In London’s bustling food scene, CRUNCH—a new sandwich shop designed by KIDZ Studio—stands out as a bold reimagining of what a fast-casual eatery can be. The project began with a conversation about energy, experimentation, and the raw drive that fuels culinary entrepreneurship. The result? A space that feels like stepping into a Daft Punk music video: retro yet modern, glossy yet warm, and undeniably alive.
The challenge was clear: rethink the sandwich shop aesthetic while maximizing a compact footprint. Unlike cafes or bakeries, sandwich shops lack a defined visual language, giving KIDZ Studio the freedom to craft an identity from textures, memories, and sensations rather than clichés. The interior blends veneer wood, glossy beige surfaces, and rounded bar stools under soft lighting—a nostalgic nod to mid-century enamel finishes, but with a contemporary twist.
At the heart of the design is the illuminated counter, a warm wooden block topped with a glowing lightbox that acts as both a functional workspace and a visual anchor. Inspired by one of the client’s viral social media videos—where a giant loaf of bread crashes like a meteor—the lightbox appears “sliced,” as if bread is dramatically entering the space. This feature not only defines the shop’s rhythm but also provides even task lighting and frames the menu.
Polished stainless steel stools tuck neatly under the counter, ensuring flexibility during peak hours while maintaining a connection to the open kitchen. Meanwhile, a glass-walled proofing room reveals the bread-making process, turning fermentation into a spectacle. This isn’t just a technical detail—it’s storytelling. Watching dough rise transforms the act of ordering a sandwich into an immersive experience.
CRUNCH’s design succeeds by balancing retro nostalgia with futuristic shine, proving that even the humblest culinary spaces can become destinations. For KIDZ Studio, it’s a testament to the power of intuition and bold experimentation—a philosophy baked right into the project’s foundation.