LOCATION: PHOENICIA, NY

PROGRAM: Restaurant

STATUS: Completed 2013

SIZE: 3,000 SF

When our client came to us, he had just bought an old 1960s diner, a diamond in the rough, and showed us some design sketches. We felt the sketches didn’t take advantage of the site's latent attributes, such as the great view and fabulous terrazzo floor. Our design process entailed selectively editing out the less appealing aspects of the existing diner (removing light fixtures that blocked the view and adding new ones elsewhere, replacing acoustical ceiling tile with wood, reupholstering using better colors) and highlighting some of the better assets of the space, to create an appetizing space that would accompany his new approach to diner cuisine. This modern approach to a diner with a view of the stunning natural surroundings was the beginning of a huge success story for his business. On the first day of business, the Phoenicia Diner served 215 meals and now serves multiples of that daily, as well as hosting community and private events.