Cocozza

December 2022
1600 SF

Challenge: Design a 1,600 SF Italian-American restaurant in a forgotten space previously used as a local coffee shop. With the supply chain issues still prevalent since the pandemic, all selections had to be intentionally chosen with regard to budget, manufacturing, stocking locations, and lead times. The space’s small footprint required clever space planning to accomplish a maximal and comfortable seat count.

“Cocozza is a family name with a family-oriented, neighborhood feel. The space imbues a warm, collected appearance like it has been there for 50 years.”

The design concept is anchored in the restaurant owner’s Italian-American heritage growing up in New Jersey. We wanted the restaurant to evoke a sense of nostalgia while also weaving in some fresh, modern details. The term “ugly-cute” was coined during the conceptual phase of design and became a motto throughout the whole project. The design elements focused around the use of VCT tile flooring laid in an inventive and fun pattern; retro wood wall paneling layered with modern, forest-green wall sconces; table tops clad in one of the original Formica laminate patterns, surrounded by simple and comfortable black vinyl, vertical channel tufted banquettes.

The space being located in the walkable, tight-knit community of Harbor Town further emphasized the restaurant’s approachable, neighborhood feel. It was our intention that the space would become a local favorite for families and friends to come and enjoy a Negroni at the bar, or pick up their calamari and lasagna to-go.