Idea Fair
Restaurant Glow-Up
How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?
The Restaurant Glow Up refreshed an outdated dining space with a no-demo renovation. Using designs from an interior decorator, much of the work was done in-house by staff, outsourcing only specialized tasks. The goal was to transform the space from a dull, gray space into a bright and inviting dining room, with minimal disruption to operations. The updated design created a welcoming, family-friendly dining experience. Members now enjoy the bright, modern atmosphere and improved acoustics, which foster a more pleasant environment for casual dining.
How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?
Using our skilled staff, key updates to the dining space included wainscoting, new paint, updated lighting, the creation of a private dining area using glass, and a full rebrand including updated logos and menus. We kept the dining tables and chairs, recovered the bar stools, added glass insets to the bar, bought new rugs & artwork, and installed glass interior walls in between structural columns to create a space within an alcove but the overall footprint stayed the same. All of this was done while the restaurant remained open, working during closed hours or early morning before opening. Members love the bright, inviting space, which feels more modern and aligned with the club’s family-friendly vibe. Rebranding from “Cellar 91” to “Ninety-One” shifted perceptions from a dark cellar to a contemporary eatery, with feedback highlighting greater satisfaction and enjoyment.

About the author
David Porter