamonos Logo Design

This taqueria has a logo design that is invitingly Latin while also modern and fun. The large rectangle gives a sense of tradition, but the orange color is youthful and contemporary. The writing is purposely messy, adding to the bold feeling with large blocky letters. To create contrast while also tying into the Mexican food theme, bright green limes are used for the O’s. This logo design is bright and attractive while clearly tying into the restaurant’s brand.

3. Fruition Local Restaurant Logo Design

This smoothie shop offers a fruity but nonetheless calm and modern logo design. A slightly skewed square in a neutral gray-green shade gives a sense of stability that anchors the friendly, brightly colored spiral. The writing below is in a fluid, somewhat random font. The use of berry colors on a neutral makes the logo design pop without being overwhelming.

4. Afterglo Logo Design

The color of this South Beach restaurant and night club’s logo design is perhaps the most significant aspect, a youthful orange that is ultra-modern while also perfectly representing the colors of the Miami sunset. A shining sun forms the image, with a spiral inside to imply positive change. The lettering is informal in all lower case, with thin, unassuming letters. This logo design ties perfectly into the name and the brand of this restaurant and nightclub.

5. Pacific Rim Logo Design

The image in this logo design steals the show, with two fluid shapes forming a P and an R, depending on how you look at it. The blue color clearly ties into the oceanic theme, while the yellow edging adds maximum contrast. The dark red wording in ultra-tall, modern letters adds a serious touch that balances the artsy image. A tagline below lets potential customers know what kind of food to expect here, although the name and logo design do a great job of portraying that as well.

6. Gator Krawls Logo Design

There are few creatures as unfriendly as an alligator, but this restaurant does a good job of making a gator themed restaurant feel friendly and approachable. The alligator is seen from above and drawn in a somewhat abstract manner to reduce any possible threatening feeling. The writing is lower case to add an inclusive and inviting touch. As with many successful logo designs, there clearly was a lot of thought given to balance; the green and orange stand out well against each other, and the newsy font with serifs adds seriousness to the image.

7. Prime 16 Local Restaurant Logo Design

Sometimes clever drawings are a little too juvenile; at other times they seem to work well. This logo design is clearly one of the second types, with an image of a cow’s head that doubles as a partially empty glass of beer. This is a good balance for a tap house and burger joint in the same establishment. Red is commonly used in burger restaurants, but this red is a little darker and more sophisticated. Bold, thick black letters add a solid feeling and weigh down the humorous image, while the writing below lets people know what to expect at this restaurant.

8. Pasta Pane Logo Design

This restaurant obviously specializes in bread and pasta, both of which are usually made of wheat, so this makes a good choice for the main image. The color scheme is warm and rustic, which makes positive suggestions about the type of meal visitors can expect here. The name of the restaurant is written in hand drawn letters that compliment the rustic theme, while the wording below is in more serious writing. The way the logo design is angled to take on a banner-like shape, which adds a suggestion of quality. Some logo designs are successful because they communicate exactly what to expect from the business at hand, and this one is a good example.

9. The Roof Logo Design

The restaurant is more subtly Asian than most, suggesting food that is both ethnic and modern. The roof is curved to appear to belong to a pagoda, which definitely bolsters the Asian feeling. The color red and the way the roofline appears to be written with a brush also tie into this. However, this image is balanced by serious, plain black writing with the main word emphasized in the same bold red.

10. The Black Rose Irish Pub Logo Design

The name suggests Southern charm, which is why the bar logo design is so important. The woman in the image is definitely edgy, which fluffy, bright red hair. A red, gray, and black color palette suggests that this edge is sophisticated and fashionable as well. With flowers, butterflies, and other symbols of femininity, it is easy to guess that this is a girly blog—although not the wilting violet sort of girl that you might initially guess from the name.

Sushi restaurants are white hot in the United States, with restaurants popping up in even the most mundane towns all over the nation. However, these restaurant logos need a very different brand from the average diner. Sushi restaurants must have a brand that is exotic yet approachable, promising excellent food and an ambience that appeals to their target audience. These ten sushi restaurants from all over the world have food and drink logos that are very different, but winners in their own way. We even created a sushi mascot character design for one of our clients in the past.

1. Haiku Sushi Logo Design

The circle in this case is not just a symbol of friendliness and inclusiveness, but a reflection of the rising sun seen on the Japanese flag. The writing is simple and basic with a few notable touches. First, the H is crossed with a pair of chopsticks, relating to the type of food offered. Second, the K has waves that create a feeling of movement. The black and white color palette creates an ultra-modern image that is easily recognized.

2. Rainbow Roll Sushi Logo Design

This restaurant’s brand and logo design are very different from the preceding logo. Rather than black and white, the predominant color is a healthy, organic green. Again we see circles used as the primary image, this time layered inside each other so that the image appears to have been rolled. The restaurant initials are placed in small letters inside the image. Rounded, all lower case letters complete the friendly image and create an overall feeling of friendliness.

3. Tsunami Sushi Logo Design

This logo design borrows from an idea that is wisely associated with Japan and Japanese art: the tsunami. In this case, a sushi roll is drawn so that it also appears to be a large wave about to break. The combination of the two images creates interest, as does the rather stark color palette of black and white with just a small blob of red. Again we also see thin, lower case writing in a rounded font to create that all-important approachability.

4. Nami Sushi Logo Design

This sushi restaurant logo design uses a different approach from many others in its field. Instead of using crisp lines, the entire logo appears to have been painted with ink and a brush, relating to a classical Japanese art. The use of distinctly oriental writing for one word and a newsy font for the other suggests a fusion between Eastern and Western cooking styles, while the leafy plant in the background suggests health and nature.

5. Sushi Logo Design

Instead of an image, this text based logo design uses the details to communicate subtle messages. Although the name leaves no doubt as to the type of food being offered, the chopsticks that form the H also suggest Asian food. The small red circle that crosses the H doesn’t just add a focal point, it also relates once again to the rising sun seen on the Japanese flag. Black, white, and red, which are common colors used in this type of restaurant logo, are seen once again here.

6. Sushi Loca Logo Design

The name of this restaurant suggests that the experience there will be different from the average sushi restaurant, and the logo design suggests this as well. The writing is jagged and irregular, appearing to have been hastily hand-painted. The image is similar, appearing to be a views from a round Asian window but too messy to tell for certain. The tagline, “Fresh, Fun, and Fabulicious,” is playful and fun, much like the name and the logo image.

7. Onuko Sushi Logo Design

One of the most notable parts of this logo design is the way the N flows into the U, creating a wavelike image that is reminiscent of water and movement. The writing in a mixture of cases is rounded and friendly, but thick enough to be taken seriously. A piece of salmon sashimi, which is one of the most recognizable items to people unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine, forms the sole image. It is easy to identify this logo design with the restaurant and the brand, making it successful on all fronts.

8. 8 Fish Logo Design

This restaurant is unique in its use of an unusual color palette for a sushi restaurant, burgundy and gold. The image is of eight fish, with four drawn outright and four created from the negative space. The writing is plain, without serifs, but written in all capital letters and angled so it is written sideways. This image is interesting enough to imply that the restaurant itself is unique and offers a very different experience from its competition.

9. Sushi Tei Logo Design

This restaurant suggests a traditional Japanese experience, but in a very different way from the logos we have looked at so far. The predominant shape is of a square, suggesting tradition. The green color implies freshness, which is very important in traditional sushi preparation. The name of the restaurant is written in traditional Japanese characters as well as plain, rounded Western letters. A tagline below promises “A Good Deal of Sushi”, which is relevant because this is one of many conveyor belt style restaurants that are gaining popularity.

10. Sushi King Logo Design

This last logo has an image that ties directly into its name. A traditional gold square encloses the logo, defining the space while adding a touch of tradition to an otherwise whimsical logo. The main image os of a fish wearing a crown, which is relevant for obvious reasons. The tagline promises “healthy good taste,” which is what many consumers want from restaurant food in general. Again we see the name written in both English and Japanese lettering, which promises a fusion of the traditional and the Westernized.

Most people love steak and are more than willing to try the fare at an old-fashioned steakhouse. However, there are so many competitors in this niche market of the restaurant field that having a brand and a food and drink logo design that compliments it becomes even more important. The following ten restaurant logos attempt to lure you in with promises of comfort foods, ambience, and old fashioned fun.

1. Texas Roadhouse Logo Design

This steakhouse has the feeling and ambience of the fifties, with a bubbly neon steakhouse logo design. The state of Texas and the cowboy hat perched upon this image relate directly to the name, while a complicated black shape in the background reinforces the vintage theme. The neon logo design is all the more appropriate considering that the chain is known for a free jukebox in the restaurant.

2. Bennigan’s Logo Design

Rather than neon colors, this logo design features a calming, earthy green that suggests natural foods and a quieter experience. The name is the sole image in the logo, written in an old fashioned font that is nonetheless bold and thick for extra presence. The name is angled and underlined dramatically to give an athletic feeling, much like baseball pennants. The implication is that this is a sporty place, but a much more restful one than the average bright, loud roadhouse. This image surely will keep new customer flowing through the doors.

3. Bugaboo Creek Logo Design

Is there really a Bugaboo Creek somewhere in the Canadian Rockies? This remains under debate, but there is a Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse in many communities. These theme steakhouses are decorated to resemble classic Canadian hunting lodges in the Rockies, and the logo design also ties into the theme. Stylized mountains are in the background, while a large moose stands to the left. The green and brown with red accents are reminiscent of nature, while the modern, plain writing suggests that this company is firmly grounded in the twenty-first century. This paradox of modern with classic, urban with rural, makes for a charming blend that will entice many steak lovers.

4. The Big Texan Logo Design

Everything is bigger in Texas, and this logo is big as well. The name is written in a classic Old West font in eye catching bright colors, which, together with the actual Lone Star flags on either side of the wording, tie in to the name of the establishment. An old fashioned cowboy is the central image, while yellow wording announces the restaurant’s claim of world fame. The logo appears to be carved into a wooden sign, adding to the down home image. This logo is a little busy, but it has a kitschy charm that works in its community and in its niche market.

5. The Palm Logo Design

Rather than the country images seen in the preceding logos, this New York based steakhouse logo embraces their upscale image with a simple, sophisticated logo and ultra modern writing. The central image of a stylized palm ties into the name, while also serving as the letter ‘L’ in a stroke of cleverness. The green and muted red color palette is tropical with upper crust sensibilities, while the round image invites all to see what a desert themed steakhouse has to offer. This steakhouse has a theme and a brand that is unique in its market, so it is very appropriate that this difference be included and even celebrated in their logo design.

6. Longhorn Steakhouse Logo Design

Longhorn cattle were once celebrated for their flavorful beef, so they make an appropriate name for this restaurant as well as a meaningful image for its logo design. The red and black color palette combined with the simple line drawing give an attention getting yet sophisticated feeling. However, the bold font with serifs is as Texan as you can get, showing that this modern brand doesn’t stray far from its roots. The mix of modern and old fashioned is undeniably present here, which is a combination that will be attractive to many steakhouse lovers.

7. Claim Jumper Logo Design

This restaurant embraces their Old West image, with a logo design that includes an old fashioned photo of a shady looking miner on a parchment background. Red lettering in a bold font adds to the distinctively Western feeling. The rectangular image is beveled at the edges to add a Victorian edge to the image, suggesting that customers may find all the comforts of home at this roughly named establishment. This logo manages to refer almost constantly to the theme of the restaurant as well as the brand, but never diminishes the expectation of good food and country charm.

8. Morton’s Logo Design

This restaurant has had a well recognized Art Deco logo design for decades, but it maintains power even in modern times. The classic lines create the shape of a bone, referring to the main course at this steakhouse. The Jazz Age font of the establishment name only adds to the vintage image. The brown color palette is definitely related to the primary fare here. This logo is both memorable and simple, which has helped it withstand the test of time.

9. Buffalo Grill Logo Design

This logo design is far simpler than those of its competition, but with good effect. The restaurant’s name is written in that Old Western font that is looking rather familiar by now. The horns are reminiscent of the buffalo that is the restaurant’s namesake. The image is well balanced and shaped subtly like an inverted triangle, giving an image of strength. The eye catching red that is the sole color is attractive and appropriate for a food service establishment.

10. Logan’s Roadhouse Logo Design

This logo design is old fashioned in just about every way. First, the red and yellow color scheme is one often used in classic restaurants. Second, the logo is text only with several lines for emphasis. The wave like shape of the S adds a modern edge to the image. Logan’s Roadhouse is decorated as an old fashioned roadhouse, so this distinctly retro logo is appropriate.

Americans have recently rediscovered tea, with the formerly dowdy drink now being given the same respect as coffee and even fine wine. As such, a variety of tea companies new and old are courting the United States market with branding designed to entice all types of tea drinkers. The following ten tea brands have food and drink logos that entice the tea drinker with promises of old world tradition, exotic delight, and even medicinal properties.

1. The Republic of Tea Logo Design

The Republic of Tea is a relatively new brand offering a variety of flavors both traditional and new age, and the logo is flexible enough to accommodate all of these. The image is that of an old fashioned tea pot, while the font is modern and has fancy yet subtle details that hint at a complex and rich tea drinking experience. The tagline below lets people know that they can expect a premium quality experience from the brand.

2. Teavana Tea Logo Design

The name of this tea company hints at the exotic, and the logo further bolsters this impression. This was among the first tea brands to market international teas in a manner similar to that used for other premium beverages, but the emphasis remains on the exotic. The rich colors are exotic yet inviting, while the cross legged image appears to be meditating on a cup of tea. The rounded images give a feeling of inclusiveness that suggests all people can join in on this image of inner peace.

3. Tazo Tea Logo Design

Tazo uses multiculturalism and Eastern religion as a major part of the brand, with product labeling referring to religion and a label on every box claiming that all tea is ‘blessed by a certified tea shaman’. The logo further underscores this point by using several different religious symbols as letters. This combined with the antiqued look of the logo gives a feeling that this tea is a way to get in touch with the ancient and timeless, something that very few brands can successfully promise.

4. Good Earth Tea Logo Design

This brand focuses on earth friendly teas, and the logo shows this. The logo is shaped in a semi-circle, a friendly and inclusive shape. The dark brown color palette is relevant both to the earth and the dried tea leaf. The first O in the word good is in the shape of a tea leaf as well. The line beneath the wording as well as the detail on the letter R both suggest a wave shape, a symbol of forward movement that compliments this forward thinking brand.

5. Yogi Tea Logo Design

Yogi Tea obviously plays on the Asian roots of tea to entice people enthralled with the exotic. Again we see a brown color scheme, but with a very different shape. The shape of the logo is distinctly Asian, while a plant shape at the top of the logo is reminiscent of the tea plant. The writing is thick and rounded for a friendly feeling, making viewers feel that they can be included in the inner peace that the name suggests. Curvy accents show attention to detail while giving an otherwise simple image more visual beauty.

6. Ten Ren Tea Logo Design

This tea brand has long been popular in Asia, but more and more is being sought out by people all over the world. The red of the color is distinctly Asian, while the green refers to the fresh taste that the brand is known for. A diamond shape contains an Asian tea cup enclosing a simple leaf, while the wording below, ‘The Art of Chinese Tea’, is another reference to the place of origin. The message is that this brand offers tea that is fresher and more authentic than the competition.

7. Celestial Seasonings Tea Logo Design

Celestial Seasonings is a tea company based in Boulder, Colorado, United States that specializes in herbal tea but also sells green and black tea. Despite the astronomical name, this brand offers a variety of teas both for medicinal purposes and pure enjoyment. The C in the first word refers to the name by being in a distinctive moon shape. The wording is rounded and friendly with swirls and details that draw in the eye to an otherwise very simple, text only logo.

8. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Logo Design

This brand offers both coffee and tea, and the logo communicates this aptly. A circular shape surrounding a coffee bean and a sprig of tea implies inclusiveness of both products, while a line through the circle shows that the two lines are completely separate. The writing is rounded as well, but has swirling accents and serifs that imply movement. The impression is that this is a brand constantly changing, which is attractive to people always looking to try something new. Read more about the Top 10 Hottest Coffee Shop Logos.

9. Kalahari Tea Logo Design

This brand focuses on African origin teas, and the logo shows this without words. The central image is a deep crimson African continent. Another reference to Africa is the fierce lion’s face embedded in the continent. The writing is jagged and pointy to add to the fierceness, while tiny brightly colored circles throughout the wording add an inclusive touch as well as visual interest and brightness. This logo is very different from most other tea logos, which is appropriate because the brand and its product are both very different from the norm as well.

10. Scottish Blend Tea Logo Design

This tea may not be an American favorite, but its popularity in other countries suggests that it is only a matter of time before its cult appeal crosses the Atlantic. First, a deep blue background is calming, while the image of a tea bag relates back to the product being sold. The two T’s in the word Scottish form a table on which two brightly colored and inviting tea cups sit steaming. The wording is plain enough not to detract from the image, but solid enough to make a clear statement.

Enough on Your Plate? The Top Ten Casual Dining Restaurant Logos

Perhaps no country has as many casual dining restaurants as the United States, nor as many different cuisines to choose from. Americans love an impromptu meal, and these chains offer one that is inexpensive, fast, and usually delicious. Here are ten casual dining chain restaurant logos that are powerful and attractive enough to entice droves of diners.

1. Pei Wei Asian Diner Logo Design

This Asian Restaurant logo is eye catching in black and red, but this is not all it has going for it. First, the logo shows exactly what cuisine is being offered. Even if the viewer did not bother to read the writing, the vermilion red combined with the vaguely Asian appearance of the central icon cannot be missed. In addition to these elements, there is a circle as the predominant shape, which makes it seem friendly and casual. The red figure looks like some sort of Asian character, but it is actually a human figure that appears to be running, suggesting that this is a place to get food fast.

2. Olive Garden Logo Design

Olive Garden claims to bring the best of traditional Italian food to the casual dining market. With restaurants in just about every city, borough, and suburb in the nation, it’s easy to say that this logo has been successful in communicating this aim. The Italian Restaurant logo appears to be carved into terra cotta, a common material associated with Italy. The grape design is reminiscent of the grape arbors that many Americans connect with the southern European country as well. The lettering is scrolling and appears to have been hand-written in a soothing green. Overall, this mass-produced, vaguely artisan sign is directly representative of the restaurants that bear it.

3. Baja Fresh Logo Design

This restaurant brings a diner sensibility to Mexican food, and the Mexican Restaurant logo explains this in a language more effective than words could ever be. The black and white checks incorporate a common diner image with a common image associated with diners. The red and green of the writing are the colors of the Mexican flag, and the writing is slanted and messy so that it appears to have been written in a hurry. The words “Mexican Grill” are written below in case the viewer forgets what type of food is served here.

4. Noodles & Company Logo Design

This pasta shop offers a variety of soups, salads, and of course pasta dishes from a variety of nationalities ranging from Italian to Thai. The focus is on offering good food at a low price, with a rich range of choices. The Thai Restaurant logo shows this intent perfectly. The main color is orange, which is not just a good color for standing out in a crowd, but also one that is not associated with any particular national cuisine. The logo is round to show its inclusion of many different types of food, while the central image is, of course, a steaming bowl of noodles.

5. Chipotle Mexican Grill Logo Design

This casual dining restaurant has a very different logo from its competitors, but it is nonetheless attractive and eye-catching. The logo consists of two friendly circles, one within the other. The red and black attract attention, while the chipotle pepper in the center ties into the establishment’s name. Wavy lines inside the pepper both add an artistic edge and make use of a shape that usually makes people think of progressiveness and forward movement.

6. Fuddrucker’s Logo Design

This American Restaurant logo is very different from most others in this category, but in this case that is an effective strategy. The serrated circle combined with the ribbon-like image splayed across this logo give the impression of a blue ribbon, an image that is bolstered by the words ‘the world’s greatest hamburgers’. The edgy font combined with red and yellow accent colors are attention-getting and make this seem like a fun place to have a quick meal. The diagonal direction of the ribbon gives it a feeling of movement that adds to the fast-paced image.

7. Quizno’s Logo Design

This sandwich shop serves a warm toasty sandwich that is a far cry from the cold, deli-style fare offered by its competition. The central image is of a large capital ‘Q’, drawn to emphasize the circular shape, in a red and green palette that is common in the casual dining world and perhaps hinting at red and green peppers. The name is below, followed by the tagline. The writing is square and bold, adding to the perceived strength of the company. This sandwich shop logo is successful because it distinguishes the restaurant from other sandwich shops and makes it seem like a more substantial meal.

8. Taco Del Mar Logo Design

In Spanish, the restaurant name means ‘taco of the sea’, which is appropriate for a restaurant that is best known for its fish tacos. The fish takes center stage in this image, but it wears a sombrero, sunglasses, and a thick mustache to give it more of a Hispanic feeling. A bold sun in the background reinforces the Latin theme. This Spanish Restaurant logo clearly states the house specialty while remaining memorable and fun, making it a clear winner.

9. P.F. Chang’s Logo Design

What better color is there for a Chinese-themed restaurant than vermillion? However, the references to classical Asia don’t stop there. A small bonsai tree is on either side of the wording, giving a cultivated image, while the writing is in a modern, angular font. The words ‘China Bistro’ are printed below to reinforce the image. In all, this Chinese Restaurant logo is simple and communicative, and a huge part of this growing brand.

10. Hard Rock Café Logo Design

This chain has successfully kept the same logo since its inception in 1971, which makes it a notable logo in itself. However, it has other things going for it as well. The red and yellow are classic colors used in hamburger restaurants, but this logo uses more muted versions of these classics. The circle is an inclusive shape, while the writing is simple yet timeless. This logo has the highest recognition factor of almost any restaurant logo in the United States due to its simple attractiveness and memorability.

How do you choose a restaurant? Often, this decision is based on the quality or type of food, the location, or the restaurant’s location. Some people carefully peruse restaurant reviews either on a website or in a paper publication. However, many people choose a restaurant based on their impression of that establishment. One very important part of that impression are the restaurant logos. An unprofessional logo design may make a restaurant seem unprofessional and therefore even unsafe, while a professional, custom logo design gives you instant acclaim. Here are a few restaurant logo designs that make people want to make a reservation.

1. P.F. Chang’s

This casual Asian eatery manages to bring a lot of gourmet feel to the casual dining market. The restaurant logo design uses red, a color commonly used in Asian motifs, but softened to appeal to the American audience. There are bonsai trees on either side of the company name, which are known for being carefully cultivated and refined versions of normal plants. Because P. F. Chang’s is trying to present a more upscale version of American Chinese food, this custom logo design is very appropriate.

2. Ted’s Montana Grill

This restaurant has a custom logo design that showcases the core concepts of its company. First the key part of the logo is the buffalo, which is appropriate for a chain known for bison meat dishes. The restaurant name is written in a classic diner font which showcases another key part of the restaurant culture: classic comfort food. Last, the restaurant logo includes a catch line that advertises another large part of the company’s culture: ‘Eat great. Do good’. This restaurant is known for using unusual techniques to be more environmentally friendly, so customers are making a conscientious choice when they choose Ted’s Montana Grill over the many competitors. With adventurous food choices a popular theme on food shows and the green movement gaining momentum, it’s easy to see how this restaurant logo design alone will pull in customers.

3. Picholine

This continental restaurant in the New York City area has chosen to incorporate the meaning of their name into their custom logo design. The picholine is perhaps the best known variety of olive, and the plant that produces this olive is displayed in a stylized logo that is sophisticated and simple at the same time.

4. Panera

This restaurant serves a variety of casual meals, but they are best known for their homemade artisan breads. Their custom logo design, as such, shows a woman holding bread. Her wavy hair incorporates a trendy logo theme, waves, which give a feeling of flexibility and ease. The logo makes customers think this will be a comfortable and easy place to get wholesome, homemade food, which is exactly the image the company is seeking.

5. Hard Rock Café

The Hard Rock Café is not just an eating establishment, but a brand. This busy chain has a long list of restaurants as well as hotels, casinos, and more. Luckily, the custom logo design of the original restaurants was simple enough to be changed up a little for all of the company’s ventures. The café logo is incredibly effective because it is circular, which feels inclusive, while incorporating the classic red and yellow colors associated with hamburgers. This company also has a custom font, which has allowed them to use elements of their logo in every area of their marketing. Is the custom logo design responsible for the company’s success? It’s hard to say, but it likely is at least a part of it.

6. Ivar’s

Ivar’s is a seafood chain based in the Pacific Northwest known for fresh seafood and the best clam chowder in the world. The logo features the restaurant name (which is the founder’s name as well) in shades of blue, a color that connotes both water and calm. The waves, which suggest the ocean where most of the entrees are from, are commonly used in logos right now, but this custom logo design predates that trend.

7. Nando’s

This South Africa based Portuguese restaurant offers home-style Portuguese cuisine with an African twist. They are known for high quality and a lot of spicy chicken dishes. This chain has grown to be a worldwide chain, at least in part because its logo is direct and attractive to a variety of cultures. The chicken is the centerpiece of the logo, and also the food. The red and green colors connote both heat and freshness, which are the two main characteristics of the food at Nando’s.

8. Mrs. Field’s

This cookie and yogurt vendor may not be a restaurant per se, but they are certainly one of the most recognizable logos in the food court. The company culture is based around its founder, a woman who turned her exceptional baking skills into a national chain. The custom logo design is simply the company name in what appears to be a woman’s handwriting. It is written at a slant, so it looks like an autograph. Mrs. Field’s name is all over her company’s cookies, and the logo as well. Some how this looks very similar to one of the top 10 logo mistakes examples that we wrote about – Fender logo.

9. Cosi

This restaurant’s logo began as a sun and a moon, but has been changed to a flame with a quarter moon shape around it. Why are a sun and a moon so appropriate for this restaurant chain? Cosi began as a French sandwich shop specializing in lunch. However, the company bought another restaurant, Xando, that mainly offered evening meals. The company then began offering both meals. The warm, autumnal color palette is refreshing in a field where bright colors tend to dominate. This restaurant’s custom food and drink logo design is reflective of both its past and its future.

10. McDonald’s

Unlike the other restaurants on this list, McDonald’s is not known for particularly unique or high quality food. However, this logo has one thing going for it: recognition. The red and yellow colors are reminiscent of the ketchup and mustard on their burgers, while the ‘M’ is in a unique font. This custom logo design is so simple it cannot be forgotten, and the colors are catchy and relevant.

As you can see, what makes a restaurant’s custom logo design a winner can vary from restaurant to restaurant. This is because effective logos are by nature intensely personal and tailored to both the establishment, the food, and the market. While a winning logo design won’t guarantee world-class food, it certainly will draw in customers eager to try your fare.

A collection of the top 10 pizza companies and their logo designs. Almost everyone loves pizza and there are great pizza franchises round every corner. If you are in the market for pizza logos or any type of small business logo design, you are probably interested in how some of the nation’s most popular pizza restaurants have had success in creating logos that work. The most amazing part of these pizza logos is that, however different they may be, they all do an excellent job of representing their food company.

This week we take a look at the top 10 pizza companies and their company logos. If you would like to pitch in with your own recommendations, please do leave a comment in a similar format as you see below. You can even use the “img src=” code to show the logo. The logo has to be 250px wide and 150px high.

Domino’s

Like many pizza logos, Domino’s (headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan) uses the red colors associated with the food. Its logo, however, is more a representation of the company name than of the type of food. Once called Dominick’s, Domino’s Pizza is now recognized all over the world thanks to having one of the world’s most identifiable logos, a red, white, and blue domino turned on its tip.

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Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut (headquarters in Dallas, Texas) company’s recognizable red roof has left its mark on the logo. Beneath the red ‘hat’, the Pizza Hut features a familiar green splash, an easily legible name, and a yellow accent. Using the roof in the pizza logos has helped Pizza Hut develop a brand that is easily recognizable by customers all over the United States.

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Round Table

Many pizza logos have round shapes to evoke the recognizable shape of a pizza, but Round Table (headquarters in Walnut Creek, California) sets themselves apart by using a less generic square. Round Table makes that square green to suggest freshness, while the large white letters used for the company’s name are easy to identify against the dark background. Three medieval flags at the top of the logo pay homage to the medieval nature of the company’s name. The motto is often placed below the logo lest customers forget that they are the ‘last honest pizza’.

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Papa John’s

Papa John’s (headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky) is a good example of success in creating logos that are simple yet effective. This company’s pizza logos stick to red (for pizza) and green (for freshness). There are no graphics, merely the company name and motto: “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.” This gives the image of simplicity, which is congruent with the company’s core values.

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Papa Murphy’s

When it comes to pizza logos, Papa Murphy’s (headquarters in Vancouver, Washington) follows the same route as Papa John’s. Using the main colors red and green, the name is displayed prominently in an easy to read font. The key difference is in the font: Papa Murphy’s uses a cursive font, while Papa John’s uses block letters with serifs.

Godfather’s Pizza

Godfather’s Pizza (headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska) offers Taco Feast combo includes taco pizza, burrito-like Taco Stix and cinnamon sticks for dessert. The brand name brings a smile to any one who has either read The Godfather book or watched the movie. The icon looks a little weak and confusing. Upon closer inspection one realizes it is a hand holding a hot pizza.

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Little Caesars

Little Caesars Pizza’s (headquarters in Detroit, Michigan) Hot and Ready program offers premade pizzas to lure walk-in diners and cut waiting times. By far the weakest logo, Little Caeser’s logo shows a cave man eating a slice of pizza while in his other hand is a pizza stuck to the end of a stick. The font used also looks quite tacky.

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Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza

Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza’s (headquarters in Irving, Texas) menu is expanding with sandwiches, salads, even cotton candy and dessert pizzas. Targeted at the family and children market, the Chuck E Cheese’s logo is cartoony and quite easy on the eye. One could argue that it looks so similar to Tom from Tom and Jerry and perhaps could constitute copyright infringement!

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CiCi’s Pizza

CiCi’s Pizza (headquarters in Coppell, Texas) offers specialty pizzas including Pizza Olé, Spinach Alfredo, Tomato Alfredo and Zesty Ham and Cheddar. Cici’s logo is quite uninspiring and cliche. It shows the line art of a pizza with a tomato in the middle.

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Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs

Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs (headquarters in Madison Heights, Michigan) offers flavored-crust pizzas (above) or new Bold & Spicy Sauce on any pizza with Cajun bread on the side. Hungry Howies logo looks confusing (especially at small sizes) and shows a cartoon boy/child licking his lips and the head seems to have been placed on a pizza.

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Common Threads

As you can see, the most successful pizza logos incorporate several key elements. First, red is used because it is similar to the red sauce for which pizza is known. Second, many of them include elements that represent elements of their name, such as the red roof of Pizza Hut or the medieval flags of Round Table. While a logo with a pizza could be used for any pizza company, these logos are uniquely and recognizably theirs. All of these lessons can be used in small business logo design to help you and other people who are interested in creating logos settle on a design that works.

Logo Client: Peckers Fast Food

Logo Category: Restaurant Logos

Logo Design Style: Illustrative Logo Design

Logo Design Used In: Columbus, OH 43221

Logo Design Project Summary: Peckers is a new fast food delivery company that came to Logo Design Works looking for a shiny new brand identity. Peckers delivers the best and biggest wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and sides.

The client wanted a chickadee character logo design that would look great on a sign, on the side of delivery vans and on staff uniforms. The Logo Design Works team came up with a great looking chickadee cartoon character and coupled with a bold font and bright logo colors, the final design was stunning.

Creating a common animal character for a logo design is tricky business. The designer has to ensure the character design is unique and still be recognizable. This chickadee character was hand drawn in pencil first. Then the pencil sketch was inked and digitized in Adobe Illustrator. The font selection also proved to be quite challenging and time consuming.

Reference photos of chickadees were used to draw the initial character sketch. We used the same process as we would when creating a mascot character design. Of course this particular character was not as complex.

Client: Cafe 2050

Logo Category: Restaurant Logos

Logo Type: Iconic Logos

Cafe 2050 are an eco-friendly ‘green’ cafe providing coffee, tea, home made organic cakes, fresh bread, salads and sandwiches serving the local community, early morning commuters. Potentially interested parties who are looking for a catering service with ‘green’ credentials.

Cafe 2050 sources ‘green’ products and promote healthy eating, Rain forest Alliance coffee etc. aiming to raise people’s awareness to the green agenda, carbon footprint issues and the ecological impact of human existence on the planet. 2050 is the year that the WWF predict in The Living Planet Report 2006 that the human demand on the earth’s resources will outstrip the planets ability to meet those needs and replenish itself.

The client wanted a logo that had longevity and get people thinking about the green agenda. They wanted to show the concept of “earth” in the logo but wanted to stay away from the cliche “green” logo color scheme. The result was a stylish cafe logo design that had an elegant script font coupled with a modern font for the sub text and used the grey color scheme.