Sunnin is a Lebanese restaurant that has been a staple to the West side of LA for over 30 years. Sunnin was looking to shift their restaurant from casual dining to a fast-casual style. Forth + Back designed the new Identity, interior & layout of their new restaurant in Santa Monica.

In Lebanese culture, dining is strongly tied to a sense of unity amongst friends and family. This culture of unity informed everything from the branding to the restaurant’s interior layout and atmosphere. Elements relating to the number five, representing the five siblings who run and operate Sunnin, were used throughout. A mural of hands was painted depicting various gestures of friendly communication and embrace, directly referencing the hands-on mezze style of dining that is familiar in the Middle East.

Sunnin has been able to successfully make the shift to a fast casual restaurant while keeping intact their strong connection and commitment to the community it serves.