hotel / restaurant

CMS Flashback!

| mcsmith22

Twenty-four years ago, after many years in the construction business, Don Smith decided to take a leap into the display fixture business. CMS was created on the foundation of superiority and affordability. Starting out in his home office shop, Smith sourced his innovative ideas and quality designs into amazing products. In the early years, CMS became known for its popular 3-tier merchandiser, which provided adjustability and efficiency throughout countless produce departments. Thousands of these merchandisers were sold to supermarkets across the Midwest. As the business grew, Continue reading →

In-Store Bars and Dining

Bar Counter and Cabinets
| mcsmith22

I have come across a rash of articles lately profiling supermarket chains that are adding in-store bars and restaurants. In Hy-Vee’s new Des Moines stores, their Market Grilles offer casual dining, along with craft beer selections and large TV screens. Another example: Whole Foods is currently in the process of adding in-store dining and bars to their new stores in the Chicago market. Around the country, other grocery chains Continue reading →

2015 Culinary Trends: What’s Hot

2015 culinary trends
| mcsmith22

The National Restaurant Association’s annual “What’s Hot” culinary forecast predicts the food and menu trends for the coming year. For 2015, the NRA surveyed nearly 1,300 professional chefs to find out what the hottest menu trends will be. The link below will take you to a page on restaurant.org’s website where you can select from a menu of trend articles.

Although this forecast is geared to the restaurant industry, there is no doubt that there are many crossover trends that also could play equally important roles within the grocery and specialty food retail segments. It will come as no surprise that concepts like local sourcing, sustainability and nutrition are three key themes that are highlighted throughout the 2015 forecast.

Link:  2015 Culinary Forecast

Gravity Taproom & Grille

| mcsmith22
copper top bar
wood panel bar front w/ cherry armrest
wood slat canopy
hostess stand w/ distressed cherry top
feature wall w/ steel & copper plates
copper-paneled bulkhead

We recently finished custom interior work for a new bar/restaurant, Gravity Taproom & Grille, located here in Grand Rapids. Above is a picture profile featuring some of this work (click on a photo to zoom).

To see more photos and to learn the key details related to this project, click here.

Shou-Sugi-Ban

shou sugi ban charred wood
| mcsmith22

I’m not trying to impress with my use of Japanese — “shou-sugi-ban” is a wood treatment technique invented by the Japanese. It involves charring wood to add beauty and longevity to the wood. Traditionally in Japan, cedar siding and fencing was burnt to increase the wood’s resistance to insects and fire. The basic idea involves burning the surface of the wood to a varying degree of char, anywhere from a lightly burned-in look to a deep black char. When done well, Continue reading →