Happy Holidays!

As we approach the end of an interesting year, I thought I would try to post one last blog before the holiday season. I have a very busy year end - as has all of the office. A few highlights, news items and upcoming events - in no particular order!

* I enjoyed the chance to say hello this past week with two of my best friends and mentors. I visited Aspen to visit with Lags - now a resident of this picturesque town. We had drinks at several places - but enjoyed our favorites of AJAX Tavern and Mezzaluna. While in Chicago this week, I got the chance to say hello to Keith Youngquist - someone who has helped shaped my career and personal life with his friendship and guidance.
* On the project side of life...Milan's Italian Kitchen is preparing to open in the next few days in Boynton Beach, Florida. It really looks great and I'm sure it will be sucessful.
* We have officially started on the Muvico/Splitsville combination project in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This $19.5 Million dollar budget will create a terrific end product. Along the same lines, we have begun to look at a Naperville, Rosemont, Newport News, King of Prussia for this same combination.
* In CocoWalk(Miami) and in CityPlace(West Palm Beach) we have started with adding a Lucky 7 Supper Club and Bowl-a-Rama concept to the Muvico destinations. Lucky 7 is the evolution of the Stump's Supper Club concept still thriving in Tampa.
* We have completed all of the revisions to the Marker 91 project in Cape Coral, Florida - that project is going into permit in the next few weeks.
* East Park Village in Lake Nona (Orlando), Florida is still continuing. We are working with John Gray on 6 restaurant concepts and a Boutique Hotel property. We have now completed Schematic Design on all of those pieces and have begun Design Development. Many of the shell components have begun to go "vertical".
* Harmoni Market Longwood has been completed - there was an informal wine party there this past Wednesday - from all accounts, this second location for the concept should be a success.
* On the Splitsville front (outside of the Muvico affiliated projects above), the Arlington, Texas unit is 70% complete with a target of mid-February for opening. We have started the construction documents for San Antonio, Texas as well. Other locations are being aggressively looked into including Orlando, Rochester, North Dallas and Columbus.

In some big news, we are almost 100% confirmed that Myself and Tim Cushman will be co-presenting a session at Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas in May.

And for the quote ....

"Ho, Ho, Ho....Merry Christmas!", Santa Claus


Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA / NCARB / IIDA
President / Founder
Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC

Splitsville Miami Opens!

After a pretty smooth construction period and a terrific opening VIP party last Monday, Splitsville Miami opened it's doors to the public. So far, the reviews have been great - from food to service to design.

Most of our Orlando staff went down to the VIP party which included a few local celebrities. Here a few of the photos from our Architectural Photographer, Daniel Newcomb.

I will post again about other projects in the office as well as a few new news items.

"Would you like your pizza cut into 6 slices or 8 slices - better make it 6 slices - I'm not very hungry" Yogi Berra

Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA / NCARB / IIDA

President / Founder

Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC

Michael Maitland joins Maverick

It has been several weeks since my last blog - boy time flies when you're having fun and working hard! The entire Maverick team has been incredibly busy working on new projects, travelling and seeing our projects coming to life. A few items that have been happening...

* Michael Maitland has joined our Team in Orlando. Michael has a tremendous background in the Architectural field - primarily as a lead Architectural Designer for many prestigious firms. It is a pleasure to have the added talent in our office which will be a bonus for our clients and our projects.
* Kelli, Marianne and Jacqueline visited the HD Boutique show in Miami Beach last week - while on this trip - they hit a few parties, visited some new restaurants and took time to visit the nearly completed Splitsville in South Miami.
* Since I mentioned Splitsville South Miami, the project is currently going through final inspections and should be ready for training and opening within the next few weeks. The VIP party is scheduled for October 20th - I will be sure to blog about the party.
* In other Splitsville news: Arlington, Texas is now officially under construction! This 24,000 square foot free standing unit with a 3,500 square foot exterior patio complete with the first permanent exterior bowling lane in the US - will be sure to change the landscape for suburban American entertainment. Dallas Park Lane Splitsville is nearing the issue of a building permit and construction start within the next few weeks and a new lease has been signed for The Rim in San Antonio, Texas. Maverick continues to provide full service design and Architecture for all of the new units - projects which we love working on because of great clients and a great concept.
* Splitsville and Muvico are entering into an agreement to produce the first "Muviville" in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Maverick has been contracted to produce all of the Design development drawings for the interior and exteriors of this combined effort. We are having a great time developing the next generation of movie theater with "premier" seating along with a two level Splitsville concept focused not only on the over 21 crowd upstairs - but the family bowling facility operated and designed as only Splitsville can!
* Milan's Italian Kitchen in Boynton Beach, Florida has now received a building permit and is under construction!
* Harmoni Market in Longwood, Florida has now been officially submitted for a building permit!
* Working alongside John Gray, Maverick is progressing well with the conceptual design/design development of a boutique hotel and six restaurant concepts in East Park Village in Southeast Orlando - I'll be sure to keep updating on this - it is a fantastic site with again another visionary client.
* We have teamed up again with Mr. Michael Graves to re-develop a Ford Dealership - this time in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for Mr. Joe Cooper - we are well under way with this campus - like design approach.

Over the past several weeks - I have travelled quite a bit including:

* A trip to Boston and New York City with the Splitsville group - we had a chance to again enjoy Tim Cushman's O Ya in Boston, have a nice dinner at Chelsea Pier aboard the Hooter Patrol 4 yacht and talk a little business in between!
* A trip to Chicago with John Gray, John Gabrovic and Manny Garcia doing research for the East Park Village concepts. It was a lot of fun - but most importantly productive as we shape the new concepts. Beyond enjoying the company, I was able to say hello to Rick Roman and Nick Pyknis (owner's of the Signature Room at the 95th and longtime great friends). The only negative was hearing Manny Garcia sing the praises of the Cubs and his life-long friend Lou Piniella - but since my team (the White Sox) is the only major league team in Chicago - I didn't have much patience!
* A trip to Hiawassee, Georgia for the yearly Splitsville Owner's retreat to discuss the future of the company - some work, some great mountain air and a little Karaoke at the local night spot made the trip more than memorable.
* Throw in a trip to Charlotte, Dallas and a weekend getaway to Ft. Lauderdale - and to say the least the past few weeks have been busy.

We will be sure to post photos of Splitsville South Miami as soon as we get them as well as some of the exciting new concepts we are working to move forward within the next several weeks.

At home, Sinclaire turned 10 years old with a party at home with friends and a giant blow up waterslide. Hank played in the Town Tavern Championship Golf outing recently - at six he saved our team in the best ball scramble format. Unfortunately, he broke his arm recently and is now taking an 8 week break. Now both he and Tiger Woods are re-habbing from injury! Karla is busy keeping the Maverick finances in order as well as volunteering at school (which means she should be ready for the White House like Sarah Palin).

"It's like Deja vu all over again", Yogi Berra.

Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA / NCARB / IIDA
President / Founder
Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC

The Addison Steakhouse Opens

Operated by the Addison Restaurant Group, The Addison Steakhouse in Del Ray Beach, Florida has re-opened after a brief 4 day make-over. Yes, I said a 4-day make-over! With the incredible help of RCC Associates, Josh Kimmel (Director of Operations for the Addison Restaurant Group) and the Maverick team - the pre-planned and budget conscious renovation took a tired space and revived this location with new furniture, lighting, wood accents and conceptual touches enhanced by a complete uniform and menu revamp. The Addison Restaurant Group, led by visionary Harold Katz, is also under construction on Milan's Italian Restaurant in Boynton Beach. This project is also being constructed by RCC Associates and was designed by Maverick. Mr. Katz once owned my favorite sports franchise of all time - the 1983 NBA Champion Philadelphia 76ers!

Attached are a few photos of the completed steakhouse - we are most proud that sales have taken off since this overall concept make-over.

* Please stay posted for another staff addition to the Orlando office!

* The concepts at East Park Village are ready to start design and concepting. The concepts that Maverick will be providing design services include a Lounge, a boutique hotel, a coffee shop, a gelato concept, a Mexican concept, a dinner house concept as well as an outdoor market/community pavilion. We are extremely excited about working with Mr. John Gray, President of Pinnacle - the owner of East Park Village. In addition to Mr. Gray, the conceptual development will be enhanced with the talents of Mr. John Gabrovic, owner of Harmoni Markets as well as several over-seas restaurant concepts, and Mr. Manny Garcia - a long time Orlando restaurant owner and developer. The four of us are planning a whirlwind research trip to Chicago next week.

* The Splitsville concepts continue development with increased intensity. Miami is set to open within 2 months, Dallas and Arlington have now started construction and new opportunities in Virginia, Chicago and San Antonio are now being looked at on the boards in the Maverick office.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning - that is the best they will feel all day." Frank Sinatra

Raymond Schaefer, AIA/NCARB/IIDA

President / Founder

Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC

2 New Maverick Projects Open

We have received photos from our preferred Architectural Photographer, Daniel Newcomb, on our 2 latest projects to open. Hillcrest Autotainment Mall in Huntsville, Texas and The Mona Lisa Suite Hotel/Galerie Restaurant in Celebration, Florida have now opened their doors to positive response from guests.


Hillcrest is a project with Mr. F. Michael Graves of Autotainment Ventures. LLC in Dallas, Texas. Michael and I have collaborated on many projects including Elvis Presley's Memphis, Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas and Miami Dodge to name a few. Beyond being one of my best friends - Michael is a creative developer that produces work in which the guest is the most important factor - a trend more auto dealerships need to start understanding. Hillcrest is a small town country dealership meant to put the guest at ease with a comfortable, warm interior setting and an exterior that recalls dealerships of the 1950's.

Mona Lisa Suite Hotel/Galerie restaurant spaces were completed recently as well. Our office has visited the restaurant on a few occasions now to enjoy the terrific food - and the environment isn't too bad either. Our goal was to create a contemporary, distinct space yet be warm, comfortable and intimate. Rich materials, custom lighting, wine highlights, pizza ovens at the lobby bar and a dramatic spiral stair rising to the fine dining restaurant above the lobby all required a great attention to detail.

I'll post another blog soon with the Maverick new project listing - there are some great projects - even one that will bring me back to Chicago very often over the next year.

"Second place means you are just the first to lose.", Vince Lombardi

Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA/NCARB/IIDA

President / Founder

Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC

Kelli Kohler, NCIDQ

Everyone at Maverick would like to congratulate Kelli, our Interior Design Studio Director, for completing all requirements and passing her licensure examination this week. As with everyone in the Interior Design and Architectural fields, licensure is a proud moment in our careers.

In other Maverick News.....

* Our preferred Architectural Photographer, Daniel Newcomb, is shooting the Galerie Restaurant and Bar at the Mona Lisa Hotel Monday night - we will be sure to post the photos as soon as we get them delivered.
* One of my best friends , F. Michael Graves - owner of Autotainment Ventures, llc has just opened Hillcrest Autotainment Mall in Huntsville, Texas. Michael and Maverick worked together to create this retro small town dealership which houses Ford, Lincoln-Mercury and pre-owned sales. Again, as soon as we get the professional photographs delivered, we will be sure to post. Michael is also working with Maverick on Prestige Ford in Garland, Texas as well as a retail mall redevelopment in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
* Runabouts in the Tarpon Pointe Marina development in Cape Coral, Florida is back! A project that Maverick began a couple of years ago, Runabouts was put on hold while this condo/hotel development gained sales and financing momentum. Bob Hensley, President of Grosse Pointe Development, has now kicked this project back into gear as the base building tower is nearly 75% complete. We look forward to a late 2009 opening - with a few enhancements from the design and layout from 2006.

In the coming weeks, I have trips preliminarily planned for Chicago, Northern Virginia, Las Vegas and Miami - as well as a quick family trip to Hilton Head, South Carolina. At home, Sinclaire continues her acting dream with Shakespeare and Sweeney Todd camps, Hank continues his quest to become the next Tiger Woods with private golf lessons and camps and Karla continues her great job as Chief Financial Officer at Maverick and best friend/wife/mother anyone could ask for.

"Never mistake activity for achievement." John Wooden

Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA/NCARB/IIDA
President / Founder
Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC

Jacqueline Viel Joins Maverick

Starting Tuesday July 1, 2008, Maverick welcomes Jaqueline Viel to our team of talented Architects and Interior Designers. With over 5 years of interior design experience, she excels in hospitality projects - an area of Design in which she has focused her recent career. I am sure she will be a great addition to our staff - we look forward to working with her.

In other news from the Maverick office....

* Splitsville in South Miami, Florida is well into construction and is starting to really come together. The targeted opening of the second location of this emerging brand should be September of 2008.
* The Galerie Restaurant and Mona Lisa lobby have officially opened in Celebration, Florida. The final product is something we at Maverick can be very proud of as well as the owners and operators of this fantastic property near Disney.
* We continue with the development of the East Park Mall restaurant and hotel concept work in Lake Nona as well as the next 2 locations of Harmoni Market with John Gabrovic and John Gray. Initial concept sketching and planning is well under-way.

Lastly, I wanted to take this time to offer my sincere congratulations to Tim and Nancy Cushman of Boston, Massachusetts. Tim and Nancy are co-owners of O-Ya in the leather district in Boston. O-Ya is a small Japanese inspired restaurant that is in my opinion - the best meal I have ever eaten. Tim and I first met while he was the corporate chef at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc in Chicago. Over the years - we crossed paths on such concepts as Maggiano's, Splitsville, Tinatapa's and Stump's Supper Club. Recently, O-Ya was named by the New York Times as the Best New Restaurant in the United States outside of Manhattan and Tim was named one if the best new chef's in America by Food and Wine. I am very happy for both Tim and Nancy - they deserve every accolade they receive.

"I was at this restaurant. The sign said "breakfast anytime". So I ordered French Toast in the Renaissance".....Steven Wright


Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA/NCARB/IIDA
President / Founder
Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC

When times are tough - we seem to be busy!

With the economy continuing to slow in most market segments, our business outlook at Maverick continues to be solid and is showing signs of increasing over the previous 12 month time frame. Obviously as fuel costs continue to increase along with food costs, many consumers tend to spend their income in local restaurants in lieu of destination vacations, large consumer products and expensive grocery products. The hospitality industry has traditionally seen modest gains in food and beverage sales during tough economic times. However, this time around it does not seem to be across the board improvement. Specific national locations, businesses with high volume liquor to food ratios and concepts that have a great quality to value perception are the only gainers.

Over the past five to seven years, the restaurant business has seen an explosion of new concepts, new owners and to be honest - an overall lack of quality for the consumer. The rash of franchised concepts to owners and developers that do not know the restaurant business has created an over-saturated market. Fortunately, in my opinion, the slow times we see now remove some of the poorer operated and poorly conceived concepts in the marketplace. We are seeing this play out in the closings, consolidations and slowed development plans for many national and local players.

The owners and developers that are currently purchasing concepts and locations or moving forward with expansion plans - will be the ones ahead of the game when the market opens back up in the next 12 to 18 months. The current lease deals for expansion and land costs are down now as can be expected - thus creating a development value as well as positive long term lease deals.

As always....great food, great service and great atmosphere will continue to drive great concepts. Now more than ever - it is incredibly important.

"If God had wanted man to play soccer, he wouldn't have given us arms!" Mike Ditka

Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA/NCARB/IIDA
President/Founder
Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC

Maverick's New Look

We at Maverick are excited to be going "live" with our new-look website. This new look has branded through to new brochures, new business cards, letterhead and general imaging. We of course would like to thank Evolve - Grace, Mark, Roxanne and the talented staff at the Orlando office created our new vision beyond our expectations. We need to continue to do great projects to live up to the work Evolve created!

As far as what is happening at Maverick...

* I spent a few days out in Las Vegas at ICSC two weeks ago - please read future blog entries about trends, thoughts and an overview from this year's event.
* Kelli and Marianne are heading to Chicago this Weekend for Neocon - we can't wait for them to get back into Florida and show us the new materials out in the marketplace as well as the stories of the parties and concepts they visited.
* Mona Lisa Suite Hotel is now open in Celebration. The restaurant spaces are undergoing inspections and we expect opening in the next few weeks. It is really looking great.
* Splitsville is under construction in South Miami - it is shaping up as well. Splitsville Dallas and Arlington Texas are starting construction in the next month - and since everything is big in Texas - those units will be great.
*Hillcrest Auto Mall has just opened in Huntsville, Texas - the signage and unique hometown Texas look will hopefully be well received by local car buyers.
* Maverick has just been retained in the past few days to help consult and develop several new restaurant concepts in East Park, a Pinnacle development in the Lake Nona area. Leading the charge on the restaurant side will be the second Orlando location for Harmoni Market. We are looking forward to creating a dining destination for the Southeast area of Orlando.

As I will try to make an entry into the VIP Lounge a few times a week, one item that I will always try to keep consistent...a quote of the day...

"No one goes there anymore, it's too crowded!", Yogi Berra.

Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA/NCARB/IIDA
President/Founder
Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC