Meet Blue Jean Barbecue

An award-winning, chef-driven barbecue destination set in a historic former denim factory, where guests can expect to be treated and fed like family—every darn time.

Brand Story

Single Barrel Hospitality recognizes that meals made with care are meant to be shared. From competitive smoked meats to exceptional customer service, they consistently deliver the highest standard of quality and care, earning the admiration of barbecue enthusiasts near and far.

Striving for the best is a Blue Jean tradition that began over a century ago. Nestled inside historic former Canton Cotton Mill No. 1—today reimagined as The Mill on Etowah—Blue Jean pays tribute to the site’s storied past.

“I’d much rather be forever in blue jeans.”

—Neil Diamond, “Forever in Blue Jeans” (1978)

Visual Identity

This project was born from a collaboration between myself and two exceptionally talented colleagues. If you’d like to learn more, just ask!

Logo Design

The primary logo embraces a familiar silhouette—a rear pocket with inset stitches for emphasis—seamlessly integrating with a bold word mark and supporting elements. For horizontal applications, the secondary back patch emblem or standalone logotype is recommended. Each variation comes in a pair and is optimized for both light and dark backgrounds.

Color Palette

Deep indigo and muted blues call to mind the comfort and reliability of an old pair of jeans, nodding to the “blue smoke” that ascends in a smoke house. Golden brown thread—preferred by the denim industry for its contrast with indigo dye—creates a beloved, signature look. Brick red and charcoal call back to bark-encrusted meats atop glowing embers .

Type System

Sans, serif, and slab typefaces come together to evoke vintage Americana: Bebas Neue captures just the right amount of attention for decks and calls to action; Patua One conveys headlines with understated confidence; and Sanchez enhances legibility in body text with timeless, robust letterforms.

Historical Context

In 1901 , the mill began producing thread and employed 125 people—almost the entire town! Its founder, R.T. Jones went to great lengths to ensure his people were well taken care of, even knowing many of them by name. By 1902, Canton Denim had earned its reputation among the finest and was known for their commitment to quality. Fittingly, not much has changed.

The Canton Denim Festival is an annual tradition that continues today on the historic grounds—right outside Blue Jean’s doorstep.