Spacious DONDONYA x TORIKAI eatery showcasing a traditional Japanese bar with Shoji elements and red Noren curtains, seamlessly integrated by Rebel Arkitekt.

DONDONYA x TORIKAI

Project Description

Maxim’s Catering Group, the largest F&B group in Hong Kong appointed Rebel Arkitekt to re-model the existing store by designing their first collaboration concept Japanese restaurant, “DONDONYA x TORIKAI” specialising in authentic award-winning Nagoya donburi.

Interior Design + Branding Requirement

  • Strongly feature the TORIKAI collaboration to ensure customers are aware of what TORIKAI is about e.g. award-winning pedigree, first true Oyakodon expert in Hong Kong and its Nagoya root
  • Better illustrate the brand pillars of DONDONYA, particularly the Japanese authenticity and established relationship with award-winning Japanese donburi brands
  • Find the right design balance for the TORIKAI and DONDONYA collaboration concept, both to satisfy the landlord’s request for “newness” while setting a platform for the DONDONYA brand to continue to grow with the “umbrella” concept in the future
  • Enhanced scope of work that both serve the landlord’s potential high demands as well as to be used as a demo store for the “new generation” DONDONYA stores

Operations Enhancement

  • Better use of key façade space for advertising/branding opportunities
  • Optimise seating arrangement and circulation
  • Improve cashier setup to cater to the rising needs for takeaway/off-premise sales needs

Original Layout

New Layout

Seating layout and circulation enhancement

One of the criteria was to enhance the dining experience and circulation with minimal disruption. Hence, we kept the existing zones as they are and created different seating arrangements i.e. long booth seating for large groups, semiprivate island booth seating for smaller groups and causal 2- seaters.

A sliding folding screen was introduced to divide the dining area into two separate spaces, giving flexibility to the layout usage. The rear dining area can be closed off to reduce energy consumption when the occupancy level is less than 50%. It can also be used for private functions and serves as the resting area for staff during breaks.

The overall seating arrangement and circulation are now much more defined and efficient compared to the former layout.

Materiality

The intention was to create a material palette that reflects the Japanese authenticity in a contemporary way. Moreover, we want to invoke contrast among the finishes for example the interplay of natural wood against the shiny black metal, the textured grey slate tiles vs. smooth playful terrazzo and purple fabric vs. brown leather for the chairs.

Authentic Japanese signage featuring calligraphy, a distinguished design element by Rebel Arkitekt for the DONDONYA x TORIKAI restaurant entrance.
Crisp image capturing the essence of DONDONYA x TORIKAI with traditional red Noren curtains, an inviting touch by Rebel Arkitekt for an immersive dining atmosphere.
Stunning wall mural at DONDONYA x TORIKAI featuring Japanese calligraphy and vibrant artwork, a cultural narrative woven into the design by Rebel Arkitekt.
Elegant ceiling detail at DONDONYA x TORIKAI, showcasing black metal pendant lighting against a geometric wooden panel, a stylish design feature by Rebel Arkitekt.
Cozy island booth seating at DONDONYA x TORIKAI under warm circular lighting, featuring distinctive branding banners, a thoughtful composition by Rebel Arkitekt.
Detailed view of a brown leather chair against a playful terrazzo floor, juxtaposing textures in DONDONYA x TORIKAI's decor by Rebel Arkitekt.

Key Design Features

To fulfil the Client’s brief and address their concerns, we came up with unique design solutions;

  • Introduced a Torli, Japanese entrance portal as the restaurant landmark in the mall. Digital advertisement monitors are integrated in the portal for promotion
  • Chōchin style lanterns act as shopfront brand signage to reinforce Japanese authenticity
  • Bar area adopts the traditional Japanese shop front elements such as Shoji, moveable screens and overhanging curtains. It has dual functionality for beverage and take-away preparation
  • Island booth seating offers private intimate dining experience 
A modern restaurant front with wooden design elements, red accents, and advertising banners for Asian cuisine. The central counter and signage indicate a fast-service dining environment.
Pre-renovation entrance of DONDONYA x TORIKAI, displaying a traditional Japanese aesthetic that Rebel Arkitekt transformed into a contemporary dining space. Inviting entrance of DONDONYA x TORIKAI featuring a traditional Torli gate and Chōchin lanterns, highlighting the collaboration with a design signature of Rebel Arkitekt.
Casual dining atmosphere in DONDONYA x TORIKAI with patrons enjoying their meal, prior to the Rebel Arkitekt's innovative redesign. Post-renovation dining space at DONDONYA x TORIKAI, featuring serene wood tones and traditional red accents, a harmonious blend by Rebel Arkitekt.
Bright and spacious pre-renovation dining area at DONDONYA x TORIKAI, filled with natural light and simple, functional décor. After renovation, the DONDONYA x TORIKAI restaurant boasts a sleek and modern design with wooden geometric wall accents and circular ceiling lights, by Rebel Arkitekt.

Focal Points

  • Mural wall, illustrates the narrative of DONDONYA's most popular donburi and TORIKAI's Nagoya rooted backdrop
  • Trophy wall, features the award-winning Japanese donburi brands under the DONDONYA umbrella
A bustling DONDONYA x TORIKAI dining scene with natural light, showing the restaurant's layout prior to Rebel Arkitekt's renovation project. The renovated dining area of DONDONYA x TORIKAI displays a captivating mural wall, delivering a cultural feast for the eyes alongside the culinary experience designed by Rebel Arkitekt.
DONDONYA x TORIKAI's original dining space captures a functional design with patrons enjoying a peaceful meal under soft lantern lighting before Rebel Arkitekt's renovation. DONDONYA x TORIKAI's renovated dining space, boasting a gallery of award-winning donburi brands' trophies on an elegantly designed wall by Rebel Arkitekt.
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