Sanborns

Sanborns is a Mexican cafeteria and department store chain founded in June 19, 1903 by brothers Walter and Frank Sanborn. The franchise is known for its trademark depicting three owls standing on a tree branch accompanied by a little crescent moon. According to co-founder Frank, the owls represent himself along with his two sons Francis and Jonathan Sanborn.

1903-1917

LOGO MISSING

1917-1953

The original owls logo was registered on February 27, 1917, where the date is clearly seen on the tree branch. It was used for over 50 years although having different variations.

Short variant (without wordmark) used as an alternative

1919-present (Casa de los Azulejos painting)

A mural painting featuring the owls was added as result of the Sanborn brothers opening their chain at the famous Casa de los Azulejos after some renovations a couple years prior.

1927-1930

Variant seen as a roundel

1930-1939

Variant seen as a hand-drawn stamp.

1939-1953

A rare variant featuring the heads of Frank with his sons Francis and Jonathan plastered on the owls' bodies.

1953-present

A modern-looking variant as seen only as a building sign in some locations

Ever since celebrating their 50th anniversary, Sanborns has received a brand new and most recent design on the owls which also featured a new script wordmark. The logo is now colored in red.