Luxury Restaurant Renovation & Branding: Rufa at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

Sarasota, FL

As part of The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota's ongoing transformation, Cooper Carry partnered with the resort to deliver a complete restaurant renovation and branding solution, reimagining an underutilized outdoor space into Rufa, an open-air restaurant and lounge designed for coastal elegance and sunset views.

Our brand design team crafted a complete identity system—including the name, logo, storytelling, messaging, and menu design. Inspired by the Rufa Red Knot, a migratory shorebird that winters in Sarasota, the name celebrates global travelers and seasonal escape. The flowing script logo and warm terracotta color palette mirror the bird’s elegance and the region’s stunning sunsets, capturing a spirit of movement, warmth, and coastal beauty.

Meanwhile, our restaurant design team, The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, created a serene, elevated guest experience using natural materials, soft lighting, and a sunset-inspired palette. From an intimate ground-floor lounge to an elevated bar with panoramic Gulf views, the space combines organic textures, bronze accents, and pops of floral color for a relaxed yet refined ambiance.

Every detail—from typography to textiles—tells a unified story of exploration, luxury, and a sense of place. The result is a 64-seat destination that seamlessly blends brand and environment, offering guests a memorable close to their day on Florida’s Gulf Coast.