Hemingway was born during the concept development phase of Key West. While exploring different thematic directions, we uncovered a unique opportunity to build a story-driven restaurant concept inspired by the literary and adventurous spirit of Ernest Hemingway. The idea was to create a venue that offered not just a dining experience, but a transportive moment—something that would pull guests into a different era, rich with character and detail.
We proposed a 1950s-inspired atmosphere, designed to evoke the spirit of Old Key West, blended with classic Americana and touches of the Caribbean. Music played a central role—curated playlists featuring jazz and vintage blues tracks helped set the tone. The interiors combined aged woods, leather textures, vintage fixtures, and framed black-and-white photography to immerse guests in the world of Hemingway himself. Menus were designed as if pulled from a writer’s desk, complete with storytelling flourishes and quotes throughout.
We proposed a 1950s-inspired atmosphere, designed to evoke the spirit of Old Key West, blended with classic Americana and touches of the Caribbean. Music played a central role—curated playlists featuring jazz and vintage blues tracks helped set the tone. The interiors combined aged woods, leather textures, vintage fixtures, and framed black-and-white photography to immerse guests in the world of Hemingway himself. Menus were designed as if pulled from a writer’s desk, complete with storytelling flourishes and quotes throughout.
