Vernick Food & Drink

Building on the success of the Vernick brand, the goal of the project was to expand from the adjacent Vernick Food & Drink space, creating a new boutique wine shop by day that can be transformed into an elevated private dining space in the evening.  This dual-function program offers customers a setting in which to browse a carefully curated wine selection – a unique experience in Philadelphia where wine sales have historically been limited to state operated stores – and an opportunity to enjoy award-winning cuisine in a more intimate setting for special events.  Private dining is accommodated on the ground floor for up to 30 guests and at a lower level chef’s table which can accommodate 10.

Building on the honest and refined nature of the cuisine, the design focused on celebrating the timeless details of the historic space in a simple and authentic way.  Original plaster moldings and an ornamental ceiling were preserved and accentuated with carefully considered colors and lighting.  The overall palette incorporates earth tones as a nod to the roots of winemaking, while maintaining a neutral tone as a backdrop to the retail displays which line the walls.

Adaptability was a critical feature of the design.  Custom fabricated tables were engineered to convert from shallow retail tables, perfectly sized to coordinate with wall displays above, to dining tables that can be joined for parties ranging from 6 to 30.  Place settings were thoughtfully considered in the design to ensure comfort for guests and to accommodate various service styles.