Only 9 months from creative development to restaurant opening in Mission Viejo

WD Partners, the award-winning design and development firm, announces the rebranding of Coco’s Bakery Restaurant. The dramatically different 6,900 square foot flagship prototype is located in Mission Viejo, California. Coco’s, part of the Catalina Restaurant Group, is a 55-year old family dining concept with more than 115 locations. The program took only 9-months to complete—creative concept development to opening—especially remarkable since Southern California is one of the most difficult areas in which to build.

Coco’s CEO Sam Borgese spearheaded the revitalization of the brand and chose to work with WD Partners because of the breadth and depth of the firm’s expertise in designing for multi-unit restaurants and retail. The objective was to update the iconic family-dining brand, repositioning it to be more attractive to a younger demographic without alienating Coco’s existing customers.

“The store environment is a really effective brand communication tool,” said Tom Ertler, of WD Partners, who led the project. “It’s an excellent way to differentiate the Coco’s brand from its competitors, and provide more value to their guests.”

The new restaurant achieves this shift with softer, more pleasant lighting; an open, spacious feel; a variety of seating options; an enhanced perception of privacy at most tables and booths; the addition of an espresso and wine bar; and a rich color palette of deep yellows, reds, and oranges. Coco’s original ‘50s-era logo, which WD Partners recommended that the company bring back into use, inspired the color palette. The updated California Modern “look and feel” emphasizes Coco’s heritage in the state. The restaurant exterior features an outdoor patio with fireplace, and a dedicated “To Go” entrance.

A new menu, developed by Coco’s VP of food and beverage Heather Gardea, complements the new store design.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST