Dialtone Coffee & Wine Bar is an independent establishment that faced the challenge of launching a coffee and wine bar in Chicago—a market dominated by celebrity chefs and restaurant groups—with zero built-in audience or brand recognition.

The Approach

BRAND THAT DEMANDS ATTENTION

Partnered with Grip to create a bold, playful identity with seamless digital-to-IRL details (think: cheeky copy, custom merch, and Instagram-worthy design).

HYPE-BUILDING GO-TO-MARKET

Announced Strategic Partnerships: Pastry program by local baker with an underground cult following, Chicago-based coffee roaster and selection of locally-made retail.

  • Influencer Tease: curated gift boxes with custom merch & partner products to tastemakers, sparking pre-opening buzz.

  • Exclusive Previews: Hosted media sneak peeks and neighbour events to turn locals into ambassadors.

  • Loyalty Program: Set up and scalable to grow with the brand.

The Results

→  OPENING WEEKEND

A buzzy and packed opening weekend fueled by media features plus influencer and neighbourhood engagement.

→  SUSTAINED MOMENTUM

Press, social chatter and loyalty continues to keep the brand top-of-mind.

*Project led and completed during an in-house role.

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