syncopated architecture

2127 Polk

We were thrilled to begin working on our first restaurant project. Located at 2127 Polk Street, this site has it all. It’s on a busy street in the desirable neighborhood of Russian Hill. Also, it’s got wonderful high ceilings and beautiful natural light from the large storefront and several skylights. We had the opportunity to transform a burned-out Indian restaurant into a hot new eatery.

For our clients, Square Meals and Batter Bakery, this is the first restaurant space for both of them. They had previously been operating out of a shared kitchen space and decided to get their own storefront by teaming up.

The previous Indian restaurant had no prep space at the ground floor. Instead, they were preparing the food in an upper level mezzanine space that did not have the required sinks, drains, and general health code requirements. We eliminated a portion of the ground floor seating area so that Chef Alison and Jen could prepare their food in full view of the patrons.

To provide needed refrigeration, we converted one of the bathrooms into a walk-in cooler, and installed additional refrigeration and food storage in the mezzanine by maximizing wasted space around the hood venting equipment. We freshened up the space by painting, installing much needed retail shelving, chalkboard menus, and reclaimed wood countertops. You’ll see in the images that it’s a night and day difference. Also, despite the reduced dining room space, we managed to provide 14 patron seats, plus two café tables on the sidewalk outside.

Credits

• Contractor:

  • Joe DaSilva
    510.812.3922

• Photographer:

  • Eric Holm
    Eyetone

• 
• Here you can see the former Indian restaurant below. The heavy yellow wall color, carpet, and tables made the space feel very dark despite the large storefront window and skylight above.
  
  We stripped off the carpet and refurbished the concrete for a more industrial feel. Also, fresh white paint, light fixtures, and flowers cheered the space up considerably.
• The previous Indian restaurant had no prep space at the ground floor. Instead, they were preparing the food in an upper level mezzanine space that did not have the required sinks, drains, and general health code requirements. We eliminated a portion of the ground floor seating area so that Chef Alison and Jen could prepare their food in full view of the patrons.
  
  We freshened up the space by painting, installing much needed retail shelving, chalkboard menus, and reclaimed wood countertops. You’ll see in the images that it’s a night and day difference. Also, despite the reduced dining room space, we managed to provide 14 patron seats, plus two café tables on the sidewalk outside.
• We don’t even want to mention the health code violations the previous Indian restaurant had. Chef Alison was committed to having the cleanest kitchen in the City when she and Jen took this space over. Rather than hide the kitchen in the back, we put all the food prep in the middle of the space, fully open to view by the public. Low walls wrap all around the prep area so patrons can see all of their food being prepared. We even carried that low wall down the hallway; removing a portion of the wall inside the cooking area to expose their cooking and prep from every angle.
• Because the kitchen and prep areas took over a portion of the dining area, we really had to maximize the seating area in the space remaining. Compact wood tables and reclaimed counter areas gave us a flexible arrangement and seats for over 14 people. Also, we expanded out into the sidewalk with additional café tables and seats right out front.
  
  Another fun feature – check out the hallway leading to the bathroom for these custom light fixtures made out of industrial whisks. This was Jen’s idea and added a pop of “fun” in an unexpected space.
• No restaurant is complete without chalkboard menus and inspirational quotes. Because of the high ceilings and skylights, these tall chalkboards were a terrific addition to the space, helping to break up the large expanse of wall and give an extra element of scale.
  
  The existing restaurant had a low wall right by the entry. To creatively maximize seating, this became the perfect bar seat. Even though it is placed right by the front door, it doesn’t feel crowded and you know we installed hooks underneath the counters.
• We designed the sale counter and prep kitchen around the fabulous display case shown on the left. The majority of the food prepared here is for take away or delivery. Chef Alison and her team make healthy, prepared foods with the best local, fresh ingredients. Peering into the case only makes your mouth water.
  
  Plus, while you’re picking up dinner, don’t forget about breakfast or a sweet treat. Jen’s granola, cookies, scones, etc. greet you right when you walk in the door on the floating reclaimed wood shelves that lead you right up to the display case.
• Hidden away behind the kitchen is a stair up to a mezzanine level. The mezzanine hosts a small office with this birds eye view of the entire restaurant and prep area so Alison and Jen can keep an eye on everything that goes on. Check out that incredible skylight above that washes natural light down right above the work surfaces.
• We were so lucky to work with Alison and Jen. Not only are they a pleasure to work with, their food is absolutely incredible. Alison makes home-made, healthy, and fresh prepared meals for take-out or delivery. Jen makes the most incredible cookies and baked goods you may ever eat. If you work with us you may even be lucky enough to receive one of their gift cards…