The design team transformed the former retail space into a social environment reminiscent of the area’s history, complementing the menu of an assortment of nostalgic American favourites with a contemporary twist.
Drawing inspiration from the locale, the team incorporated the history of Chevy Chase’s trolley corridor into the interior by marrying elements of streetcar design with a fresh take on the traditional European bistro. A significant piece of Maryland history, the Chevy Chase trolley line was the first in the area to connect to Washington, D.C. in the 1890s. Though the tracks were replaced by buses in 1935, the historical context of the trolley line speaks to the core values of Junction Bakery & Bistro: community and connection. Historical art prints of the location are on display throughout the space, enhancing the restaurant’s spirit of the early 20th century. Industrial elements are offset by soft, natural materials and finishes. Wooden floors, shiplap walls and table tops complement a warm and earthy colour palette of green and terracotta.
A division of the space facilitates a flexible, multipurpose business model, where customers have the option to either grab and go or be seated in the dining room for a full-service experience. An open kitchen greets guests to the right of the entry, engaging customers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the space.
Clustered ceramic pendant lighting defines the entryway, featuring fixtures varied in size, shape, and height. The serving counter is found directly ahead of the entry, providing to-go customers with direction while maintaining connectivity to the main restaurant bar. The brand language transitions from fast casual to full service, giving Junction Bakery the ability to provide dynamic experiences that remain consistent in quality.
Communal-style dining defines the dining room, encouraging a relaxed setting where gathering takes centre stage. A wooden table welcomes diners together. Overhead, an industrial-style metal framework for lighting elevates the central space with oversized globe pendants and track lighting referencing trolley car cables.
Custom upholstered banquette style seating lines the window dining tables. Bentwood chairs reference those in a traditional European café, with curves and woven seat backs that soften the space’s rectilinear geometry. A rebar iron back bar with a marble top and textural ceramic tile facade sets the backdrop of the interior, running the length of the space with a view from every angle. A patio adjacent to the dining room gives customers the option to enjoy the outdoors during warmer months.