This week, I’m taking you behind the veil of a real-time project: a 3,000-sq-ft, family-run Brazilian steakhouse in San Diego’s Gaslamp. After smoke and water damage from last year’s fire, the owners asked us to refresh on a very tight budget—without losing legacy. We’re building a nature-forward concept inspired by butterfly wings, jungle softness, and river ripples to attract a younger, social-sharing guest while honoring the founder’s story. You’ll hear how we’re sequencing high-impact moves (starting with “crystal cave” restrooms), reusing what we can (table bases, lighting locations), and designing zones with intentional lighting, textures, and screens to create mystery and flow. If you want to see the visuals, hop on the Behind the Veil newsletter.

What you’ll learn

• How to build a concept from a single heritage artifact (and make it feel intentional, not theme-y).
• Budget-savvy upgrades: large-format tile, prefab counters, selective lacquer, and zone-specific sconces.
• How to handle immovable elements at the entrance (hello, salad/hot bar) with screening and lighting.
• Restroom strategies that elevate guest experience and inclusivity (family-friendly layouts).
• Practical ways to use lighting and soft dividers to create flow, intimacy, and discoverability.

Links

• Join the newsletter: Behind the Veil Secrets, musings, and design magic await in your inbox.
• Work with Rachel: Design inquiries + consultations rachel@tigerveil.com
• Instagram: @tigerveil

Hospitality isn’t just about food and service — it’s about the feeling you create, the stories you tell, and the communities you bring together. In this episode of Hospitality Design Talks, I’m joined by the brilliant and soulful Alex Ott, founder of Chrome City and the force behind The Blank Table.

Alex shares her unexpected journey from bottle service in Chicago to building a boutique creative agency that serves some of the most impactful hospitality brands. Her work goes beyond branding — it’s about creating immersive experiences that leave guests feeling seen, connected, and inspired.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why storytelling is the secret sauce of standout hospitality brands
• How to craft meaningful guest experiences from concept to execution
• Designing with intention (and why aesthetics alone won’t cut it anymore)
• What every restaurant owner should consider before opening their doors
• Alex’s thoughts on event curation, partnership strategy, and soul-aligned branding
• Plus: The surprising role spirituality and wellness play in her creative process

This episode is a must-listen for:

• Hospitality pros creating new concepts
• Designers and creatives shaping physical experiences
• Anyone building a brand that wants to lead with story, not just style

Connect with Alex:

Website: https://www.alexandriaott.com

Email: aott@chromecitycreative.com

instagram.com/alexvott

Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NizPhB5FLP22OdTX0qEKf?si=c448a091b5d84aab

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@Wildxwisepod

Connect with Rachel:

Rachel@tigerveil.com

tigerveil.com

instagram.com/tigerveil

Food service design is more than just kitchens—it’s about user experience, efficiency, and innovation.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Mikita, principal and partner at Ricca Design Studios, to explore the intersection of hospitality, kitchen design, and holistic consulting. Ryan shares his unexpected journey from aspiring actor to leading food service design consultant, offering insights into how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and industry trends are shaping the future of hospitality spaces.

We dive into the evolving role of open kitchens, how automation and innovative equipment are revolutionizing restaurant efficiency, and why commercial laundry and waste management play a crucial role in a well-rounded design approach. Ryan also opens up about the importance of personal connections, work-life balance, and staying grounded in a fast-paced industry.

Your space should work for you, not against you. Whether you’re designing a restaurant, healthcare facility, or commercial space, the right approach to food service design can enhance both operations and guest experience.

Website: https://www.ricca.com/

Ryan Mikita | LinkedIn

Email: rmikita@ricca.com

About Ryan Mikita:

Ryan got his start in foodservice like many do, he started out as a server in a bustling New York City restaurant in Times Square. Since that time, Ryan has gone from working in operations to planning and designing for complex construction projects for clients in New York City and all over the world.

A creative problem solver at his roots, Ryan attended the University of Hartford’s Hartt School where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Following nearly a decade of working in and around New York City’s finest establishments, Ryan stepped into a design role at Patina Restaurant Group. In this role, Ryan managed the design & construction process for nearly every single PRG construction project—design-build, phased construction, renovations, and routine maintenance.

Ryan was often responsible for defining the initial scope of projects, fielding/evaluating vendor proposals, and ultimately managing each project from the beginning all the way through to construction, permitting, and close-out. He was also typically the central point-of-contact for the project team—designers, engineers, contractors/vendors, landlords, the health department and government agencies, all in addition to internal stakeholders and executives.

Ryan joined Ricca Design Studios in 2018 and leads Ricca’s New York City studio from Pittsburgh. He brings operational expertise, creative solutions and detail-oriented project management to all projects—those in New York City, the rest of the US, or across International waters.

I want to hear from you! My ‘Ask a Designer’ Hotline is open. Have a question about food service design, kitchen efficiency, or creating intentional hospitality spaces? Leave me a voice message, and I might feature your question in an upcoming episode.

🎙 Speakpipe Link Here: https://speakpipe.com/HHD

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