Andrea’s Cucina Italiana Westown Square Official Launch

The process

Setting the Tone Before the First Bite

We designed the invitation and assisted with guest list management and distribution, ensuring the right mix of media, influencers, and community voices were present. From the very first touchpoint, the experience felt intentional — building anticipation for an evening that promised more than just good food.

Transforming the Space Into A Slice of Italy

With our Coffee Experiences team, we transformed the venue in half a day.

Red, white and green florals.
Bread rolls as candle holders.
Lemons as place card stands.
Tomatoes on the vine layered across tables.
Wine bottles, Italian tins and styled sharing elements to elevate the focaccia and pizza presentation.

Every detail was considered — from the welcome sign and drink toppers to the mirror decal and printed collateral — all designed within Andrea’s Cucina Italiana CI to create cohesion across the space.

This wasn’t décor. It was storytelling through texture, scent, colour and layout.

Elevating the Experience Beyond the Table

To amplify the atmosphere, we secured Malfy Gin & Fitch & Leedes as a welcome drink sponsor, alongside an Aperol Spritz experiential pop-up. These partnerships added brand credibility and enhanced the guest experience from arrival.

An authentic Italian singer, Toni D, roamed the restaurant with mic in hand — filling the space with unmistakable Italian classics. The sound, the scent of fresh food, the tactile checkered tablescapes, the flowing drinks — every sense was engaged.

Behind the scenes, a briefed photographer and videographer worked from a clear moodboard and vision. Because an event for 115 people should live far beyond the room.

We also invited key food and lifestyle bloggers, media and influencers (Some with upwards of 200k+ followers), ensuring the launch extended into the digital space. A strategy that proved to be very successful days post launch.

The Outcome

On 05 February 2026, Andrea’s Cucina Italiana didn’t just ‘officially’ open its doors — it introduced itself to the community in a way that felt intimate, immersive and unmistakably Italian.

With a limited budget but strategic design thinking, we created a detail-rich launch experience that generated over a million impressions online and positioned Andrea’s as a vibrant, community-centred dining destination in Shongweni.

Some Social Media Highlights:

1. Keeran Nadas
2. Privyanka Chanderdeo (Inspiredbypri)
3. Aldytha Da Silva
4. Shrewd Food

Final Thoughts

This launch was proof that the devil is in the details.

From the “freshening up” bowl in the bathrooms to the journey from entrance to welcome drink to seated dining, the small touches became the most shared moments online.

When you design for all five senses, you don’t just host an event.
You create a memory.

And for Andrea’s Cucina Italiana, that memory tasted like home.