Blackford at Green Hills in Nashville, TN has undergone a three-year expansion and renovation project which included transforming its dining experience with diverse and dynamic options. We offered our food service design services alongside branding the dining experiences within the community. The project introduced Root, a fast-casual bistro featuring a hearth and grill, designed to provide fresh, made-to-order meals in a warm, inviting environment. The Vine flex bar offers a versatile space, serving as a coffee bar in the morning and transforming into an evening lounge, providing a social hub for residents to gather. Luke’s, the new destination restaurant, delivers an elevated dining experience with refined cuisine, enhancing the community's culinary offerings. For convenient, on-the-go options, the Busy B market offers a range of grab-and-go snacks and meals for both residents and staff. Additionally, the project features Fireflies, an outdoor kitchen and dining space where residents can enjoy al fresco meals and relaxing moments in a natural setting. This expansion has elevated the community’s dining experience, promoting connection and convenience through thoughtfully designed venues.

In developing the branding for Blakeford at Green Hills’ dining venues, we focused on capturing the essence of the community and creating meaningful connections through each venues name and identity.

LUKES, the destination-themed restaurant, is named in honor of Luke Gregory, a beloved figure in the community, reflecting his warm, servant heart and captivating smile. The small grab-and-go venue, Busy B, offers a catchy, playful name that emphasizes convenience, allowing residents to quickly pick up items and be on their way.

For the flex bar, we created Vine, a name designed to synergize with the neighboring bistro, Root. This versatile space, where residents and staff gather, evokes a sense of connectedness, support, and fruitfulness—symbolizing both coffee culture and wine. The Root Bistro complements Vine, emphasizing its central role in the community with locally inspired, delicious meals and nodding to sustainability, reinforcing its connection to the environment. Together, Root and Vine create a harmonious pairing, with Root representing the foundation and nourishment of the community, while Vine symbolizes growth, connection, and the lively spirit that brings people together.

The Lakeside Clubroom offers a space for meetings, activities, and a sense of belonging that connects to nature. Fireflies is the perfect name for the outdoor terrace, capturing the simplicity and joy of summer evenings with a casual, energetic vibe that extends the clubroom’s brand.
On the rooftop, Vista was chosen for its sophisticated, Mediterranean ambiance and breathtaking distant views, embodying the outdoor experience.

To ensure that the transition into healthcare doesn’t feel like a downgraded dining experience, we bring the same level of care and value to the branding of these venues. This approach helps residents feel equally valued and supported, even as they navigate new limitations. The assisted living café is branded to be Finches Café, a relaxed café inspired by a native Nashville bird, emphasizing harmony and connection. Redbud Café is a skilled care café that reflects the nurturing environment of the local redbud tree, creating a home-like feel that enriches lives. Lastly, The Hummingbird Café is the neighborhood café that brings the sincerity and wellness focus of the residential environment to life, inspired by the common bird seen in Nashville backyards, promoting healing and wholesome living.

By carefully crafting these brand identities, we ensured that each venue reflects the spirit of Blakeford at Green Hills, enhancing the sense of community while celebrating local nature and connections.