Jan Talamo is the creative force behind some of the most iconic brands in gaming, hospitality, and food service. As founder of the innovation agency Think-Traffic, Jan brings an unmatched blend of design, storytelling, and strategic vision to every project he touches.
With a career spanning over 30 years, Jan has worked with 125+ gaming and hospitality properties and helped develop the brand experiences behind names like Caesars Entertainment, Mohegan Sun, Harrah’s, Foxwoods, Rush Street Gaming, and Tropicana. He’s also played a key role in the creative development of over 500 restaurants across the country, specializing in environments that align seamlessly with their culinary and operational goals.
Jan’s strength lies in creating full-spectrum brand systems—where identity, design, experience, and messaging work in perfect harmony. Whether it's a luxury casino lounge, a high-volume buffet, or a boutique F&B concept, Jan brings the creative firepower and real-world executional thinking to make it stand out and succeed.
Beyond branding, Jan is also an accomplished restaurateur and build-out specialist, having owned two restaurants and designed dozens more. His deep understanding of physical space, brand storytelling, and customer psychology gives him a rare ability to merge form with function—and aesthetics with ROI.
He is the creative mind behind UNIQUE 360, Upstream’s food and beverage consultancy, which partners with culinary experts, architects, and operators to reimagine how food and service can drive property performance.
Called a “multi-faceted creative genius” by peers and clients alike, Jan leads every engagement with curiosity, care, and a commitment to innovation. At Upstream, he ensures that every visual, experience, and story not only looks great—but works hard.
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