Saint Germain Catering Launches
New Look with New Menu

When Saint Germain Catering in Vienna, VA needed a menu design that set them apart in the crowded DC Metro area marketplace, they hired Hinge, a Reston, VA based brand-marketing firm to give them just the edge they needed. “We hired Hinge because of their extensive work with professional service firms,” says Mina Ebrahimi, President of Saint Germain Catering. “They dig deeper to really understand the purpose behind the design. As a result, we now have the best menu we’ve ever produced. We couldn’t be happier.”

Designer Juan Plaza reflects on the inspiration behind the fresh and colorful menu. After spending time with Mina and her staff, he discovered a group of “fun, energetic and vibrant people that take great pride in their food and service.” Inspiration struck upon viewing Gustav Klimt’s famous oil painting “The Kiss.” “The golden tones and rich textures in the art seemed to mirror Saint Germain’s attitude. They are busy – constantly on the go, but it seems that’s where they draw their thriving energy.” Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko were among some of the other fine artists that Plaza sourced as inspiration.

About Saint Germain Catering
Saint Germain Catering is a one hundred percent woman-owned-and-operated company thanks to the dedication of its President, Mina Ebrahimi and General Manager, Sarah Miller. Mina’s parents immigrated to America in 1978 during the Iranian Revolution to give their children the chance to live a life without turmoil. Upon their arrival, they opened St. Germain Café in Seven Corners, VA, where Mina worked along side her parents from the time she was nine. "Having the opportunity to own my own business as a woman is huge for me because I am from Iran," Ebrahimi told The Connection newspaper. "Thank God I had the opportunity, because I would never have been able to do this overseas."

The business now resides in a 6,000 square foot building near Tyson’s Corner and has been recognized in numerous publications as a leader in the catering industry in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Saint Germain Catering was nominated for the WUSA 9 A-List Best Caterer award, an annual event where consumers determine DC’s best local businesses.

About Hinge
Since its inception in 2002, Hinge has been providing revenue-increasing marketing strategies and award-winning design to professional service firms in the Northern Virginia area.  “Professional service companies such as law, accounting, architecture and engineering firms have a unique entry into the market,” says Jen Sterling, President of Hinge. “With a product, you can pick it up, touch it and see how it’s different from what else is on the shelf. Services are different – they’re intangible. Successful professional service organizations have a very specific message that distinguishes them from their competition. We help our clients figure out what that message is and create a comprehensive brand to help solidify that message in the minds of their prospects.”

Hinge’s work has been featured in numerous magazines and trade publications and has won four “M Awards” from the Washington, DC chapter of the American Marketing Association. Because of their ongoing volunteer and pro-bono efforts, Hinge has been the recipient of several community leadership awards and honors, including a commendation from the Virginia State Senate for their “appreciation for their community service activities.”