Copper Shark
Copper Shark is a restaurant in Baltimore’s Locust Point neighborhood, specializing in bourbon and charcuterie. A bottle shop, bar, as well as indoor and outdoor dining areas cover all possible wishes when it comes to the perfect neighborhood spot.
SERVICES:
/ BRAND DESIGN / NAMING + TAGLINE / WRITING / MENU DESIGN / WEBSITE DESIGN / COLLATERAL DESIGN /
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The Challenge: Logo, Naming, Copywriting
When Mid-Atlantic Eateries (Neal, Jon, and Mark) approached us with their plan to establish a new restaurant, their initial vision was a bit limited and revolved only around bourbon and charcuterie. With their collective backgrounds in business and the restaurant industry, they entrusted us to provide guidance in shaping the concept, beginning with the development of their name, narrative, and logo. We thoroughly enjoy being involved right from the start, delving into these intricate details to create a unified and impactful brand statement.The Solution: Logo
Drawing inspiration from various elements, including vintage copper stills, Baltimore's rich whiskey history, and elegant monograms, we arrived at the interlocking CS in its oval frame. The result is a logo that exudes a timeless and luxurious aesthetic. The carefully chosen color palette pays homage to copper stills and the deep amber hue associated with bourbon, further enhancing the overall visual appeal and evoking a sense of sophistication.
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The Solution: Naming + Tagline
Our primary objective was to develop an exceptional name and tagline that would generate intrigue and curiosity, emphasizing the significance of bourbon and dining. Drawing inspiration from copper stills, we embarked on a brainstorming session centered around copper-related concepts, ultimately leading us to the name "Copper Shark." The presence of a team member wearing a shark tooth necklace that day had no influence on this decision whatsoever. After carefully evaluating numerous naming possibilities, the client ultimately selected "Copper Shark" as their chosen name, accompanied by the tagline "Cask & Fare" from one of the other naming options.
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The Solution: Copywriting
Given the rich historical background of the Copper Shark’s location, we wanted to craft a compelling story for the website and marketing materials. Our objective was to shape the narrative of Copper Shark, skillfully intertwining Baltimore's bootlegging history with the contemporary revival of whiskey distilling in Maryland. By immersing the customer in the past and highlighting its relevance to the present, we aimed to create a captivating story that resonates with the audience.
Welcome to Copper Shark.
Step into our historic building, and you will immediately be greeted by its red-brick walls, exposed beams, and intimate bar space leading to an open and airy dining room and our fantastic back patio set for outdoor dining and conversations around our fire pit (weather permitting!).
Sit at the bar to enjoy an artisanal beer or oak-aged bourbon alongside a quick bite of charcuterie meats and cheeses, crispy brussels sprouts, or shark fries. Or venture into the heart of Copper Shark for a leisurely chef-inspired meal.
In addition to seasonal masterpieces, you can always count on classic cuisine like our petite filet, soup du jour and pot du creme. Weather permitting, we encourage you to cozy up next to our courtyard fire pit.
Copper Shark is now taking private room reservations and will soon accommodate deliveries. Above all, we invite you to kick back, relax, and remember what it means to live in the “Free State.”
Mouthwatering Charcuterie
char·cu·te·rie |circa 1858
The culinary art of preparing meat products—salami, sausage, terrines, pâtés—to avoid refrigeration. Cooper Shark charcuterie boards include assorted meats, local (and not-so-local) cheeses, pickled goods, and jams.
Savory Bourbon
bour·bon | ˈbu̇r-bən
American whiskey distilled from mash consisting of at least 51 percent corn, malt and rye. Copper Shark houses a cornucopia of oak-aged bourbons from artisanal distilleries in and outside of Baltimore.
Convivial Conversation
con·viv·ial | con·ver·sa·tion
The lively discussion of sentiments, observations, and ideas in the presence of good company, food, and libations. Copper Shark aims to provide a warm atmosphere for diners seeking socialization.
How it Began.
Our story begins like many others: something unexpectedly threatened the freedom of ordinary men and women. It’s filled with good guys, bad guys, and the occasional uncertainty over which is which.
Once upon a time—on January 17, 1920, to be precise—Americans woke to an unfamiliar world. The national government had officially ratified the 18th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The new law outlawed the production, transportation, and sale of “intoxicating liquors.” Of course, the Evangelicals who initially lobbied for the legislation were over the moon. And many tavern owners, social drinkers, and occasional dabblers were dismayed. Regardless, citizens across the country accepted the new rules.
That is everyone except the residents of Baltimore. Notorious for enjoying beer and distilled spirits, many locals wondered: must we go bone-dry? Not if one local Baltimore family had anything to say about it! This family made a living producing copper pots to make candy. Early on, they shrewdly realized their metalsmith studio was perfect for bootlegging whiskey. Coincidentally, one of their kin had recently married “the biggest and baddest” gangster in Baltimore. After much deliberation, the men shook on a deal to keep the city wet during a Christmas party. Little did they know they would be in good company.
What Happened Next.
Speakeasies requiring secret handshakes, passwords, and knocks for entrance popped up in cities around the country. From sundown to sunrise, patrons broke social barriers by sharing a passion: drinking and avoiding the law. Housewives, business moguls, and corrupt law enforcement agents sat side-by-side, drinking cocktails from teacups in case of raids. Red lips, bobbed hair, and Duke Ellington were all the rage.
It turns out that outlawing alcohol is an excellent way to increase demand for bathtub gin, booze, and cocktails. However, Maryland’s Governor Albert C. Ritchie sided with the majority of his constituents. Consequently, Maryland never passed an enforcement act, unlike the nation’s other 47 states. A decade later, the national government followed the state’s lead and officially canceled prohibition in 1932.
Where We Are Now.
Today, Maryland is fondly known as the “free state.” Copper Shark pays homage to our freedom-loving roots by serving authentic bottles of privately labeled bourbons aged to perfection. As author Dane Huckelbridge says, “The iconic amber spirit embodies the American essence in a bottle.”
Here you will find craft cocktails, mouthwatering charcuterie boards, and a relaxing atmosphere—all designed to foster friendly conversations that melt away stressful days. The good news? You don’t need a password to enter this Locust Point joint!
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Custom-made wooden boards hold the metallic copper menus, which feature illustrations highlighting featured menu items. Bold and easy-to-read titles ensure legibility, even in the lowest of light.
