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Otto’s Ice House

With justice and drinks for all.

People & Purpose

Now open along the River Walk as part of San Antonio’s vibrant Pearl District, Otto’s Ice House draws on the scandalous tale of the powerhouse couple behind the historic Pearl Brewery: Otto Koehler, Emma Koehler…and the two additional Emmas who put an end to his wandering eye in 1914. (Permanently.) Equal parts nostalgia and cheek, the brand riffs on the visual vernacular of the aw-shucks era (circa 1940s) with tall-tale-telling type, pen-and-ink illustrations, and playful quips and snips that both welcome thirsty tourists and continue to stir the pot of local lore.

Services

  • Brand Strategy
  • Naming & Verbal Identity
  • Visual Identity
  • Writing
  • Website Design
  • Print System
  • Signage
  • Merch System
  • Brand Strategy

Partners

  • Brian Kennedy, Photography
  • Zachary Wieland, Illustration
Left Slideshow + Right Text

San Antonio’s stately Hotel Emma was originally the city’s famous Pearl Brewery, led by Emma and Otto Koehler. As the lovely Emma’s name is well-known in the area, the ice house across the river was an opportunity to call out the lesser-known figure—her philandering husband, Otto.

San Antonio’s stately Hotel Emma was originally the city’s famous Pearl Brewery, led by Emma and Otto Koehler. As the lovely Emma’s name is well-known in the area, the ice house across the river was an opportunity to call out the lesser-known figure—her philandering husband, Otto.

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San Antonio’s stately Hotel Emma was originally the city’s famous Pearl Brewery, led by Emma and Otto Koehler. As the lovely Emma’s name is well-known in the area, the ice house across the river was an opportunity to call out the lesser-known figure—her philandering husband, Otto.

Text

Otto had an affair with two other women—also named Emma—one of whom delivered the fatal shot that finally humbled him. We wouldn’t go so far as to say the place is named “for” Otto… rather, this shady watering hole is a cheerful reminder to think about the story you want to leave behind.

Slideshow + Caption

Fun fact #1: The interior holding shape of the seal is a reference to the riveted cylinder of a single-action revolver—a subtle nod to Otto’s demise.

Fun fact #1: The interior holding shape of the seal is a reference to the riveted cylinder of a single-action revolver—a subtle nod to Otto’s demise.

Fun fact #1: The interior holding shape of the seal is a reference to the riveted cylinder of a single-action revolver—a subtle nod to Otto’s demise.

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