Check out all of our Take Five Q&As here!
On Monday, March 23 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm, David Tracz, co-founder and principal of architecture firm //3877, will be presenting the session, "Redesign Your Space Without Rebuilding." This session will explore actionable layout redesigns that improve guest experience, staff efficiency, and revenue—exploring strategies for both existing layouts that don't require construction as well as ground-up concepts for more extensive repositionings.
We caught up with David to find out what he's reading, what's hot and what's not in the industry, and more!
What's an industry trend you wish would go away?
I see so many restaurants starting to look the same with a lot of similar classic elements, from brass lighting fixtures, frilly elements, and maximal patterns. I don't mind these elements on their own, but I think it is important that restaurant concepts align with their food and the experience. There are just so many rinse and repeat elements that come up. It is similar to a time a couple of years ago where the farmhouse aesthetic was everywhere.
What's an industry trend you're excited about?
We're seeing more creativity and approachable food. It is less about gastronomy [and being] super creative and more about honest blends of spices and making really flavorful food. I feel like that has been a trend I would really like to see continue. The food is just more approachable.
What do you wish you knew five years ago?
How Covid was going to impact this industry. I mean, if I wanted a crystal ball, that would have been the key to know. I also wish I saw that the world might pull back from alcohol.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished Unreasonable Hospitality (I know I'm a little behind on this one) and am about to start No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention. I also have a hobby in race cars, so I'm also reading a book call Send It: The Art & Science of Racing Cars.
What’s your favorite place to eat & drink?
We have a great restaurant near our house that is five concepts in one. It's a cafe in the morning, a full-service restaurant, cozy tavern, and beautiful garden dining afternoon and evening. It's just a great go-to restaurant about eight mins from our house.
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