Polonsky & Friends is a full-service branding studio based in New York.
Strategy & Design
Rooted in storytelling and a deep appreciation for the analogue, we craft thoughtful, tactile brand experiences that capture the essence of culinary culture, from concept to execution.
In a world dominated by digital experience, we embrace the power of analogue, where tradition meets innovation and human touch is central. In our process, heritage fuels progress and craftsmanship is interwoven with creativity. Whether shaping identities for boutique hotels, restaurants, or gourmet products, we blend strategy with artistry to build connections that are as personal as they are timeless.
Our approach is entirely bespoke — we allow each client’s story to lead the creative journey, inspiring every detail along the way. This commitment to originality has attracted an international clientele from Paris to Dubai, London, Mexico City, and beyond.
Services
design
creative direction
visual identity & system
packaging
editorial
special projects
production
strategy
cultural research
competitive audit
brand architecture
brand positioning
messaging
platform development
naming
copywriting
Meet the Team
Polonsky & Friends was founded by Anna Polonsky, an experienced creative director and consultant in the food and hospitality industry, with accolades including Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 and the James Beard Awards. As former partner and US Director of Le Fooding, a Michelin-acquired restaurant guide, she collaborated with clients such as LVMH and MasterCard. In 2014, she co-founded The MP Shift, a pioneering 360-degree creative agency in hospitality. In 2019, she founded Polonsky & Friends, where she leverages her strategic and creative expertise to drive innovation among restaurants, hotels, and consumer product goods.
The Friends of Polonsky is a dynamic team of designers, strategists, and producers based in New York and beyond. We’re always eager to collaborate with illustrators, type designers, artists, copywriters, and other creative talents to bring bold ideas to life.
Anna Polonsky
Founder & Creative Director
Founder Anna Polonsky has worked in hospitality her entire career and earned accolades from numerous organizations, including Forbes Magazine’s 30under30 and the James Beard Awards.
For 7 years, she was a partner and US director of Le Fooding, a disruptive restaurant guide and event company recently acquired by Michelin. Her roster of consulting clients included LVMH, MasterCard, Nestlé Waters, and others. In 2014, she co-founded The MP Shift, the first 360 degree creative agency in hospitality, providing concept, graphics, and interior design services to an international clientele.
In 2019, encouraged by a chaotic political context, Anna took a new turn. With polonsky and friends, she seeks to apply her strategy and creative direction skills to clients who are working daily towards more quality, craftsmanship, transmission and inclusiveness.
Press
Michelin Star, Bar Miller, 2025
The Brand Identity, 2024
The New York Times, 2024
Bounty Hunters, 2024
Dezeen, 2024
Family Style, 2024
Eater, 2024
World Brand Design award, 2023
Sight Unseen, 2023
The Cut, 2023
Elle France, 2023
Sixtysix Magazine, 2023
Milk Magazine, 2023
T Magazine, 2022
New York Design award, 2022
Passerby, 2022
Select Clients
Eataly
Resy
Waldorf Astoria
Cantina Contramar
Le Doyenné
Domaines Barons de Rothschild
Fini Pizza
sweetgreen
Alison Roman
Broken Shaker at Freehand Hotels
Via Carota
Claud
Penny
The Marlton Hotel
Tishman Speyer
