Balzac's Coffee Roasters

Brand Identity Food Service Packaging Signage Food Service Menu Design

Balzac’s Coffee Roasters started as one of Ontario’s original small-batch roasters in 1993, but has grown its operations from one coffee cart at Ontario Place to over 14 historic café locations across Ontario and a bustling roastery and headquarters in Ancaster.

As the studio of record for Balzac’s from 2012 to 2019, we worked in close partnership with Founder and Creative Director, Diana Olsen, to evolve the identity from that of independent coffee café to the recognized, celebrated brand it is today. We balanced keeping Balzac’s current and relevant with the meaningful, historic allusions that made it so unique, always informing our design process by staying true to the brand’s story and core values.

What started as a simple brand audit and redesign, eventually gave way to an amazing working relationship that spanned 8 years. We were responsible for all visual output, including product and retail packaging, cafe signage, menus, and seasonal promotional campaigns. During this time, Balzac’s grew into a $15 million+ per year company with national distribution reach, never once wavering from its authentic brand identity and voice.

Café Photography//Christina Gapic Photography
Balzac's Coffee Roasters, Ancaster ON Canada