Mario’s Early Toast set out to open its fifth location in the Sacramento, California, region, with a clear goal. Create a space that not only carried over the restaurant’s well-established brand but also resonated with the upscale community it was now serving. Having worked with our company, WrapStar Pro, on the restaurant’s rebranding back in 2020, Mario Astorga knew that wall wraps would play a key role in the transformation.
Originally, Early Toast featured a classic country-diner look, with a ketchup-and-mustard-colored logo and brand elements. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, WrapStar Pro helped shift the brand’s identity to a more sophisticated mimosa lounge vibe, a look that blended black and white with earthy textures and gold accents. The transformation was a success, and as the business grew, it was time to take things up a notch for this new location. Instead of sticking with the standard black and white wall wraps, we opted for a bold gold-and-black design to bring a sense of luxury that would appeal to the high-end clientele of the neighborhood.
At the heart of this transformation was Arlon’s newest wall wrap film, DPF V9500 and Series V3370 satin overlam, a non-PVC solution. This project served as a real-world application of the film’s capabilities, showcasing why wall wraps can serve as an innovative, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to traditional renovations.
The vision behind the design
The space itself required a full renovation, as it had previously housed a Mexican restaurant with a completely different atmosphere. The challenge wasn’t just installing wall wraps, it was creating a seamless blend of branding and interior design that felt intentional and upscale.
Initially, Astorga had requested more gold features, which we were skeptical about. Our team wanted to maintain the brand’s established identity, ensuring the space still felt like an Early Toast location. However, after seeing how gold accents had successfully been incorporated in a previous location to distinguish a lounge space, we decided to integrate them into the entire restaurant design.
With the combination of wall wraps, a faux living wall, wood slat accents, statement chandeliers, and cream-and-gold touches throughout the space, we believe the transformation is stunning.
The power of wall wraps
Many businesses still overlook wall wraps, not realizing how much they can enhance a space compared to traditional paint or wallpaper. The benefits are clear: lower renovation costs, faster turnaround times, and a high-end aesthetic without the hassle of construction delays.
For this project, WrapStar Pro installed 750 square feet of wall wraps in DPF V9500 and series V3370 satin overlam and 440 square feet of Ever Etched frost vinyl, along with various window signage applications using DPF 4600GLX and series 3420 overlam, plus BriteLine cut vinyl gloss white for additional signage. Instead of weeks of work, the installation was completed in just one and a half days, with minimal disruption to the restaurant’s opening schedule. One of the biggest advantages of the wrap we used is the medium initial tack, which enabled us to pull the full liner without worrying about paint damage when repositioning.
Another standout feature is its built-in static, which allows the film to “hug” the wall in place. This meant we didn’t have to constantly reposition panels or go up and down ladders to check alignments. The time saved per panel added up significantly, making this large project much more efficient.
The film’s heat-balancing technology was also beneficial. Traditionally, if a panel stretches slightly during repositioning, it can cause misalignment and uneven installation. With DPF V9500, applying heat with a heat gun allows the material to relax, stabilize, and shrink back into place, making precise alignment effortless.
Challenges & problem-solving
No installation comes without its challenges, and this project had its fair share. Working around permanent objects like the host desk, built-in furniture, and the narrow mimosa bar required precision and patience. Additionally, the Ever Etched frost vinyl was installed in cold temperatures on exterior glass, making adhesion more difficult.
To navigate these issues, our team relied on the Bill Collector squeegee for the walls and the Yellotools TimberMaxx squeegee for the frost vinyl, which allowed us to apply the frost vinyl efficiently and scratch-free. The repositionable adhesive of Arlon’s film also made it easier to work around obstacles without compromising the final design.
Despite these challenges, the project was completed on time and exceeded expectations.
Client reaction
The final transformation was nothing short of stunning. The gold-and-black wall wraps, combined with other interior elements, created a space that felt modern, sophisticated, and perfectly aligned with the Early Toast brand.
Astorga was thrilled with the results, noting that customers have been snapping photos for social media, which has increased online engagement and brought in new visitors. The aesthetic not only complements the restaurant’s branding but also aligns perfectly with the luxury experience the location aims to offer.
