CASE STUDIES
The Smith's Sourdough – Reinventing a Timeless Tradition
The Smith's Sourdough is a family-owned bakery renowned for its naturally leavened breads and artisanal pastries. For generations, every loaf has carried a secret sourdough starter and a legacy of passion. Yet, in a crowded market brimming with similar offerings, the bakery struggled to convey its unique heritage and the soul behind its craft.
The Challenge
Fragmented Identity:
Loyal patrons appreciated the superior quality, but newcomers couldn’t pinpoint what made The Smith's Sourdough distinct from other bakeries.
Competitive Saturation:
With many local bakeries offering comparable products, the premium pricing was hard to justify without a resonant, compelling story.
Emotional Disconnect:
Although steeped in rich tradition, the bakery’s narrative was lost in translation, leaving customers without a meaningful connection to its heritage.
Our Approach:
Deep-Dive Discovery:
We began with immersive discovery sessions, employing our Strategic Brand Storytelling Framework to conduct in-depth interviews and extensive research. We unearthed the intimate details of The Smith's history—stories of generational recipes, the cherished sourdough starter that’s been nurtured over decades, and community values that have been the heartbeat of the bakery.
Deep-Dive Discovery:
We began with immersive discovery sessions, employing our Strategic Brand Storytelling Framework to conduct in-depth interviews and extensive research. We unearthed the intimate details of The Smith's history—stories of generational recipes, the cherished sourdough starter that’s been nurtured over decades, and community values that have been the heartbeat of the bakery.
Narrative Crafting:
With these insights, we reimagined the bakery’s story. Instead of merely selling bread, we positioned The Smith's Sourdough as a guardian of tradition—reinterpreting age-old recipes with a modern twist to appeal to today’s discerning consumer. The narrative celebrates both heritage and innovation, inviting customers to experience the warmth and passion baked into every loaf.
Omni-Channel Blueprint:
We developed a comprehensive Story Application & Amplification Blueprint that detailed how to infuse this narrative consistently across every customer touchpoint. From a refreshed website and modernized packaging to engaging social media content and community events, every channel now echoes the same authentic story.
Results:
30% Increase in Social Media Engagement:
Within three months, the revitalized narrative spurred a surge in online interactions, with customers actively sharing behind-the-scenes moments and heartfelt testimonials. ● 20%
Growth in Foot Traffic & Online Orders:
The compelling, cohesive story resonated deeply with both long-time fans and new visitors, driving measurable increases in both in-store visits and digital orders. ●
Premium Brand Positioning:
By clearly communicating its unique heritage and quality, The Smith's Sourdough successfully justified a 15% price premium over local competitors, reinforcing its status as a premium bakery.
Our Client Success Stories:
Working with Ace Cedar Digital transformed our identity. Our refreshed brand story now captures the soul of our bakery—honoring our legacy while inviting new customers to join our journey. It’s not just about bread; it’s about tradition, passion, and community." — Head Baker, The Smith's Sourdough

James T
Plant-Based Food Brand
