Reserved

Role: Sole creator
Duration: ~14 weeks
Skills: Shopify, Canva, social media

Overview

For MGIS 360, I designed a Shopify-based portfolio project centered around a fictional upscale bar in Rochester, NY. I crafted a compelling brand narrative and developed a full e-commerce experience that allows customers to pre-order cocktails for on-site enjoyment. The project focused on end-to-end brand development—including storytelling, visual identity, and streamlined user flow—to deliver a modern, hospitality-driven web experience.

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Reserved’s Story

  • 1950s

    Franklin “Frank” Wright opens a humble tavern in Rochester after WWII, building a bar rooted in community, storytelling, and belonging—not just booze.

  • 1980s

    Frank’s son, Martin, takes over and introduces Rochester to hand-crafted cocktails, house-aged spirits, and personalized drink experiences.

  • 2023

    Inspired by family memories and handwritten recipes, grandchildren Andrew and Elias Wright launch Reserved, reviving the legacy for a new generation.

Website Ideas

  1. Truly Yours

    A homemade and personalized greeting card e-commerce site. Decided to pursue a different idea because I did not see much of a future with this concept.

  2. Thirsty

    A e-commerce site for a sophisticated Rochester cocktail bar. Completed logos and branding and then realized “Thirsty” is a very common name.

  3. Reserved

    The final site, built off of the foundations of Thirsty. Reserved is an e-commerce site where customers can preorder their drinks to avoid long waits at the bar.

Domain Name

I would have liked to have done a domain name for this site, however I did not want to spend the money. Here are a few options.

  1. reservedcocktailbar.com

    $11.28 per year

  2. reservedcocktails.com

    $11.28 per year

  3. reservedrochester.com

    $11.28 per year

Logo Iteration

Typography& Colors

Voice

“So come in. Slow down. Listen to the ice clink, the shaker rattle, and the low hum of good conversation. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just need a familiar booth and a warm welcome, this space is—for you. At Reserved, every pour tells a story.”

— Use 1

I wanted the voice to be sophisticated, classy, and elegant. Something that felt elevated, yet approachable. The words are designed to try and embrace the reader in a story, one that they want to be a part of.

“Low-lit ambiance, velvet-lined seats, and a bar that glows with golden light. The hum of smooth jazz, the quiet clink of ice in a glass. Whether you're here for a night of conversation or a moment of solitude with the perfect pour, Reserved is your sanctuary.”

— Use 2

“These aren’t just drinks—they’re experiences in a glass. Bold flavors, unexpected twists, and the perfect balance of indulgence and intrigue.”

— Use 3

Shopify Apps

  • Calee

    Used to display events on a calendar.

  • Judge.me Reviews

    Used to leave product ratings and reviews.

  • Instafeed

    Used to show Instagram posts on the website.

  • Appointo

    Used to book the private party room.

  • Shopify Forms

    Used to gather viewer’s info.

  • Shopify Email

    Used to reach out to customers via email.

Social Media

Holidays

Products

Story

Reviews

Engagement

Events

Blogs

Discounts

Employees

SEO & Shopify Analytics

Project Reflection

  • WHOLE PROCESS

    I really enjoyed getting to see the whole process of building a website. I got to create the branding, design the website, implement SEO techniques, run multiple social media accounts, and so much more. I loved getting to experience it all, as it has made me a more well-rounded person.

    CREATIVE FREEDM

    I loved learning at my own pace and being able to dive deeper into topics I was interested in.

    LEARNING SHOPIFY

    While I didn’t end up making this a real business, I am interested in making a Shopify store in the future and now I have the knowledge to do it!

  • NO REAL-TIME STATS

    I wouldn’t say this was necessarily a low. I did not have enough time to devote to trying to make this a real business and doing a lot of social media marketing. I am really happy with how it came out as a portfolio piece, but sadly I can’t really present on statistics.

    STRUGGLED TO FIND IDEAS

    I wish I had decided on an idea for the website earlier. While I learned something new from each iteration, I feel like I could have done more had I started working on it from week 1.

  • DIFFICULTIES

    • I wish I had more time to dedicate to this project. This semester I was taking 22 credits so I did not have a ton of time to devote to this project, but I enjoyed the time I did.

    • I found Shopify’s user interface not very intuitive so I struggled at the beginning. I still do not know what everything is, but at least I have a better understanding now.

    IF I HAD MORE TIME, I WOULD

    • work more on improving SEO.

    • do user testing.

    • add store merch (t-shirts, glassware, etc.)

    • branch out to other social media platforms.

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