Does Your Hospitality Brand Need a Helping Hand?
The 'third place' concept is more than a trend, it’s a game-changing tool that offers business owners in the hospitality and restaurant industries unique opportunities to enhance their customer experiences and get more people in the door.
Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the third place refers to social environments separate from the home (first place) and workplace (second place), where people come together to relax, connect, and build community.
For restaurants, hotels, cafes, and common areas, becoming a “third place” means making your space a destination people seek out.
It is a space designed with an intentional atmosphere and unique vibe that can’t be found anywhere else, one that invites people to linger, relax, and return to it repeatedly.
As we learn more about the impacts of isolation on mental health, it’s becoming increasingly evident that humans need space to disconnect and interact with others outside of social media platforms and internet forums. This is especially true for the work-from-home crowd.
People want and need spaces to unwind, feel comfortable, and foster relationships away from work and home, and designing your establishment as a third place can create so much additional value for your business. When executed correctly, it builds loyal customer bases, increases foot traffic, and enhances word-of-mouth marketing by delivering more shareable, photo-worthy moments. It’s not just about the food or drinks you serve, it’s about delivering unique experiences with an ambiance, vibe, and sense of belonging that patrons can’t find anywhere else.
This is where your brand comes into play. It goes beyond logo and color. It’s the feelings a business wants people to experience every time they interact. Embracing the idea of becoming a community hub starts with focusing on what you offer beyond the menu and essentials.
How do you make people feel?
Does this feel familiar?
01 Customer Loyalty Is On The Decline
Your space might not feel all that special. Customers may view your venue as just another option among many, leading to fewer repeat visits.
02 Empty Tables And Dwindling Foot Traffic
Establishments that fail to deliver a compelling atmosphere and social scene may see fewer walk-ins and casual visitors, forcing them to rely too heavily on planned visits. Spaces that are full are the ones people get curious about.
03 Nobody Is Talking About You
The lack of a distinctive atmosphere and community connection can stifle word-of-mouth, which is one of the most crucial marketing tools you have. This can lead to fewer referrals and lower overall visibility.
How can a fresh brand spark opportunities for your establishment?
At EightySeven, we specialize in transforming hospitality brands into vibrant third spaces people want to seek out and share. Our approach emphasizes strategic brand building, engaging design, and community-centric initiatives to help businesses connect and build confidence with their ideal customers.
01 Deepen Customer Loyalty
Become a place people want to come back to. We craft compelling brand experiences and design inviting spaces that audiences love and can’t find anywhere else, giving them more reasons to crave and come back to you.
02 Pique Curiosity And Increase Foot Traffic
By enhancing a venue's vibe and encouraging social interaction, we can help establishments become unique destinations, attracting a steady flow of customers, encouraging spontaneous visits, and generating buzz.
03 Watch Word-Of-Mouth Take Off
People take the recommendations of their friends seriously, and our strategies are centered around community engagement and memorable experiences. By creating shareable moments that appeal to your audiences, we give them more reasons to talk about and share their experiences online and with their friends, amplifying your establishment’s reach and reputation.
How does it come together?
It starts with you. At EightySeven, we work directly with leaders and founders to unlock their wisdom and bring their vision to life. This allows us to design authentic, unique brands within their category. Don’t just be one of many, be one of one. Here are a few hospitality concepts we’ve crafted to help our clients deliver unforgettable and highly shareable brand experiences.
What kinds of results can you expect with EightySeven?
We’ve transformed businesses across every industry with a brand design that drives value. Our case studies highlight our success stories, creative business solutions, and brands that leave a lasting impression.
Ready to spark big opportunities for your business?
Our team of branding experts are superstars when it comes to crafting brand stories that resonate with audiences and grow businesses.
If you’ve been looking for a new look, want to clarify your vision for the future, or are ready to transform your spot into a fresh third space, we can help.