Bar Bushido, a new restaurant concept in Norwalk, CT, launched with a unique dual-experience model: a front-of-house izakaya and a back-of-house temaki-ya. The founders, Jeff and Steph Taibe, had prior experience opening restaurants but faced persistent challenges in building early traction—especially online.
A lack of pre-opening visibility and digital presence
Customer confusion around the restaurant’s split concept
The need for a cohesive brand and user experience, despite the restaurant still being under construction
Avoiding fragmented vendor relationships by working with one team for both web and visual content
They needed a web experience that would clarify their brand, generate interest, and convert curiosity into action.
JUICE offered an integrated solution that combined website strategy, UX design, development, and photography. By managing all creative and technical components in-house, the team provided a streamlined process and unified brand experience that set the foundation for a successful launch.
Translating the restaurant’s dual concept into a clear and compelling digital story
Designing intuitive pathways for users to explore, book, or order
Building a flexible, scalable site that could grow with the brand
Generating pre-launch interest through a landing page and email signup
(Strategy & Design)
Collaborated on a sitemap tailored to the restaurant’s needs and typical diner behaviors
Developed moodboards and selected fonts, illustration styles, and visual direction
Designed wireframes and high-fidelity homepage layouts focused on clarity and action
Finalized full site page designs using placeholder content prior to photography
(Development & Pre-Launch)
Developed the site in Webflow, emphasizing fast load times and responsive design
Created a “Coming Soon” landing page with newsletter signup to build anticipation
Scheduled and executed a photography shoot capturing both food and space just before launch
(Launch & Support)
Launched the full website on opening day, integrating edited photography and branded visuals
Added interactive animations to convey the brand personality
Provided ongoing updates and support: seasonal menu edits, special announcements, and UI improvements
(Strategy & Design)
Collaborated on a sitemap tailored to the restaurant’s needs and typical diner behaviors
Developed moodboards and selected fonts, illustration styles, and visual direction
Designed wireframes and high-fidelity homepage layouts focused on clarity and action
Finalized full site page designs using placeholder content prior to photography
(Development & Pre-Launch)
Developed the site in Webflow, emphasizing fast load times and responsive design
Created a “Coming Soon” landing page with newsletter signup to build anticipation
Scheduled and executed a photography shoot capturing both food and space just before launch
(Launch & Support)
Launched the full website on opening day, integrating edited photography and branded visuals
Added interactive animations to convey the brand personality
Provided ongoing updates and support: seasonal menu edits, special announcements, and UI improvements
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The new website positioned Bar Bushido as a high-concept dining destination and delivered immediate results:
total visitors in the first 90 days
visitors in the first week
email signups during thepre-launch phase
of traffic from organic search
of traffic from paid media
With a single team handling everything from layout to launch, the client avoided common delays and ensured every detail supported their opening strategy. The site continues to evolve as an extension of the restaurant experience, reflecting menu changes, events, and guest expectations.
“We knew we needed a different approach—and JUICE made it seamless. They got our vision and brought it to life in a way that truly worked.”
