Reviving Spaces: Rockwell Group's Dining Oases

Transforming Underutilized Corridors into Dynamic Restaurant Concepts

The inspiration behind Dining Oases stemmed from a desire to repurpose neglected spaces into dynamic restaurant concepts. The project is a testament to Rockwell Group's commitment to innovative design and their ability to reimagine and revitalize spaces. Each restaurant or bar within the project mirrors a different iconic neighborhood or location in the New York and New Jersey area, creating a unique sense of place for each establishment.

The design project features six different restaurant and bar concepts, each occupying a long corridor that once housed moving walkways. These include Oeno Wine Bar by Chef Kevin Pemoulie, Surf by Chef Josh Capon, Wanderlust Burger Bar by Chef Josh Capon, Proof by Chef John Delucie, The Happy Clam by Chef Mario Carbone, and Caps Beer Garden by Dale Talde. Each space is approximately 10ft wide x 150ft long, and each offers a unique dining experience.

Rockwell Group has gone beyond simple structural solutions, commissioning renowned artists to create site-specific pieces that were implemented into the structure. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the spaces but also contributes to the unique identity of each restaurant or bar. The design project also offers a first-rate technology experience, with iPads equipped with OTG’s award-winning customer experience platform, flo, offering visual menus, entertainment options, and flight information.

The main challenge of the project was the space itself. The corridors were long and narrow, and a great deal of thought was given to the look, feel, and guest interaction. Despite these challenges, Rockwell Group has successfully transformed these underutilized spaces into thriving dining oases, each with its own unique identity and sense of place.

Dining Oases is a testament to Rockwell Group's innovative approach to design. The project has been recognized for its excellence, receiving the Golden A' Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism Design Award in 2018. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.