A Slice of Heritage: Designing the Italian Express Kitchen & Bar Logo
In East Boston, where family recipes and local legend go hand-in-hand, Italian Express Kitchen & Bar has become more than just a restaurant—it’s a landmark. Known for its hearty, no-nonsense Sicilian pizzas and warm, old-school charm, this neighborhood staple has attracted food lovers from near and far. Its reputation even caught the attention of Guy Fieri, who featured it on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, turning it into a must-visit destination for Boston’s pizza enthusiasts.
Now, after a long hiatus due to the pandemic, Italian Express Kitchen & Bar is preparing for a triumphant return this summer—complete with a fresh identity, a brand-new bar, and a renewed energy for its next chapter in Eastie.
Trinacria Reimagined
The new logo is deeply rooted in Sicilian heritage, drawing inspiration from the Trinacria, the ancient symbol at the heart of the Sicilian flag. This emblem, traditionally depicting Medusa with three bent legs, has been reinterpreted for Italian Express Kitchen & Bar, incorporating a face crowned with intricately woven serpentine motifs reminiscent of classical Italian design.
This redesign reflects the restaurant’s deep connection to its Sicilian roots while modernizing its visual identity for a new generation.
A Logo Built to Last
After extensive design exploration, the final mark is a fusion of history and modernity—strong, timeless, and instantly recognizable.
The Medusa-inspired face symbolizes power and tradition, yet is refined to evoke a welcoming warmth.
The symmetrical wings represent freedom and movement, echoing the dynamic, ever-evolving story of Italian Express.
The design’s clean, bold lines ensure clarity across all applications, from signage and menus to merchandise and social media.
A Collaborative Craft
This rebranding journey was a true collaboration, filled with careful refinements to honor the restaurant’s past while setting the stage for its future. Every element was crafted with intention—to preserve a legacy while creating an identity that will stand strong for years to come.
The final logo was proudly unveiled on their Instagram:
"Check out our brand-new logo for Italian Express Kitchen & Bar, inspired by the Trinacria symbol from the Sicilian flag."
At Depict Brands, we believe great design doesn’t just tell a story—it preserves one. And sometimes, it takes 20 versions, a bit of mythology, and a lot of espresso to get it just right.
Stay tuned as we help bring this Boston icon back to life—just in time for summer.
