CHICAGO (August 2, 2016) – 4 Star Restaurant Group has announced more details on the design direction for its newest restaurant, TUCO AND BLONDIE, scheduled to open to the public by mid-September (3358 N Southport Ave, www.tucoandblondie.com). With branding by Chicago-based Grip and culinary operations led by Corporate Executive Chef Todd Stein, the full service cantina concept aims to bring Lakeview an unforgettable, American spin on Mexican cuisine. TUCO AND BLONDIE’S design inspiration and creative direction, headed by SPACE Architects + Planners, came from La Loteria: a popular game played in the Mexican barrios (colorful and mysterious Mexican lotto cards from a different era, reminiscent of tarot cards). “We consider all projects to be rooted in the environment and surroundings they occupy,” said Jean Dufresne, a spokesperson for SPACE. “TUCO AND BLONDIE is at the heart of the Southport corridor commercial district, a very lively and family friendly neighborhood. We designed the new physical space to reflect that image and we want the neighbors to feel like it’s a welcoming and friendly place for them to enjoy.”
The restaurant will exude a charming and energetic atmosphere through the use of familiar and texture rich materials like weathered brick, distressed wood, concrete and bold graphic tiles. Evocative of Mexican neighborhoods, SPACE applied nostalgic elements throughout, such as school house inspired seating, industrial lighting and iconic color selections.
The goal is to create a “neighborhood gathering place” – an authentic setting that allows customers to feel at home. Nothing looks or feels delicate. Everything is well grounded, sturdy and will stand the test of time and of a busy, bustling restaurant. With 3,000 spacious square feet inside and over 3,000 square feet of private patio outside, the 250-seat, multi-faceted restaurant is where families or groups of friends can linger and laugh over drinks and a tantalizing meal cooked in Chef Stein’s scratch kitchen
“We fell in love with this neighborhood years ago, and have since been welcomed by all the people that frequent Crosby’s Kitchen,” exclaimed Josh Rutherford of 4 Star Restaurant Group. “It\’s very exciting to add another completely original concept that we feel fits the fabric of this community. I can\’t wait to see TUCO AND BLONDIE in action!”
ABOUT 4 STAR RESTAURANT GROUP:
4 Star Restaurant Group focuses on creating experiences. Fresh, made-from-scratch dishes concepted by Chef Todd Stein serve neighborhood families and friends in comfortable environments. Founded by Doug Dunlay, Michael Dunlay, Derek Rettell and Josh Rutherford in 2003, 4 Star Restaurant Group has ten entities with more on the horizon. www.4srg.com.
ABOUT SPACE ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS:
SPACE A + P is a collective of design professionals with a common vision and a passion for architecture, planning and design. Our growing team is firmly dedicated to its clients, for projects both large and small. We enjoy successful working relationships with all of our clients, and are determined to establish SPACE A + P as one of the premier architectural firms in Chicago. We believe that good architecture evolves through humble, team-based efforts. Hence, our office thrives in an open and communicative atmosphere, which favors cohesiveness between team members and as a result directly benefits our projects. http://www.spacearchplan.com/.
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