Restaurant redesign

By Matthew Kirkpatrick

kirk0099@algonquincollege.com

Restaurant International will soon have a fresh new look on the menu as plans to renovate the 18-year- old culinary training ground have been set in motion.

Late last year second-year interior design students were given the opportunity to propose ideas for the redesign of the eatery.

“The design students did a marvelous job putting forth ideas,” said Mike Rushton, director of Physical Resources.

According to Restaurant International night manager, Crystal Michaud, faculty was able to view the student’s designs and choose their three favourites.

“Some of the designs had the bar moved to a new location in order to accommodate more guests,” said Michaud, “and there was talk of a courtyard patio.”

In the short-term, said Rushton, the college will spend $250,000 in the restaurant on new furniture, frosting the windows to allow for more natural light, a new paint job, renovating the welcome area, installing a projector screen and new art work for the walls.

Long-term renovations may include a barrier-free handicap washroom, refinishing the existing bar, new ceiling tiles and light fixtures.

Plans also include retractable walls that will allow the dining room to be sectioned off for private meetings and either a fireplace or water piece that will serve as a focal point for the redesigned eatery.

The college hopes to have all the short-term work complete by the end of March 2009, but no official timetable has been set for the longer term projects.

One thing is for sure: the restaurant’s operation will not be disrupted.

At the present time the restaurant is starting to get rid of some of the old décor in order to make room for the new pieces.

“It’s looking a little bare in here right now,” said Michaud.