A thorough design narrative doesn’t always hatch fully fledged. So when Nick Ouimet opened the second location of his fine-casual dining concept Super Chix, he sourced lessons from his flagship location in Arlington, Texas. An aesthetically refined version of its 2014-launched predecessor, the north Dallas eatery was renovated from two architecturally joined former retail outlets, with interiors by locally based Studio 11 Design “to match the brand’s other super-premium aspects,” explains Ouimet. “We use the phrase ‘classed-up chicken joint’ to describe our restaurants, and Studio 11 was tasked with bringing that sentiment to life.”
Conceived as a kid-friendly yet upscale environment, the restaurant marries a fast-casual vibe with modern details including a high-contrast palette of gray, black, and yellow—the brand’s signature color, chosen for its “freshness, enthusiasm, optimism, and original thought, all of which sum up Super Chix,” explains Studio 11 senior interior design manager Alison Schulze. The hue creates continuity and focal points, such as in the open-style kitchen, whose bright perimeter pops against exposed black ceilings and polished concrete floors, which feature a hand-stenciled hexagonal motif.
Backed by a white brick wall with hand-drawn graphics illustrating the brand’s story, angular wood banquettes complement an assortment of freestanding tables. A slatted front counter offers wood and steel bar-height stools with poured concrete bases. “The furniture became a way to support the restaurant’s locally sourced narrative,” Schulze explains. “It was all locally created and adorned with a custom iron brand to notate that it was designed and built in Dallas.” Edison-style bulbs and glass pendant lights hang from dropped ceiling planes, creating an enhanced sense of intimacy.
A rear feature wall with modular white cladding “resembles a cracked egg shell to tie in with the restaurant’s concept,” says Schulze, and leads to restrooms with colorful ombré-inspired tiles, as well as a back patio with chalk art stations, a children’s fort modeled to resemble a chicken coop, and a seating area for adults. Based on the original location, a sculptural floating metal rail encloses the exterior space, a feature that will become a signature element in future properties, according to Schulze.
“The fine-casual segment distinguishes itself from other restaurants with great design, which is critical to this differentiation,” says Ouimet, who will collaborate with Studio 11 this year on forthcoming Super Chix locations. “The look and feel will continue to be unique yet commercial to establish our position as an anti-chain brand.”
