The Perfect Pairing: Myrth and PostBoy Restaurant

Earlier this week we released our latest Last Drop Limited Edition glaze, PostBoy Teal. This custom color was developed exclusively for PostBoy, a beautifully designed ‘global new American’ restaurant in the heart of downtown in New Buffalo, for which we had the great fortune of fully outfitting with Myrth tableware.

In the world of restaurants, every detail on the plate, and, the plate itself, contributes to the dining experience. For restaurants striving for a unique identity, selecting the right tableware is as crucial as sourcing the finest ingredients. It's a truth beautifully embodied by our collaboration with PostBoy. What began as a serendipitous encounter blossomed into a stunning collection of bespoke porcelain, culminating in the opening of a breathtaking space, where every element of interior design was considered and tailored to PostBoy’s impeccable vision.

Here’s the story of our fabulous year long collaboration.

Serendipitous Meeting at Utility Trade Show (May 2024)

It was amidst the Utility Trade Show in Chicago that our paths first crossed with the team from PostBoy. Partners Chef James Galbraith and Ben Holland arrived with a clear objective: to find tableware that not only resonated with their restaurant's distinctive aesthetic but also possessed the resilience required for the demanding environment of a professional kitchen.

As they explored our collection, there was an immediate recognition of shared values: a deep appreciation for uncompromising quality, thoughtful design, and the subtle yet profound impact of beautiful objects on the dining experience. Beautiful tableware is not merely a backdrop; it is an active participant in the dining experience. It frames the food, enhances its colors and textures, and communicates a commitment to quality that extends beyond the ingredients to all elements of the diner’s experience.

This initial meeting laid the groundwork for a collaboration built on a foundation of shared values.

Bringing the Vision to Life: Studio Visit (July 2024)

The connection forged at the trade show quickly led to the next crucial step: a visit by the PostBoy team to our Myrth Ceramics studio in Providence, Rhode Island, in July 2024, just as we begin production of their tableware collection. This was more than just a follow-up; it was an immersive journey into our world of design and craft.

During their visit, the PostBoy team gained firsthand insight into the intricate creative process behind every Myrth piece. They observed as we demonstrated the jigger and spray glazing, witnessing the meticulous steps involved in transforming raw clay into the refined porcelain that would one day live in their kitchen. We even had a chance to get Chef James on the pottery wheel for an impromptu lesson in hand-throwing!

Discussions flowed freely, moving beyond general aesthetics to delve into PostBoy's specific operational needs, their new brand identity, and the precise ambiance they envisioned for their dining space. We explored how different forms and finishes could frame James’ dishes and specific platings, how the weight and feel of a bowl could enhance a guest's interaction, and how the overall collection could contribute to a cohesive and memorable atmosphere. This studio visit was instrumental in cementing the partnership, transforming an initial shared vision into a tangible plan.

Crafting "PostBoy Teal": A Custom Color Story

One of the most exciting and defining aspects of the Myrth and PostBoy collaboration was the development of a bespoke glaze color, now affectionately known as "PostBoy Teal."

In an era where dining is as much about experience as it is about cuisine, every design element plays a critical role in shaping a restaurant's unique identity. Tableware, often overlooked or sadly just plain white, holds immense power as a branding tool. A custom color or a unique form can instantly distinguish an establishment, creating an unforgettable visual signature that speaks volumes about the team’s attention to detail and ultimately an immersive and memorable meal.

The process of developing a bespoke glaze is both a significant challenge and an exhilarating creative endeavor. It demands a deep understanding of chemistry and materials and an iterative approach to design. Creating PostBoy Teal was an opportunity to flex our craft and translate James’ and Ben’s vision for their restaurant’s feel into a tangible, functional work of art.

The Art and Science of Glaze Development

At Myrth, our glazes are not simply selected; they are meticulously created in-house from proprietary scratch recipes. This intricate process is where the art of color theory converges with the science of material composition. Glaze chemistry! For "PostBoy Teal," this meant embarking on a rigorous journey of experimentation and refinement.

Inspired by PostBoy's brand palette and the desired mood for their restaurant, we began countless trials. Pigments were carefully mixed, ratios adjusted, and numerous test tiles were fired in our kilns. Each iteration was scrutinized for its precise hue, saturation, translucency, and how it would interact with light and food. Our goal was to achieve a consistent, vibrant teal that perfectly balanced blue and green undertones, a color that would not only complement PostBoy’s culinary creations but also resonate deeply with its brand identity and interior furnishing. This meticulous precision in glaze development ensures that "PostBoy Teal" is more than just a color; it's a reflection of PostBoy's unique character and an integral part of their distinguished dining experience.

The Grand Collection: 3300 Pieces of Bespoke Beauty

The sheer scope of the project was impressive: approximately 3300 individual pieces of tableware spread across two deliveries. This comprehensive collection included a diverse array of forms, from Morsel Plates as share plates to start the meal to Dinner Plates that serve as the primary canvas for main dishes, versatile Appetizer Plates, shallow Basso bowls ideal for noodles or salads, smaller Tasting Bowls, 12” Oval Serving Platters designed for family-style presentation, and even Ramekins for accompanying sauces. Each piece, regardless of its size or function, had to adhere to the same exacting standards of durability, aesthetic consistency, and flawless finish that define Myrth.

Producing a custom order of this magnitude, while preserving the integrity of our handmade process, presented both significant challenges and rewarding triumphs. It necessitated meticulous production planning from the jump to optimized production of each product in master batches, all through the heat of high summer. From the initial clay preparation and precise molding to the delicate glazing and final high-temperature firing, our team worked tirelessly. The satisfaction of seeing the collection grow, piece by piece, each one a true testament to Myrth's craftsmanship and PostBoy's vision, was immense.

Reflecting on the Success of the Collaboration

For us, bringing PostBoy's specific and ambitious vision to life has been a source of immense pride and satisfaction. This project perfectly encapsulates our core mission: to create durable, beautiful porcelain that not only meets the rigorous demands of professional kitchens but also makes the dining experience mirthful. It beautifully illustrates the symbiotic relationship between designer and restaurateur, where each collaborator’s dedication to their craft elevates the other's output. We don't see our studio as just a manufacturer; we see ourselves as creative partners in design, united by exceptional craft and a desire to create truly extraordinary dining experiences.

Bring Home a Piece of the Collaboration

When we create custom colors for industry clients, we commonly have a small overage of glaze at the end of our collaboration. Instead of discarding unfinished buckets of glaze we take a more eco-conscious path and offer these limited edition colors to you until the buckets are empty. Quantities are very limited—once we reach the last drop of these unique colors, they’ll be gone.

We warmly invite you to experience this exceptional collaboration firsthand with our Last Drop Limited Edition of PostBoy Teal available through Tuesday July 29th. This edition of Last Drop features our 6” Tasting Bowl, 9” Basso Bowl or 8” Appetizer Plate clad in vibrant, satin matte turquoise.

For our midwestern Myrthlings we’d love for your to experiece PostBoy first hand. Please visit them in New Buffalo Michigan for a great time and killer meal!

While this project represents a significant milestone for Myrth, it also opens exciting new avenues for future hospitality collaborations and custom projects. We are continuously inspired to push the boundaries of what's possible in professional tableware, and excited to find collaborators that share our love of beautiful objects that create a moving dining experience.

For more information on outfitting your restaurant, cafe, hotel, or boutique hospitality business with Myrth please email us at hello@myrth.us or click the link below.