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In 2022 we had the privilege of working with entrepreneurs Kristen Hall and Victor King, building the home for their new culinary ventures, Bar La Fete and Bandit pastry shop. The vacant shell space located in the Mercantile on Morris development on 2nd Ave South was a perfect fit, and allowed easy combined access to both restaurants   Our scope of work consisted of minor demolition with a complete interior buildout including a robust chef’s kitchen. The interior space incorporates unique design elements in the layout, wall coverings, and custom furniture.  Full M/E/P upgrades, equipment installation, and restrooms were also included in the scope.

In 2023 we were proud to team once again on the location swap of their two amazing restaurants, Bar La Fete and The Essential. The swap was inspired by Kristen’s recent trip to Paris and her belief that the charm of a space comes from the many lives it has lived, each renovation carrying pieces of its former self into the next and creating true character. The team spent nearly a year searching for larger, more accommodating space for The Essential before deciding that rather than continue to look elsewhere, they could use what’s already there. Giving La Fete the cozy Parisian bistro vibe of Morris Avenue and moving The Essential to the larger space on 1st Avenue was the answer. August was the ideal time of year for work to proceed. Within days of permitting being secured, “Operation Parent Trap” was underway. With only two weeks to complete construction, everyone worked together to expedite the process, which included removing and replacing the existing bar, swapping equipment, plumbing, as well as new paint, wallpaper, and flooring. The vision was a success, and staff were proud to welcome patrons into the new space.

Owner Kristen Hall and Victor King
Architect Poole & Company Architects PC