Question

Topic: Taglines/Names

Need Help Naming Restaurant

Posted by Anonymous on 7/13/2009 at 9:45 AM ET 250 Points
Hey Everyone

We are really struggling with naming our new seafood restaurant. Our company, Maritime Lobster Express Inc started out as a website business in 2004 that delivered Live Lobster and Fresh Seafood direct from the Canadian East Coast to destinations across North America. The name was perfect for that application. Then we opened a retail store in Ontario, Canada and kept the name. Fresh seafood is flown in overnight to the retail store and we also carry many products from the East Coast as well as gourmet foods. In an adjoining location to the store we are opening a restaurant. The restaurant will use this fresh seafood and our menu will be authentic East Coast cooking such as fish n' chips, chowders, crab cakes, traditional lobster dinners, etc. The restaurant will be kind of traditional, rustic with a contemporary touch if that makes sense.
I have design sketches that show the whole concept. The problem that we are having is that the restaurant is located in a city but I would like the name to reflect something East coast since all the product will be from there. It is more of a challenge because I would like it to be only one or two words. Our current logo is a lobster flying an airplane with the flags of the Maritime Provinces on it. It was appropriate for the website business but not for the restaurant. WE are offering $100 in lobster if we choose your name. You can view our website at www.maritimelobsterexpress.com. Can someone tell me how to post pics on here so that I can post the design renderings.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 7/13/2009 at 10:43 AM Author
    I don't feel i will be losing the name Maritime Lobster Express Inc. That is the corporation name and the name that will be still used for the eccomerce and the retail store. I really wanted a new name for the restaurant. Maritime Lobster Express will operate the new restaurant so I believe my branding will still be there. The other thought with this is that I am planning to open another location.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 7/13/2009 at 11:38 AM Accepted
    Some simple names:
    * Nova Lobster
    * Lobstahs
    * Canada Fresh Catch
    * Canada Fish Delight
  • Posted on 7/13/2009 at 11:58 AM Author
    Is there a way that I can post the sketches here to give you a feeling for the restaurant.
  • Posted by Markitek on 7/13/2009 at 2:51 PM Accepted
    Restaurants get biZ from food/service quality and recommendations and reviews . . . regardless of the name (one of the biggest here in L.A., just for instance, is "The Ivy." Go figure.)

    Now, if by 'adjoining" you mean attached or at least next door to the retail store, then why not

    Next Door Seafood.

  • Posted on 7/13/2009 at 3:10 PM Author
    Hey Everyone

    Thanks for your feedback. You have really got me thinking about keeping my current name for the branding becasue we do have a large following. Maybe something like "Maritime Lobster Express" Seafood restaurant and retail?? Your thoughts. or Maritime Lobster Express Cafe?
  • Posted on 7/13/2009 at 5:22 PM Accepted
    or what about just taking off the express, inc. and using "Maritime Lobster" It keeps the basic name but takes off the express-which is really linked to the express side of the operation anyway.
  • Posted on 7/13/2009 at 5:38 PM Author
    I have thought about that but Maritime Lobster Express is a registered trademark and Maritime Lobster is already in use. I don't use the .inc in the name now so it is just Maritime Lobster Express
  • Posted by Markitek on 7/14/2009 at 11:49 AM Accepted
    the problem with using "express" is that it doesn't connote "quick delivery" which is what you're using it for (express from the East Coast) but rather fast food (like Panda Express).
  • Posted by browncatfan on 7/14/2009 at 1:56 PM Accepted
    Markitek has a good point on the 'EXPRESS" part.

    The city environment is going more and more toward the fun/quirky/catchy names, whether that's a good fit for your larger enterprise or not. (You can always have a plaque and menu info about your mail-order business.) While Randall's comments make sense, the truth is that there is probably not a lot of overlap between those who know you by Web and potential retail dining customers. So I'm less worried about equity. So here are just a few free-form thoughts:

    Chowderheads

    Shelly's Seashore

    The Down East Diner.

    Lobster Shop

    The Lobster Trap

    Halifax (I like this one)

    Prince Edward's




  • Posted by cookmarketing@gmail. on 7/14/2009 at 5:16 PM Accepted
    W.M.M.A. is correct, and keep the logo as is...geesh I wish for the lobster! Continue doing as you are, with what you have - it's already established...I live in Florida and know a tad about lobster/fish restuaranting.
  • Posted on 7/14/2009 at 7:25 PM Accepted
    How about shortening it a little more to "M.L. Cafe"? Or "M.L. Bistro"?

    People will understand that you are connected (not just by proximity, but also by keeping the initials without spelling it out).

    Fresh seafood? It's a *tankless* job. (har har har!) :)
  • Posted on 7/14/2009 at 7:58 PM Author
    These are really great suggestions and I am carefully reviewing all of them and discussing them with my staff. We really think we would like to have a name for the restaurant as opposed to using Maritime Lobster Express. The already existing retail next door currently has the name Maritime Lobster Express but we are thinking that we may use the restaurant name to include it. Something like Restaurant Name and Seafood Market. Obviously the Restaurant Name would be the actual name and we would just add a tag line that says "and Seafood Market". Then we would use the same name for both business which keeps everything simple. Maritime Lobster Express would still be the corporate name and would be used for the website business. We would use a separte website to advertise the restaurant and store since they are separate operations. Any thoughts on this?
  • Posted by fla on 7/16/2009 at 7:20 PM Member
    " Ocean Basket ".
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