Craftsmanship and the joy of discovery that will always define Brunetti Classico
As a Melbourne patisserie icon, the consistent look and feel of a Brunetti’s store was the foundation of the design thinking, ensuring that each rollout would be recognisably part of the whole.
Hot Black partnered with Melbourne icon Brunetti Classico to deliver a trio of stores across the city’s northside, each one carrying the signature Brunetti Classico identity while adapting to its own neighbourhood character. The design response was underpinned by a rationalised and adaptable store prototype – ensuring a consistent brand language while allowing flexibility across different site scales, customer flows and offerings.
Moonee Ponds – Laneway CultureThe first rollout in Moonee Ponds was shaped around Melbourne’s laneway DNA, with a design that invites the community to pause, gather and stay. An alfresco dining experience and a commissioned laneway artwork weave the café into the urban fabric, while a pastry and dessert display, coffee bar, panini station and spritz bar transition the store effortlessly from day to night. Across the laneway, a dedicated gelato and cake bar extends the offer, visually tied to the main café through curved arch details and a bold palette of textured terrazzo tiles. Together, the two spaces create a connected precinct celebrating food, art and culture.
Carlton – Heritage & CraftIn Carlton, the Brunetti Classico experience honours the family’s Italian roots and long-standing heritage within the precinct. The store received a renewed façade and a dedicated coffee window to encourage street-front activation and everyday interactions. Inside, the design was inspired by the form of a jewellery box – each display case carefully composed to showcase the pastries and cakes as treasures within. The balance of restraint and richness speaks to tradition, craftsmanship and the joy of discovery that has always defined Brunetti Classico.
Coburg North – Retail ShowcaseThe Coburg North store evolved the Brunetti Classico journey through a concept informed by the theatre of jewellery retail. At the entry, a miniature display of small cakes and delights draws customers in, while a dramatic large-scale showcase at the rear anchors the space. The planning encourages curiosity, touch and exploration, while the espresso bar and seating area invite customers to linger. Materiality was critical to reinforcing brand DNA – signature terrazzo paired with marble and brass detailing, layered geometries, and finely resolved junctions all combine to create a contemporary yet timeless backdrop that strengthens the Brunetti Classico identity.
Across all three rollouts, Hot Black delivered more than just stores – they created a design language that balances consistency with individuality, ensuring Brunetti Classico’s future growth can adapt seamlessly to new contexts while staying unmistakably Brunetti Classico.