Chow Ciao! Restaurant

Austin, Texas

Chow Ciao! is a restaurant finish out project in a Northwest Austin strip center that aimed to create an ambience suitable for fast, fresh food and dining. McKinney York achieves a light sunny space for early morning patrons of coffee and pastries and a more sophisticated, intimate setting for evening diners. Basic elements of the design include a flexible front dining room with a variety of seating including booths, tables, and bars; a partial view into the kitchen's prep area and pizza oven; and a separation of access for entry traffic and diners. Color, natural and artificial lighting and materials of different textures were the main elements used to accomplish the goal without exceeding the project's modest budget. The menu is moderately priced to attract neighborhood families as well as local business people.