Williston Brewing Company - Studio M Architects

Williston Brewing Company Restaurant Design in Williston, North Dakota

Overview:

Studio M Architects undertook the design of the Williston Brewing Company, a large steakhouse located in Williston, North Dakota. The project involved transforming a 12,000-square-foot space within an existing hotel, replacing a restaurant that had been in operation since the 1960s. The goal was to create a true American restaurant that caters to both casual diners and those seeking a high-end dining experience. With a focus on custom design elements and high-quality materials, the Williston Brewing Company offers a unique and inviting atmosphere that reflects its brand identity.

Project Goals:

Create a Versatile Dining Experience: Design a restaurant that provides functional spaces for both casual and upscale dining, appealing to a wide range of patrons in North Dakota.
Incorporate Custom Design Elements: Utilize custom furniture, fixtures, and finishes to reflect the Williston Brewing Company’s brand and enhance the dining environment.
Divide the Large Space Effectively: Break down the expansive 12,000-square-foot area into multiple zones to prevent it from feeling overwhelming or empty.
Use High-End Materials and Finishes: Select materials that convey quality and sophistication, aligning with the owner’s desire for an upscale ambiance.
Update and Modernize the Space: Transform the outdated 1960s restaurant space into a contemporary establishment that meets current standards and expectations.

Design and Implementation:

Layout and Spatial Planning:
- Multiple Dining Zones: The restaurant was divided into several distinct areas to create varied dining experiences:
  - Casual Dining Area: A welcoming space for everyday meals.
  - Formal Dining Area (Buffalo Room): Known as the Buffalo Room, this area features a fireplace, animal heads, and a wine room with custom lighting, offering an upscale atmosphere.
  - Private Dining Area: An exclusive space for special occasions and events.
  - Casual Bar Zone with Stage: A lively area featuring a bar and stage for entertainment.
- Zone Division: The thoughtful division of spaces ensures the large restaurant feels intimate and engaging rather than vast and impersonal.
Custom Design Elements:
- Furniture and Fixtures: Designed custom booths and furniture that align with the restaurant’s aesthetic.
- Door Handles: Crafted unique door handles using rifles and pistols, adding a distinctive touch that reflects regional character.
- Beer Bottle Canopy: Installed a canopy of 3,900 beer bottles above the bar, creating a striking visual feature.
- Live Edge Bar Top: Created a 110-foot-long live edge bar top, serving as a focal point and enhancing the bar experience.
- Quilted Reclaimed Wood Wall: Constructed a wall using reclaimed wood in red, yellow, white, and natural tones arranged in a quilted pattern, adding warmth and texture.
Materials and Finishes:
- High-End Finishes: Selected materials such as leather tile, stone, luxury vinyl flooring, tin ceiling tiles, and custom wood ceiling tiles to convey elegance and quality.
- Lighting: Implemented custom lighting solutions to highlight key areas like the wine room and enhance the overall ambiance.
Special Features:
- 3,000-Bottle Wine Room: Integrated a substantial wine room capable of holding 3,000 bottles, catering to wine enthusiasts and adding to the restaurant’s upscale offerings.
- Decorative Elements: Included features like animal heads in the Buffalo Room to create a rustic yet refined atmosphere.

Outcome:

Transforming an Outdated Space:
- Modernizing a restaurant space from the 1960s within an existing hotel required careful planning to meet contemporary standards while respecting structural limitations.
Managing a Large Space:
- Designing a 12,000-square-foot restaurant posed the challenge of preventing the space from feeling empty. Dividing it into multiple zones was essential to create a welcoming environment.
Custom Design Integration:
- Incorporating numerous custom elements demanded meticulous coordination to ensure cohesion and functionality throughout the restaurant.

Outcome:

The Williston Brewing Company emerged as a standout dining destination in North Dakota, successfully blending casual and high-end experiences within a thoughtfully designed space. The division into multiple zones offers patrons a variety of settings to suit different occasions, from casual meals to formal gatherings. The use of high-quality materials and custom-designed elements elevates the ambiance, while unique features like the beer bottle canopy and the extensive live edge bar top add character and memorability. By updating the hotel’s restaurant facilities, the project not only revitalized the space but also enhanced the hotel’s appeal to guests and locals alike. The Williston Brewing Company now serves as a vibrant culinary hub that reflects both the brand’s identity and the community’s spirit.