Chute Gerdeman

How much does restaurant design impact the people working behind the scenes? Kelly Gray shares why creating an efficient restaurant isn't just about maximizing space—it's about designing for the employees who use it every day. As Scooter's Coffee remodels some of its earliest locations, the focus is on improving workflows, reducing unnecessary steps, and creating workspaces that support happier teams. The conversation is a reminder that great design balances operational efficiency with the employee experience—and sometimes the smallest layout changes make the biggest difference. Watch the full conversation. https://hubs.li/Q04sdvg30 #BrandsAndBanter #RestaurantDesign #RetailInnovation Joanna Hollern

What does it really take to grow from 15 locations to the next level? Kelly Gray shares the questions every growing brand should ask before expanding. Is your operation truly repeatable? Can your concept succeed in different markets? And is your business built to scale? Growth isn't just about opening more locations. It's about creating a model that works consistently, no matter where it goes. https://hubs.li/Q04sdt390 #ChuteGerdeman #BrandsAndBanter #RetailStrategy Hot Head Burritos

CG Spotlight ⭐ Meet Leah, another one of the talented designers on our team! As a Designer at Chute Gerdeman, Leah brings curiosity, innovation, and a thoughtful approach to every project. What Leah values most about Chute Gerdeman is the people. From the friendships she's built to our collaborative culture, she loves being part of a team where relationships matter and everyone grows together. And, of course, having a dog-friendly office doesn't hurt! We're grateful to have Leah on the team and can't wait to see what she creates next! #ChuteGerdeman #MeetTheTeam #RetailDesign

"Don't try to be everything to everybody." That's one of the biggest lessons Kelly Gray shares in this episode of Brands & Banter. From streamlining the menu to protecting the customer experience, Kelly explains why sustainable growth isn't about adding more—it's about making thoughtful decisions that your team can execute consistently. Watch the full clip to hear why simplicity can be one of a brand's biggest competitive advantages. https://hubs.li/Q04rZ17v0 #ChuteGerdeman #BrandsAndBanter #RetailStrategy Hot Head Burritos

A quick stop? Not exactly. Ohio's new Buc-ee's blends food, retail and entertainment into one destination that turns a pit stop into an experience. We stopped by to see what all the hype is about. #ChuteGerdeman #RetailDesign #RetailExperience

A great brand is more than a logo or a menu. It's a belief system. (Anne) Kathleen Day shares the philosophy behind the phrase you'll find at every Katalina's location: "Peace, Love & Pancake Balls." For Kathleen, it's more than a tagline. It's a reflection of the restaurant's mission to make the world better, one little bite at a time. Every decision, from the food they serve to the culture they create, is guided by a commitment to authenticity, kindness, and leading with purpose. The strongest brands don't just tell customers what they do. They show people what they believe. Tune into the full conversation on Brands & Banter to hear more about building a purpose-driven brand that stays true to its values. https://hubs.li/Q04rs_HX0 #BrandsAndBanter #BrandPurpose #Leadership Joanna Hollern

The strongest brands aren't built by saying yes to everything. They're built by knowing when to say no. Kathleen Day shares why staying true to your brand sometimes means making unpopular decisions. From refusing to serve flavored coffee to replacing traditional hash browns with elote corn, every choice was rooted in a clear vision of what Katalina's would—and wouldn't—be. It's tempting to chase every trend or satisfy every request, especially in the early days of building a business. But as Kathleen explains, when you try to be everything to everyone, you risk losing what makes your brand memorable in the first place. The best brands don't follow the crowd. They create something only they can offer. Tune into the full conversation on Brands & Banter to hear more about brand integrity, bold decisions, and building a business that stands the test of time. https://hubs.li/Q04rngqN0 #BrandsAndBanter #BrandStrategy #Leadership

Good to see retailers taking this seriously. SEPHORA launched Quiet Hours globally last month, turning down music and adjusting screens during set hours across all regions. Walmart, Target, and Chuck E. Cheese have made similar moves. The sensory environment inside a store shapes how long customers stay, how well associates do their jobs, and how people feel about the brand when they walk out. We spent a morning on this in New York with ASG and Akoio® at our Noise in Retail event. Fifty senior retail leaders in a room with audiologists, operations leaders, and frontline associates. Our full takeaways from the event: https://lnkd.in/gwbjMFeM More on the shift toward sensory-friendly hours: https://lnkd.in/gu4X6VTj

CG Spotlight ⭐ Meet Zach, one of the talented designers on our team! As a Designer II at Chute Gerdeman, Zach brings ingenuity, originality, and a passion for crafting environments that leave a lasting impression. After starting as an intern, he found a home in our collaborative studio culture and has been helping shape meaningful retail experiences ever since. Zach is driven by the opportunity to create spaces that people experience in the real world every day. He’s excited to continue designing the places, moments, and experiences that help shape tomorrow alongside our team. We're lucky to have Zach on the team and can't wait to see what he creates next! #ChuteGerdeman #MeetTheTeam #RetailDesign

Sometimes, the difference between winning and losing a project comes down to understanding what the client actually needs. Maxwell Miller sat down with Chute Gerdeman Founder, Denny Gerdeman, to revisit one of the firm's defining moments: the pursuit of the FAO Schwarz flagship. After learning Chute Gerdeman wasn't selected, Denny made one more call—not to challenge the decision, but to explain the difference between beautiful concepts and buildable reality. From M&M's to Disney and Universal, Chute Gerdeman had the experience designing highly themed, fixture-intensive environments where every detail mattered. That conversation changed everything. Thirty minutes later, the client called back. Chute Gerdeman had won the project. Sometimes, the strongest pitch isn't about having the flashiest concept—it's about proving you can bring it to life. https://hubs.li/Q04qFXzR0 #RetailDesign #BrandExperience #StoreDesign