Garden Level Space is Transformed into Glam and Cheerful Poutinerie

: May 12, 2022; Design; The Editors

After more than ten years in business, Rochester, N.Y. -based food truck Petit Poutinerie has opened its first brick-and-mortar location. The Canadian comfort food restaurant now resides at the garden level of a historic building in Rochester.

Jason Longo of Jason Longo Interior Design led renovations that transformed the existing space from rustic and dated to a cozy and colorful Parisian-style cafe. While the outcome was rosy (peep the banquette!) the renovation was not without its design challenges.

Initial design plans had to be scrapped after finding the existing dining space could not be expanded into the back of the house due to mechanical considerations. Longo also wanted to counteract heavy painted timber, exposed ductwork and an electrical panel that was prominently featured on an interior brick wall.

After working in conjunction with a branding/graphic designer, Longo and his team created an entirely new look and feel for the brand. What emerged was a glam, playful and hyper-feminine space that pays homage to female-owned and operated Petit Poutinerie, Ronnie McClive and Lizzie Clapp.

To soften the space and absorb sound, a channel-back booth covered in rosy pink velvet is the primary seating, and a muralist was brought in to create a focal wall that cleverly hides the electrical panel.