NEREJ

Project of the Month: Haynes Group, Inc. and Phase Zero Design complete transformation of Burlington’s newest steakhouse

October 20, 2023 - Construction Design & Engineering

Burlington, MA Middlesex Tpke. is known for its high-end retail offerings and delicious assortment of restaurants, and as hungry patrons travel down the street they are greeted by its newest steakhouse. Smith & Wollensky’s story began in New York City in the late 1970s, quickly becoming an American favorite with its classic all-American steak dishes with a modern flair. 

Formerly a Del Frisco’s, PPX Hospitality Brands hired Haynes Group, Inc. as the construction manager to fully renovate and convert the 9,000 s/f two-story restaurant into a Smith & Wollensky. Haynes Group, Inc. is a full-service commercial construction firm who believes in delivering projects that enhance the lives of people and their communities. Haynes Group understands that providing great meals, service, and an unmatched atmosphere are equally important and the firm has a demonstrated history of successfully overcoming the challenges restaurant buildouts face. 

Leading the project team was Emily Bozek, project manager at Haynes Group. Having managed several restaurant renovations, she was prepared for the challenges ahead.

“We implemented weekly site meetings which included quality control, three-week look aheads, and owner, vendor coordination meetings as just a few innovative programs to overcome challenges so that the team could stay productive and the project could remain on schedule,” Bozek said. 

The design of the space required close-knit collaboration between all stakeholders.

“Strong collaboration with project architect Phase Zero Design, PPX Hospitality Brands, and Stys Hospitality were necessary for ensuring that high-end finishes adhered to the specified budget and project schedule,” said Bozek. 

“After personally opening Smith & Wollensky London in 2015, the Burlington restaurants design is an evolution of our journey across the pond. Many of the materials and interior elements seen throughout the restaurant were sourced across the globe,” said Nathan Evans, Smith & Wollensky brand president and former London managing partner. “From the beautiful green quartzite bar top, the ultra-elegant light fixtures from Ralph Lauren and Eichholtz, and the worldclass collection of art create the perfect ambiance for memorable dining experiences.” 

The design of the space made it an exciting transformation. 

“The design team picked some very unique fixtures from handmade tile, custom barstools with custom tanned leather, all the way up to the lighting package,” said Justin Osborne, site superintendent at Haynes Group, Inc. “This was a fun project to work on and I am very pleased with the way it turned out. I have been building for many years and this was as close to a high-end residential build as you will get in the commercial market.” 

“I’m immensely proud of the project team for transforming Smith & Wollensky’s vision into a reality. Not only does the design reflect the quality of service and cuisine promised to the restaurant’s customers, it also brings a modern twist to the classic American steakhouse aesthetic,” said Kyle Choleva  associate / project manager at Phase Zero Design.

The project team included: