The Chilled Cork restaurant may be closed for renovations, but that’s only created a buzz in the lobby of the attached Retro Suites Hotel.
Tables are set up in the lobby, and breakfast, lunch and dinner is being served in a business-as-almost-usual format.
Pete Tsirimbis, general manager of Retro Suites, said the restaurant has been running since 2009 and needed a facelift.
“We wanted to go in a new direction. We’ll have ice drinks such as daiquiris, and draft beer,” he said. “There will be a tile floor in the bar area and all new light fixtures.”
The Chilled Cork will also sport booth seating with the new look. And the seats will be covered with some rather unique leather.
“The leather we’re using is what’s used inside Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Bentley,” Tsirimbis said.
He expects the restaurant will be closed into mid-August, as renovations – being done by all local contractors – are completed.
For now, however, the food is being served in the main lobby, with some seating in The Derby banquet room, when the space is available.
“Everyone’s loving it,” Tsirimbis said. “People like that it’s different. We plan to leave four tables in the lobby. Most newer boutique hotels have some elements where the restaurant and lobby are joined.”
