Case Study: Grubb's Pharmacy revitalizes its historic brand with Workhorse

Grubb's Pharmacy revitalizes a 150+ year-old brand with Workhorse

Grubb's Pharmacy, a historic independent compounding pharmacy in Washington D.C. established in 1867, faced the challenge of revitalizing its brand without losing its heritage. The goal was to avoid appearing either like a modern, faceless chain or a dated museum piece. They partnered with the vendor Workhorse for a brand identity design service to navigate this rebranding.

Workhorse created a timeless, black-and-white design system featuring a mortar-and-pestle mark, an Rx roundel, and a custom fat-faced serif typeface called Gooper. This cohesive identity was applied across various physical collateral, including a stationery kit, storefront signage, and embroidered logos. The system was also successfully extended to brand a new tea bar, the Grubb's Tea Lab. Workhorse delivered a solution that honored the pharmacy's long history while giving it a distinct and modern presence.

Grubb's Pharmacy