Cactus Grove Burritos

This project was part of a restaurant refresh in Kings Dominion's Candy Apple Grove area, where the menu shifted to Mexican and the exterior was updated with new paint, plants, and decorative details.

I led the graphics package and signage direction, working closely with the food team executives and the park’s sign fabricators to figure out what would look great, be buildable, and stay within budget. The exterior color palette and architectural treatment were designed by Paul Bonifield, whose work set the tone for the overall update.

Because Candy Apple Grove pulls from a 1970s influence, the signage leans into a retro look inspired by vintage Mexican fast-food design. The cactus character was a fun opportunity to reference the park’s iconic singing mushrooms at the end of the walkway, borrowing their signature mustaches as a not-so-subtle nod.

The park signage team really brought this one to life, adding dimensional elements and even installing a motor to make the maracas move. The end result feels playful, nostalgic, and adds vibrancy to the area.