David Grutman’s latest high-profile collaboration, the last remaining Howard Johnson’s restaurant shutters, and Reebok releases sneaker collection for people with disabilities. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Bad Bunny to open Miami restaurant
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Musician and heartthrob Bad Bunny is set to expand his CV by entering the world of F&B. Eater reports that the superstar will partner with David Grutman of Groot Hospitality to launch Gekko, a Japanese steakhouse, in the Brickell section of Miami next month. Occupying a space inside the SLS Lux Brickell tower that was formerly occupied by Katsuya, Gekko will boast an opulent but contemporary design by Rockwell Group distinguished by jewel tones and natural wood accents. The 185-seat concept will also include a six-seat omakase bar. On this endeavor, all HD can say is te deseo lo major.
The last Howard Johnson’s restaurant closes
The last Howard Johnson’s has shuttered in Lake George; photo by Charles Hathaway/Flickr
It’s the end of an era, as road trip staple Howard Johnson’s shutters its final location in Lake George, New York. The 7,500-square-foot outpost had not functioned as a “traditional Howard Johnson’s experience” for several years, The Washington Post reports. Known for its fried clams, 28 ice cream flavors, and signature orange roofs, the brand operated nearly 1,000 restaurants by the time it peaked in the 1970s. The family-friendly chain ultimately saw a dramatic decline in recent decades amid competition from fast food behemoths. Howard Johnson’s even operated motor lodges, but the properties have been absorbed by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
World’s largest demountable venue created for ABBA virtual tour
The temporary arena was designed by STUFISH Entertainment Architects
Everyone’s favorite Swedes, ABBA, are set to hit the road on a reunion tour in which hologram-like digital avatars will transport audiences back to the 1970s. The tour will also be distinguished by a demountable pop-up theater crafted by London-based STUFISH Entertainment Architects. According to Designboom, the mass-timber arena has risen in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and is equipped to accommodate 3,000 visitors and provide a clear span of 200 feet to create a 360-degree experience. Although the ABBA Voyage tour will conclude in May 2023, the arena is crafted to outlive the tour. The venue will reside beside the Dockland Light Railway’s Pudding Mill station in London for the next five years.
Reebok launches adaptive sneaker line
The Fit to Fit collection features an exclusive 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Nanoflex Parafit TR colorway
Reebok has unveiled its latest footwear line, Fit to Fit, a collection of adaptive trainers developed with the differently abled in mind. Adaptive features ensure people with limited mobility can wear and remove shoes more easily by eliminating details like buttons or buckles, Dezeen reports. Side zippers, removable insoles, and low-cut shapes also distinguish the new series. Reebok partnered with Zappos on the project, which was informed by direct feedback from the disabled community as well.
And the winners are…
Photo by PWP Studio
Hospitality Design magazine announced project and product winners during the 18th annual HD Awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 7th at Cipriani South Street in New York. Some 525 people attended the sold-out event, which honors the year’s best and most innovative achievements in design. The breadth of the industry was showcased across more than 1,100 project and product submissions—our most ever to date. Of the winners, the Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton received Best in Show in projects, while the Olio Armchair from DesignByThem was named Best in Show for products. To see the full list of winners, click here.
