Modernizing the Cooper's Hawk Uniform Experience
The Challenge
Cooper's Hawk needed more than a visual refresh. The goal was to create a uniform system that reflected the brand while improving the day-to-day experience for employees.
- Temperature Management: Back-of-house employees needed lighter, more breathable garments capable of standing up to long shifts in high-heat environments.
- Performance & Appearance: Front-of-house staff required uniforms that maintained a polished, professional look despite frequent exposure to spills and daily wear.
- Employee Adoption: The project required direct feedback from team members to ensure the final designs met the needs of those wearing the garments every day.
The Solution
BIG approached the project as more than a uniform refresh. Our team conducted site visits and employee interviews to better understand operational challenges, comfort concerns, and the overall brand aesthetic. Feedback from both front-of-house and back-of-house team members was incorporated throughout the design process to ensure the final solution addressed real-world needs.
Using those insights, BIG developed virtual presentations featuring custom CAD concepts that explored multiple design directions, garment styles, and branding applications. We presented fabric swatches, fit recommendations, and role-specific apparel solutions, then distributed wear samples to select locations for testing and feedback before finalizing the collection. Following approval, BIG managed the full production, distribution, and rollout across the entire enterprise while supporting the launch at Cooper’s Hawk’s annual event.
Project Timeline
8 months start to finish
Impact
Locations Served Nationwide
Distribution managed
The Result
By combining employee feedback, site-level insights, thoughtful design, and extensive wear testing, BIG delivered a uniform program that balanced comfort, durability, and brand consistency. The successful rollout generated strong employee adoption, improved the day-to-day experience for team members, and strengthened BIG’s partnership with Cooper’s Hawk, leading to additional opportunities supporting new restaurant concepts and brand expansions, including Piccolo Buco.
“BIG has been a great partner to Cooper’s Hawk since 2017. Their team has put in the work to learn our culture and style, creating collaborative experiences that are both on point and ahead of schedule. BIG has helped us lower uniform costs while improving the appearance and comfort of our team member uniforms. Their team member engagement services have also been valuable in supporting retention. BIG’s creative team continues to bring innovation and fresh ideas to our branded merchandise programs.
BIG’s knowledge and guidance were key to our 2023 uniform refresh, helping with ideation, material selection, sample reviews, and the successful rollout of new uniforms across both front and back of house operations.”
– Senior Director of Purchasing
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