Mac’s Drive-Thru

Mac’s Drive-Thru is more than just a burger joint—it’s a Gainesville institution. Loved for its no-frills charm, classic burgers, and decades-old traditions, Mac’s has a fiercely loyal fan base that never wants it to change. When it came time to create a website and expand the brand, the challenge wasn’t just about adding something new—it was about making sure it felt exactly like Mac’s.

Any branding or digital presence had to be handled with extreme care. Mac’s isn’t the kind of place that needs reinvention—its appeal lies in its authenticity and consistency. The goal was to introduce a website, branded merchandise, and visual identity elements that felt like a natural extension of Mac’s long-standing charm without making it feel “overly designed” or modernized in a way that would alienate longtime fans.

The approach was to craft a brand system that celebrated Mac’s legacy while enhancing its accessibility:

• Website Design: Created Mac’s first-ever website, ensuring it was simple, no-nonsense, and as straightforward as the drive-thru itself—just the essentials, no fluff.

• Mascot Design: Developed a character inspired by Mac’s vintage loudspeaker intercom ordering system, turning an iconic but often-overlooked detail into a memorable brand element.

• Branded Merchandise: Designed a collection of shirts that reflected Mac’s classic, nostalgic identity—giving fans a way to rep their favorite burger spot without feeling like it had changed.

The introduction of a website and expanded brand elements brought Mac’s into the digital era while staying true to its roots. Fans and staff embraced the new mascot and merch, seeing them not as changes, but as extensions of the Mac’s they loved. The result? A brand refresh that felt like it had always been there—just like Mac’s.