Kuaizi Restaurant

Client:  Kuaizi - meaning chopsticks in Chinese is a new restaurant offering a fusion of different cuisines from China, Japan and Europe. They have been in Sussex Street for a few years but were previously a traditional-style Chinese seafood restaurant.

Project brief:  The brief was to convert the existing premises into a modern bar-restaurant with more atmosphere and to attract a wider demographic of customers. The street front was very unappealing with unused fish tanks instead of windows and their main entry being through a building foyer off to one side. There was a requirement for functions to be held in the space so areas couldn't be too closed off.

Project outcome:  We looked at different customer groups who would be frequenting the restaurant and their distinct needs. The new entry on Sussex Street has been the most dramatic change, with new windows facing the street to capture more natural light. A new raised platform was added to the space to define the dining area and create intimacy. Lower casual stools and banquettes were positioned near the bar for patrons looking to have a quick bar snack and drink on the way out for the night.

Client comments:   The restaurant has been busy serving new customers for work lunches and dinner and were full mid-week in their second week of opening.