Restaurant Branding & Social Media
Brand Identity • Logo Design • Menu Design • Website Design • Social Media Strategy • Photography • Influencer Marketing
Client: El Sol GL- Mineola, NY
El Sol GL is a fresh, modern Mexican restaurant in Mineola, New York. The owner wanted to avoid stereotypical motifs and instead create something cool, minimal, and bold—while still giving off a subtle, unmistakable Mexican warmth. I developed a complete visual identity, digital presence, and in-store experience that reflects this.
Project Overview
Branding & Visual Identity
The brand centers around clean simplicity and an inviting mood. The sun icon is a subtle way to introduce the name El Sol, a core visual element that balances modern design with cultural symbolism.
Brand Elements
Logo: Custom wordmark with a minimalist sun icon
Color Palette: Warm neutrals and relaxed earth tones—evoking a welcoming, modern atmosphere
Typography: Bold, modern sans-serifs paired with clean secondary fonts for menus and web
Design Approach: Every element is curated to feel upscale but never intimidating. The lines are a way to bring in Mexican textiles.
Website Design
El Sol GL’s website is built to reflect the brand’s personality: modern, easygoing, and focused on the food.
Highlights
User-Friendly Navigation
Mobile-Responsive Design
Integrated Menu View
Professional Food Photography
Clear Calls-to-Action for reservations, directions, and social follow-through
Menu Suite Design
Menus are not just functional—they’re key brand touchpoints. I designed a comprehensive menu system that works together while allowing each format to shine individually.
What I Delivered
Main Menu: Designed to anchor the table experience, bold and clean
Specials Menu: Contrasts the main menu for visibility and emphasis
To-Go Menu: Features specials prominently on the cover to drive sales
Outdoor Menu: Simplified for quick reads and display durability
Each menu variation follows brand guidelines while offering unique visual distinctions to serve their specific context.
Social Media Presence
Social media isn’t an afterthought—it’s an extension of the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Strategy & Execution
Platform Setup: Facebook & Instagram
Daily Posting Schedule with high-quality visuals and brand-consistent voice
Branded Highlights: Custom iconography and color-matched covers
Influencer Collaborations: I established partnerships with local food influencers, exchanging meals for high-quality content and visibility
Content Themes: Food spotlights, specials, reels, etc.
Photography & Editing
All food and brand imagery was photographed and edited by me to align with El Sol GL’s tone—warm, fresh, and crave-worthy.
Creative Goals
Capture food in a natural, elevated style
Highlight textures and colors in a mouthwatering way
Maintain consistency across all brand touchpoints—menus, social, and web
Related Projects
El Sol GL Website Design
El Sol GL Menu Design
El Sol GL Social Media
Since launch, El Sol GL has gained immediate local traction—thanks in part to a cohesive digital presence, steady influencer partnerships, and a strong visual brand that appeals to modern diners.