The O'Gorman family faced an extraordinary challenge when they took over the Clarksville Inn in January of 2020. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of the historic inn seemed uncertain. Built by Thomas Warner in 1840, the inn had served as a stopping place for stage coaches and travelers to and from the Port of Nyack, and had been a center of social life for more than a century. Despite the odds, the O'Gorman family was determined to keep the inn alive and, with the help of the local community, they were able to do just that.

The Challenge:

The O'Gorman family had a dream of opening a restaurant in West Nyack, New York. They had worked hard to make their dream a reality, but then the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020. The family was faced with the challenge of how to keep their business afloat in the midst of a global health crisis. We needed to work together to come up with clear communication and social media strategies to reach their customers. We took action immediately and implemented curbside pickup and delivery services. We also created a plan to confidentially help families in need of food and were up and running by Easter. We kept customers informed of the latest safety protocols and printed materials with encouraging messaging thanking the customers for their continued support.

The Solution:

I created an identity that paid tribute to the rich history of the tavern. A distinctive green and gold, a nod to the proprietor's Irish roots, is used throughout the restaurant’s print collateral materials, including several menu designs, coasters, business cards and matchbooks. The logo is a revised illustration of the original Clarksville Inn mark.

The updated illustration has a stronger horse and a new carriage that has the silhouettes of a woman, a man and a little girl – the restaurant's new owners – Kieran, Kim and their daughter Allie. The illustration represents the family embarking on a journey. The logo is paired up with 'Room 205' a bold, expressive font designed by Simon Walker.

Through our collaboration and hard work, we were able to ensure that the O'Gorman family was able to remain successful in spite of the pandemic. We provided a sense of stability and confidence to their customers in a time of uncertainty, ultimately enabling them to stay afloat. The O'Gormans' hard work and determination paid off. Their restaurant quickly became a success and a sign of resilience and community for West Nyack. The restaurant has now become a place where people can come together and connect with each other.

The O'Gormans' story is an inspiring one. They faced a difficult challenge and overcame it with hard work and determination. Their restaurant serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult the situation, it is possible to find success and build a strong community. To honor their story and the community that supported them, the O'Gormans have prominently placed the phrase "You'll Never Walk Alone" above the bar. This phrase is a nod to the O'Gormans' favorite team, Liverpool, but it also serves as a reminder of the community that came together to make their restaurant a reality.