A Narrative Dining Experience

What did we do?

Born from the early phases of another project, Hemingway was developed as a story-led restaurant concept inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s legacy and the romanticized 1950s Florida Keys. The idea was to create a space where the narrative was as strong as the food—complete with era-inspired design, curated playlists, and subtle literary cues. Guests would feel transported to a different time through storytelling woven into the music, interiors, and menu, offering a full sensory escape.

Hemingway was born during the concept development phase of Key West. While exploring different thematic directions, we uncovered a unique opportunity to build a story-driven restaurant concept inspired by the literary and adventurous spirit of Ernest Hemingway. The idea was to create a venue that offered not just a dining experience, but a transportive moment—something that would pull guests into a different era, rich with character and detail.

We proposed a 1950s-inspired atmosphere, designed to evoke the spirit of Old Key West, blended with classic Americana and touches of the Caribbean. Music played a central role—curated playlists featuring jazz and vintage blues tracks helped set the tone. The interiors combined aged woods, leather textures, vintage fixtures, and framed black-and-white photography to immerse guests in the world of Hemingway himself. Menus were designed as if pulled from a writer’s desk, complete with storytelling flourishes and quotes throughout.

The concept went beyond décor and dining. It was about building a full sensory narrative. Guests would feel as though they’d stepped into a place with history—a secret favorite of writers, artists, and explorers. It was a subtle but powerful departure from trend-driven venues, offering something more grounded, romantic, and reflective. Hemingway was designed to be timeless, capturing both elegance and adventure in one coherent brand experience.