Hana Don is a newly opened Japanese restaurant in Markham, ON – they’re actually conducting their soft opening at the time of writing this article. They offer premium seafood Japanese dishes with fresh vegetables, high-quality proteins, and premium rice.
Their restaurant stems from one main dish – Donburi. What is it? A traditional Japanese rice bowl with tons of flavours and freshness. Ingredients can be presented cooked or raw, and is paired with rice cooked in a low-acidic vinegar.
There are many variations of this dish, as well as other Japanese classics, signature dishes, and experimental wonders available at Hana Don Restaurant.
We were able to sit down with the restaurant owner and head chef, Joe Cao, and ask him a few questions about his establishment and packaging process.
The Issue
As a new restaurant engaging in branding behaviour, the issue was clear – they needed packaging. Something that represents the brand and remains consistent across products. Mr. Cao was looking for a unique brand image through the incorporation of a product line with custom designs and logos.
The owner of Hana Don wouldn’t settle for just any packaging. He had a specific image in mind, and wanted to stick to that for his restaurant. He had difficulty looking for products that had a good balance between high quality and affordability.
Some products were simple to find – paper bags and business cards. However, some products proved a bit more difficult to source – VIP cards and chopstick holders, to name a couple. Through a friend’s referral, Joe was directed to LeKAC Sourcing for his needs. He believes that custom packaging is essential in enhancing the customer’s impression of the restaurant, as well as the overall dining experience. With the same views in mind, we immediately knew it was a perfect client fit!
At LeKAC, we were able to provide cost-effective solutions with custom print and sizing to Hana Don, and even helped in the sourcing of unique branding items.
The Solution
One of the most important purposes of custom packaging is that it tells your brand’s story. So what exactly is the story behind the name “Hana Don”?
Well, ‘Hana’ means ‘flower’ and ‘Don’ means ‘rice bowl’ in Japanese. The owner wanted to serve rice bowls that are as fresh and beautiful as flowers to his clientele. Talk about poetic.
Joe wanted to incorporate these elements in his packaging through design and material. With 18 years of experience in the Japanese food industry under his belt, it’s safe to say that Joe knows what customers are looking for today. He knows what will and won’t enhance the customer’s dining experience, and was able to develop a line of products with a branding company.
With a variety of products to complete, Joe wanted to deal with just one company. Given that requirement, and LeKAC’s custom and sourcing capabilities, it was a no-brainer!
The Result
Once LeKAC was chosen, we immediately conducted various meetings to ensure the packaging was top notch. Between the products themselves and the artwork, there was a lot to consider.
According to Joe, his favourite part of working with LeKAC is the customer service aspect and personalised experience. Quick responses with knowledgeable and professional options are key to customer satisfaction.
[LeKAC is a] one stop worry-free service!
Joe Cao, Owner and Head Chef at Hana Don
Between sourcing products and producing from scratch, here’s the current product line-up:
- Various Paper Bags
- VIP cards
- Business Cards
- Gift Cards
- Stickers
- Chopstick sleeves
Overall, Joe and the rest of Hana Don representatives are happy with LeKAC’s business approach and customer service. There is one thing that we can improve on – make the colours on our packaging even more vibrant than they already are!
If you are looking to up your packaging game with custom products, be sure to contact us today. We can offer free quotations, design work, and samples shipped directly to you.
You can also check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
Wondering where to get your next high-end meal? Be sure to visit Hana Don for fresh and premium delicacies that will transport you to Japan. What a perfect compromise when you’re not able to travel right now! We’ve listed their contact information and Facebook page below for your convenience. Stay safe!
