The origins of the name Arno connect to an interesting story. I have no idea exactly what Slimbach was thinking when he chose this name for his typeface, besides of Italy and the early masters of typography, but the Arno is a major river in Italy, running right through the heart of Florence. All throughout Roman and Italian history, the Arno has thoroughly flooded Florence. It has a violent nature, going from almost dry to flood conditions in just a few days, and thus is hard for its neighbors to predict.
Romantic history aside, there are many advantages to restaurant owners and operators in going digital. ERJ Dining LLC, a 122-unit Chili’s Grill & Bar franchisee, has shaved an average of three minutes off its table-turn times, seen unspecified higher per-person check averages and experienced a significant increase in its loyalty club enrollment.
In college, my understanding of typography, as well as my tastes, were refined. Among many other things, I learned that I passionately hate the ubiquity of Futura. I don’t necessarily hate Futura itself—it serves its purpose—but many students of the Swiss schools of design (of which my alma mater Arizona State University is a descendent) use it indiscriminately, as if it’s the only font that is worthy of their minimalist, grid-based designs. I cringe looking through student work that uses it, because I know students are using it as a “safe” choice—one their professors won’t censor. And many of those students, never told otherwise, grow up to use Futura for everything they do in their professional careers as well. This drives me batty.
The other day while strolling across the internet we stumbled onto Ruth Tobias’ Denveater blog and her review of the Pearl Street Grill and it’s new “dolled up” menu.
