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Blueprint 2024: Saltwater Coastal Grill


“Lyons Group challenged us with renovating a dark Irish Pub into a bright, airy, coastal restaurant on a tight budget. We looked to utilize the budget where it would provide the best impact by lightening the overall palette, creating a sushi bar and adding operable doors to merge the interior with the exterior patio.”

Saltwater Coastal Grill, a new concept from Lyons Group, brings the fresh air and flavors of the sea to the Chicagoland area. Aria Group collaborated with the restaurant and entertainment group to transport guests to the ocean with a timeless coastal atmosphere. The original space was a moody Irish pub, and maximizing light played a key role in transforming it to look fresh and beachy. Our team opened up existing hidden windows to allow more natural light to stream in. Simplified décor, verdant greenery, and LOTS of white paint went into making the previously gothic-styled pub a bright, airy coastal atmosphere. Rich blue color accents bring the Mediterranean to the Midwest.

“The indoor dining space opens to a sun-dappled patio, allowing the fresh breeze and buzzy energy to flow freely inside and out. Three distinct kitchens come together in a cohesive dining space, taking patrons on a tour from coast to coast with oysters from the raw bar, hand-rolled sushi, and fresh seafood straight from the grill. The simple and dynamic space is perfect for sipping beachy cocktails and diving into the expansive array of fresh, sustainable seafood.” – Joe Junius, Project Designer & Senior Associate

“Lyons Group challenged us with renovating a dark Irish Pub into a bright, airy, coastal restaurant on a tight budget. We looked to utilize the budget where it would provide the best impact by lightening the overall palette, creating a sushi bar and adding operable doors to merge the interior with the exterior patio.” – Matt Clarke, Project Manager & Senior Associate

Project details: Scope Architecture & Design Seats 273 Square footage 6,084 Contractor Kern Konstruction Engineers Advance Consulting Group Intl., TGRWA Kitchen Consultant ADE Restaurant Services Sign Painting Paul Punke Greenery The Silk Thumb Photographer Chris Dilorenzo, courtesy of Saltwater Coastal Grill

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