Cast Iron Craft House

I was asked to create a Readers’ Choice thank-you ad for Cast Iron Craft House with very little direction. Rather than overthinking the concept, I focused on what mattered most: the categories they had just won. Best Burger and Best Bartender felt like the most honest way to celebrate both the food and the people behind it.

When I reviewed Cast Iron’s existing website and image library, I realized there wasn’t a single photo that truly represented what had just been voted the best burger in the county. The burgers are a major part of their identity, and the available images did not do them justice. Instead of forcing an existing photo to work, I decided to get the image myself.

I walked over to the restaurant and explained what I was trying to capture. The goal was a tall, camera-ready burger that communicated quality and confidence without needing additional copy. The bartender, who also happened to win Best Bartender, jumped in to help. Together, we talked through which burger would stack well visually and which toppings would photograph best. He added a freshly poured beer to complete the scene.

The cook delivered exactly what we needed. The burger came together perfectly, and the bartender poured a clean, polished pint. I staged the shot on-site in front of their drink board, making sure to keep the environment authentic and recognizable. I also intentionally included their logo shirt in the background to subtly reinforce the brand without making it feel staged.

The final image was not created in a studio or under controlled lighting. It was captured quickly, collaboratively, and in the space where the business actually operates. That approach shaped the design direction of the ad itself. The layout stayed simple and direct, letting the photograph carry the message.

The result feels celebratory, honest, and unmistakably Cast Iron. It reflects the food, the staff, and the atmosphere that customers voted for, and it tells a real story about the place rather than a manufactured one.