Xankia is a Vietnamese restaurant rooted in unity—its name translating to “bringing people together.” It is known for authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
Established in 2010, Xankia entered a new chapter in Milwaukee under refreshed ownership and renovations. To capture this shift and engage a younger, social-media-savvy audience, the restaurant partnered with Mizu Studios for a strategic rebrand.
The rebrand introduced a cohesive identity across menus, print, and digital platforms—elevating the dining experience while ensuring lasting relevance in Milwaukee’s culinary scene.
The Brief
The project required navigating a tight timeline while preserving brand continuity. Xankia needed a modern, cohesive identity that reflected its renovated space and appealed to young Asian diners who are deeply engaged with social and nightlife culture. The task was to infuse freshness without erasing familiarity—balancing heritage with a contemporary, inclusive brand tone.
Outdated Brand Image: The restaurant’s existing identity no longer reflected its modernized space or vision.
Audience Alignment: Xankia needed to connect with a younger demographic, particularly young Asian diners with strong ties to nightlife and social culture.
Digital Presence: Despite renovations, the restaurant lacked a vibrant online presence to showcase its offerings and engage potential patrons.
Opting for simplicity and boldness in the logo design for "XANKIA," we aimed to enhance legibility and establish a refined brand identity. Considering the inherent complexity in the restaurant name, a minimalist approach ensures a clear and impactful visual representation.
The Solution
Mizu Studios orchestrated a brand refresh that aligned with Xankia’s renovations and repositioned the restaurant for relevance in Milwaukee’s culinary scene. Mizu Studios shaped a holistic rebranding strategy, including:
Brand Identity + Style Guide: A bold yet minimalist logo for legibility, paired with a refined style system emphasizing warmth, inclusivity, and modern elegance.
Menu + Print Collateral: Redesigned restaurant and drink menus, business cards, and branded assets that elevated the dining experience while remaining approachable.
Social Media Design Templates: Ongoing content creation to spotlight offerings, engage younger audiences, and extend the rebrand digitally.
Cohesive Visual Language: A nature-inspired palette of tans, blues, and neutrals established a calm, welcoming tone that mirrored the renovated interior and enhanced brand consistency.
The Impact
20x Increase in Social Media Engagement within two months, validating the rebrand and energizing both existing and new patrons.
Stronger Digital Presence, with branded content fostering deeper audience connection and visibility.
Refined Guest Experience, through cohesive menus and branded assets that elevated the restaurant’s atmosphere and aligned with its contemporary identity.
Sustainable Brand System, equipping Xankia with a foundation for long-term success in Milwaukee’s competitive culinary scene.
I really like [the] designs and creativities! ...Love [the design collateral] !
