New Restaurant Prototype More Focused on Carryout, Patios

Thanks to Columbus Business First for this story featuring our redesign plans.

 

By Dan Eaton  –  Staff reporter, Columbus Business First 

Sunny Street Cafe is ready to roll out a new look.

The Columbus-based chain is primed to grow and plans to do so with a new prototype restaurant better fit for today’s consumers. 

“This is an evolution, not a revolution,” Vice President of Brand Strategy Mike Stasko said.

There are a few goals with the new design, which was conceived with Columbus-based Meyers + Associates architects. 

The biggest change is a reorganization at the front of the restaurant to handle more carryout and third-party delivery business, which now get a dedicated area.

“Our restaurants weren’t set up for that going into the pandemic,” Stasko said. “That’s something we had to adapt to rapidly.” 

Those sales helped buoy the business during the toughest parts of the pandemic and have continued to be a key part of the sales mix even as business has returned to something closer to normal.

The realization that the channel is not going to disappear is being factored into the redesign. 

“Dine-in is still our core,” he said. “But we needed a better way to maneuver people in and out of the restaurant without disrupting service.” 

The company also is investing more in its outdoor space, wanting it to be more functional and appealing to kids and families. That’ll include different types of seating options and play area attractions like outdoor games.