Guatemalans are proud to grow some of the world’s best coffee, but international competitors had begun to enter their home market. Café Barista knew they needed to push their brand experience if they wanted to remain a top choice. They came to us to help them design a scalable prototype that would engage customers and provide a vehicle for growth, while at the same time fending off new competition.

To craft an experience that celebrated authenticity, good coffee and good company, our designers blended an inviting lounge feel with contemporary warehouse cool. We started with a signature palette of natural, indigenous materials, paying homage to the care that goes into producing the artisan coffee that anchors the extensive menu. Partitions and a variety of cozy seating options create individual conversation spaces suitable for different sized-groups – intimate pockets within a larger, cohesive environment. The design showcases innovative features, like a mobile cupping station for sampling various brews, and an integrated patio for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

The new Café Barista experience has been a huge success. Sales from the first new store increased 120% over the previous store in the same shopping area. The appealing combination of comfortable and modern invites customers to sit back and stay a while, and the improved experience positions Café Barista for future growth in its market.

Designed by Interbrand Design Forum