Recently, I did a BLOG about the amazing LAWSON’S FINEST LIQUIDS new TAPROOM, RETAIL STORE and BREWERY, but I can’t help that another project completed around the same time was a PIZZA restaurant. I know…you think I have a theme going… and that may be true…considering I’ve done a PUB, another BAR, a BURGER JOINT, an ICE CREAM shop…and a few other similar types of places…but I swear I didn’t plan any of it — it just happened! :) I’m just lucky I guess.
I’d love to introduce you to PIZZA 44. If you haven’t already been there — I highly recommend you go. Not for the design…of course, I would appreciate it if you enjoyed that as well — but for the amazing pizza and food. Steve (the chef and manager) and his team really rock it out of the park.
When Tim Williams and Doug Neede (BFF’s for 44 year— hence the name) decided to open up a counter service wood fired pizza restaurant they contacted me right away. Basically Tim called and said — “Hey — want to do a Pizza Restaurant?” and I said “Hey — Ya!”. (Tim and I had already worked on two places together — he is the owner of Archie’s Grill and The Scoop).
They had the perfect spot already — the empty warehouse space that was in the same building as Queen City Brewery. Working with Paul of Queen City Brewery, on Pine Street, and the owners of the building, we can up with a layout and concept for the space. They brought in a PIZZA whisperer from Seattle to help layout the kitchen equipment, wood fired oven, etc — and the rest of the space was up to me. With some original concepts, we all worked together, to tweak, enhance and recreate the design it is today.
Those who know me…I’m a hands on designer — so the white striped tables (I painted with my niece), the word search (created over 3 weeks in my sun room), the pizza peels (some vintage, some made from old wood, I banged up in my front yard) and a few other hands-on touches around the space. With the help of local folks to build, install and custom create seating and tables, it all came together. I hope you enjoy the space — but better yet — the food and the company you keep!
I’m not going to lie…I had an absolute blast working with Tim and Doug on this project — and I’m scheming up other ideas of places we can create to work together again.
XOXO Joanne
HUGE THANK YOU TO LINDSAY SELIN for the MOST AMAZING PICTURES!!
P.S. I’m about to LAUNCH a HUGE GIVE AWAY FEST on MY INSTRAGRAM ACCOUNT. I’m going to be giving away a night away at Main and Mountain Bar and Motel , some copies of MY BOOKS, and thanks to a brilliant idea from my friend and marketing helper, Jen Wyman at Accomplice Marketing, I’m going to be giving away some of my amazing homemade DIY’s. So follow me so you don’t miss out on a chance to WIN!
Warm woods, natural touches, live plants, vintage pieces, custom seating, modern lighting, paneled walls… a perfect rustic modern blend for this counter service wood fired pizza space, called Pizza 44!
Want to watch your pizza being made, then belly up to the bar…and choose these cozy seats to watch the show.
The interior design started with creating comfortable custom booth seating, a community table, cozy couch areas and bar seating to watch the pizza making, ensuring every square inch was accounted for, and the flow of the space was comfortable and welcoming. Instead of trying to cover up the old warehouse details, they were incorporated into the design. A pipe painted black with wood tucked into it, and couple more vintage brick columns were added to highlight the ones that were already there. Old concrete walls were paneled in modern stained square plywood pieces. Unique lighting, vintage pizza peels and other special touches, such as hand painted striped booth tables, have made this counter service restaurant an instant hit.
Community tables, bar seats, couches, and booths…there is a little something for everyone here.
Keep yourself occupied while you wait for your TO GO pizza — or if the kids are getting restless in their seats.
Cheers!