The Yard, a new restaurant complex located in a former motorcycle garage, has been recognized as Outstanding Restaurant Concept by the Arizona Restaurant Association with a Foodist Award.
Designed by RSP Architects, The Yard is a unique, 9,000 SF neighborhood dining and entertainment destination combining one-of-a-kind cuisine (Culinary Dropout and Little Cleo’s Seafood Legend) with games, such as shuffleboard and ping pong, in an inviting outdoor environment that allows guests to relax and have good old-fashioned fun.
“Creating a unique and authentic experience at The Yard that resonated with the client’s brand was of the utmost importance. With strong architectural design as a backdrop, the restaurant concepts had an opportunity to flourish, which they have,” said Michael Rumpeltin, design studio director and a senior associate at RSP Architects in Tempe.
RSP’s concept incorporated four key brand dimensions: maverick, unexpected, iconic, and authenticity into the design while paying homage to the history of the site. Once a Kawasaki motorcycle dealership, The Yard incorporates an expansive roof canopy and the original building as the context for design.
Iconic imagery of motorcycles is the basis for The Yard logo and signage and is used for the Culinary Dropout restaurant’s wall graphics. These themes infused the interiors with a rock and roll vibe featuring the motorcycles and guitars, as well as the playfulness and uniqueness of an 8,000 SF area containing lawn games, soft seating, and a landscaped courtyard that includes a recreational turf.
The desire was for The Yard to be a “third place” – somewhere for those who work and live in the North Central Phoenix neighborhood to go no matter the time of day to grab a bite to eat, to hang out with friends or to have a business meeting.
RSP Architects partnered with WDP Partners and Fox Restaurant Concepts in the design of The Yard.
