Hog & Hominy
October 2021
5,785 SF
James Beard Nominated
Challenge: Redesign an established, award-winning restaurant after a fire destroyed the original structure
“The story, the circulation and floor plan, lighting, a sense of discovery, warmth, and the cohesion of design and branding and menu as a whole,” she says. “We approach each project with these tenets, striving to create intentional, distinct spaces regardless of prestige or price point.”
Originally opened in 2012, Hog and Hominy, a James Beard-nominated pizzeria, operated for a decade before a late-night fire damaged the restaurant beyond repair. The original building was a 1950’s ranch home that had been converted for restaurant use. After the fire, the chef-owners were excited about the opportunity to reimagine Hog and Hominy from the ground up and the design team had a rare opportunity to re-build an established and successful restaurant from square one.
The new design was intended to address the chef-owner’s functional issues and update the design to match the creativity and integrity of the menu and cocktail program. Although there was no aesthetic direction from the owners, the design team envisioned a space with warm finishes and simple, modern details to provide a handsome backdrop for the food and beverage. The white, barrel vault shell creates a bright space with soaring ceilings and an open floor plan. The interior walls, floor, and millwork are clad in a warm walnut with earth-tone drapery, tile, and upholstery inspired by the warm clay of the pizza oven. Various types of built-in booths and banquette seating were utilized in the space to create different experiences and flexibility. The large u-shaped bar is flanked by Pullman-style booths like a traditional pizzeria. Tall drapery partitions and open shelving with an attached drink rail separate the bar from the entry lounge and dining room and create a sense of discovery. These shelves are adorned with found vintage Italian pottery and objects referencing the Italian coastal influences of the menu. The walls are devoid of artwork except for the commissioned Phoenix piece by Molly B. Right made from upcycled bottlecaps. The symbolic imagery of the Phoenix references the resurrection of the restaurant after the fire and that it is emerging better than ever.
