Affectionately known as “The Little Café with Lots of Local Goodness,” Katalina’s is a beloved Columbus eatery celebrated for its Latin-leaning, Southern-slanted comfort food—most famously, the cult-favorite pancake balls. With a vibrant, vintage-inspired atmosphere and fiercely loyal following, Katalina’s has become a staple in the city’s breakfast and brunch scene.

In October 2024, the brand expanded with the opening of its highly anticipated third location in a new Columbus neighborhood. I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of interior designers and artists to help translate the eclectic spirit of the brand into a fresh space. My role spanned both environmental and experiential design, from crafting custom visual elements to supporting the rollout of marketing and branding for the new location—ensuring the new café felt distinctly “Katalina’s” while resonating with a new community of guests.