Heritage on Every Shelf: The Cingari Family's Rebranding

Designed by Polonsky & Friends

For the Cingari family, food goes beyond mere nourishment—it's a vital part of their family identity. In 1929, Salvatore Cingari, who had arrived from Italy a decade earlier via Ellis Island, turned his passion into a business. He bought an old school bus, stocked it with fresh produce, and started delivering door-to-door in Stamford, CT. This marked the beginning of the family venture, which has since evolved into Cingari Family ShopRite, a chain of 12 stores throughout the state. Nearly a century later, they remain committed to offering fresh, locally sourced goods, excellent customer service, and competitive prices.

Polonsky & Friends had the privilege of working to elevate this brand's heritage by crafting a unique visual identity and designing a comprehensive packaging system. This project encompassed new product labels, store signage, staff uniforms, and merchandise. The studio thoughtfully curated each element, from layout and font choices to overseeing and directing photo shoots, visually shaping the essence of the Cingari brand.

Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of European markets, the Cingari rebrand emphasizes heritage. For generations, these markets—whether in small villages or busy urban centers—have been known for offering high-quality seasonal produce, with local vendors deeply knowledgeable about their products and enjoying loyal customer bases. These markets are more than just places to buy food; they are hubs of community, fostering personal connections and face-to-face interactions. Similarly, P&F’s creative direction sought to revive tradition, not follow fleeting trends. This vision is expressed through hand-written labels, exploration of old printing techniques, and typography influenced by the artisan signage of storefronts. The result combines timeless values with a modern touch that resonates with today’s consumers.

Polonsky & Friends is a creative studio founded by Anna Polonsky in 2019, specializing in food and hospitality projects for top brands, chefs, and developers worldwide. Focused on authenticity and hands-on design, the team combines strategic and creative expertise to create unique brand identities, immersive experiences, and innovative designs. 

Rather than adhering to a set style, the studio tailors each project to reflect the client’s vision, celebrating the diversity and stories behind food. By incorporating custom, hand-drawn elements, Polonsky & Friends crafts tactile, memorable experiences that challenge traditional branding and resonate in a digital world.

Heritage on Every Shelf: The Cingari Family's Rebranding

For the Cingari family, food goes beyond mere nourishment—it's a vital part of their family identity. In 1929, Salvatore Cingari, who had arrived from Italy a decade earlier via Ellis Island, turned his passion into a business. He bought an old school bus, stocked it with fresh produce, and started delivering door-to-door in Stamford, CT. This marked the beginning of the family venture, which has since evolved into Cingari Family ShopRite, a chain of 12 stores throughout the state. Nearly a century later, they remain committed to offering fresh, locally sourced goods, excellent customer service, and competitive prices.

Polonsky & Friends had the privilege of working to elevate this brand's heritage by crafting a unique visual identity and designing a comprehensive packaging system. This project encompassed new product labels, store signage, staff uniforms, and merchandise. The studio thoughtfully curated each element, from layout and font choices to overseeing and directing photo shoots, visually shaping the essence of the Cingari brand.

Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of European markets, the Cingari rebrand emphasizes heritage. For generations, these markets—whether in small villages or busy urban centers—have been known for offering high-quality seasonal produce, with local vendors deeply knowledgeable about their products and enjoying loyal customer bases. These markets are more than just places to buy food; they are hubs of community, fostering personal connections and face-to-face interactions. Similarly, P&F’s creative direction sought to revive tradition, not follow fleeting trends. This vision is expressed through hand-written labels, exploration of old printing techniques, and typography influenced by the artisan signage of storefronts. The result combines timeless values with a modern touch that resonates with today’s consumers.

Polonsky & Friends is a creative studio founded by Anna Polonsky in 2019, specializing in food and hospitality projects for top brands, chefs, and developers worldwide. Focused on authenticity and hands-on design, the team combines strategic and creative expertise to create unique brand identities, immersive experiences, and innovative designs.

Rather than adhering to a set style, the studio tailors each project to reflect the client’s vision, celebrating the diversity and stories behind food. By incorporating custom, hand-drawn elements, Polonsky & Friends crafts tactile, memorable experiences that challenge traditional branding and resonate in a digital world.