As we approach the end of 2011, it is time to look back and to look forward. We have been a part of some terrific new concepts that are now open, some concepts that will be opening soon and some exciting new ideas planned for future development. We are lucky as an organization to be happy and healthy, our families being happy and healthy and collectively continuing to strive to be a positive influence on the Hospitality business as a whole.
The restaurant and hospitality business as a whole is largely recovering well. There are still some weak segments and demographics, but generally the good operators and good concepts are re-invigorated to move into the coming years. With all down times in the markets, the weak concepts / locations tend to fall by the way-side. Other concepts deeply discounted to the point that they now feel irrelevant to the consumer in the emerging trends and concept availability. We see an influx of money into the hospitality segment, money put behind quality operators and concepts. We no longer will be in the quick, easy franchise market or concepts that make money because of location. The consumer has changed how they spend their money in our segment - they value the overall experience even more than ever. This can be seen in the sales trends within the larger segment groups - high end concepts are strong, high quality fast-casual is strong while the cheap and easy groups are falling along with the chain dinner house groups.
In life there are so many things that affect our day-to-day stress levels - economy, jobs, world issues and on and on....our job as Architects and Designers along with our clients is to provide an outlet for our guests. Whether it be for 30 minutes or 2 hours, we are a place where people can spend a bit of their hard earned money and provide a positive experience as well as sustenance to themselves or their family. We want them walking away with a smile - from the food, the service, the lighting, the chair, the music, the uniforms, the bathroom, the access and every small detail in between - we added to them getting away from life or celebrating a grand event that day.
Where do we go from here? That question has some simple answers....do great work in great locations - now is the time to be exceptional. We are working on projects at Disney, working on great new fast-casual concepts, working on revitalizing existing brands to be ready for the next 20 years, working on allowing guests to purchase how and where they want in retail formats and most importantly creating concepts based upon the guest - not on how the designer can get published. Our goal is for the client to make money and be successful - we know that if a client is making money - the guests are coming and coming back!
And for the quote from the best show ever on TV - Cheers....
Sam: What are you up to, Norm?
Norm: My ideal weight....if I were 11 feet tall.
Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA / NCARB / IIDA
President / Founder
Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August is off and running!
As I get back into the office from a family vacation, it is a good time to bring everyone up to speed on the happenings here at Maverick. We have had the opportunity to re-connect with Jennifer Ambrose from Chicago's O'Sketch Studios -she has helped us update our website! Hopefully you can take the time to see some of our newest projects as well as see some new renderings and photos in the main page flash. The office is very busy and we are very lucky to be producing great work because we have great clients. Here is project summary:
* Splitsville is going to Disney! Splitsville has signed a lease and we have begun work on this multi-level bowling and food extravaganza in Downtown Disney here in Orlando. We are planning on a late 2012 opening! Maverick will provide Design and Architectural services for this exciting new location.
* We are working with Mr. Ayman Boules to create the next generation of Salad Buffet concepts - the first one is slated to be opening in Orlando as well.
* We are nearing the completion of Construction documents for the first "Dancing Pig Pub" in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. You can see a bit more of this project in the Gallery of projects on the website.
* On the Autotainment front, we are thrilled to continue our work with Michael Graves on Kuni Lexus Denver, GM Sacramento as well as some exciting new Oklahoma dealerships for BMW.
* We are currently working on two separate fast casual concepts - one Cuban and the other Italian. the Italian concept will announce it's first two locations within a few weeks. We think this will be the next hot concept in the US - followed closely with the announcement of the Cuban concept location as well. The Cuban concept will blend the historic "Diner" with a new Cuban fast casual operation - unique and exciting.
* We are beginning a phased, all-encompassing renovation / global concept refinement for The Addison" in Boca Raton, Florida. This location once housed the office and residence of Addison Mizner.
* Our friends at The Celebration Town Tavern are nearing a deal to open the next Town Tavern here in the Orlando area - please stay tuned for the formal announcement. We will provide full service design and architecture for this new locals spot!
On a personal note, Sinclaire begins shooting this weekend of a new movie she was cast in - we are very excited and proud of her! Hank just finished competing in the USKG World Championships at Pinehurst #8 in North Carolina - he did great job for this week-long event. Karla continues to be the best! (wife, mom, accountant and friend to all of us!)
In general, the business of restaurants and bars seems to be increasing. While we are cautiously optimistic about the economy, we know that our work needs to be even better than before to provide great service to our customers and their guests.
lastly, for the quote.....
"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes." - Frieda Norris.
Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA / NCARB / IIDA
President / Founder
Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Spring is Here! At least in Florida.
It is a wonderful Saturday morning here in Florida. The sun is about ready to come out and it will be a perfect 80 degrees with a nice warm breeze. I seem to be having trouble keeping up with the blog recently - probably because we have been busy! It is a truly remarkable we have been able to stay somewhat even during the tough economic times - we have been truly lucky to have such great clients with great vision.
So what have we been up to? First, one of my good friends and mentors, Manny Garcia (Founder of Pebbles, Manuel's on the 28th, Harvey's, longtime Burger King franchisee & board member, on and on) asked us to help him create a new dining concept for Orlando and beyond. The result is City Fire. Reviews have been great. Here are some quick photos.
* The Rock - Denver, Colorado (a cool pizza and bar concept from Seattle)
* John's Incredible Pizza - Woodland Hills, California (a very successful high energy and quality driven kids games/restaurant concept)
* Lexus of Greenwood Village - Denver, Colorado (a new prototype car dealership for the future).
* Disney - we are currently working on four projects within the gates of Disney properties here in Orlando. Unfortunately, I cannot disclose the projects - hopefully in the next 30 days we will be able to make them public!
* The Flying Pan - San Juan, Puerto Rico (a continuation of creating the crepe cafe concept for the Americas)
* Hooters - my good friends from Clearwater are having us do some preliminary work on a new Beach concept in conjunction with the World's most recognizable surf shop retailers as well as a new flagship Hooter's across from Madison Square Garden in New York City.
I promise to stay on top of the Blog! Be back within a week or so!
Lastly, for the quote of the day...from the great Steven Tyler on American Idol..."I could agree with you - but then we would both be wrong."
Raymond R. Schaefer, AIA / NCARB / IIDA
President / Founder
Maverick Architecture & Design, LLC
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