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Retail & Design

Bakery Rises

Remodel elevates Au Bon Pain brand experience

A CUSTOMER-CENTRIC PROTOTYPE DESIGN differentiates the brand, highlights core strengths, and makes the space easier to navigate. An analysis of the current experience uncovered significant opportunity for the brand to define its own space in fast-casual. “Au Bon Pain did not have a personality or a tone of voice. When people thought of Au Bon Pain, they thought of yellow bakery,” said Tom Kowalski, vice president of design for Interbrand Design Forum. “The new concept gives the brand credit for the things that it does well.” He cites destinations for core competencies and easier navigation.

AU BON PAIN, BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON
Remodel
2632 sf
Opened: Feb. 2011

Design: Interbrand Design Forum, Dayton, OH

Metal Finishes: Chemetal, Easthampton, MA


Retailer: Au Bon Pain, Boston

Photography: Mark La Rosa Photography, Brooklyn, NY

 

Communication zones clarify the offer and enable customers to build their order with speed and convenience. The replacement of pencil-and-paper sandwich ordering with wireless devices allows customers to maximize their dwell time and explore the complete offering.
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At the Café Creations counter, yellow staggered tiles provide warmth and texture as a backdrop for fresh salad ingredients. Overhead, the menu board organizes signature items and customization options. For customers in a hurry, a hot sandwich case features prepared items and a refrigerated case has beverages and sides. Grocery-style checkout enables faster throughput. Four pass-through checkouts with integrated pedestals provide a place for items, minimizing juggling during transactions.

The predominance of signature yellow makes a vibrant visual statement while leveraging Au Bon Pain’s existing color equity. A complementary green sends natural and garden-fresh cues. A balance of modern and traditional materials, including subtly grained woods banded with a metal edge, projects a contemporary yet authentic atmosphere. LED luminaires provide efficient downlighting and accent lighting for warm soft illumination throughout, while accents highlight wall graphics and fixtures and pendants provide ambient light in key places.

“We’re taking the customer experience to the next level,” said Sue Morelli, CEO for Au Bon Pain. “The response has validated our decision to accelerate our growth, including going to new markets nationally.” The positioning has evolved the brand from QSR into a more personalized fast-casual experience.

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