PHILADELPHIA, PA – After 27 years as a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s dining scene, Fork, the flagship restaurant of Ellen Yin’s High Street Hospitality Group, has undergone a thoughtful renovation. The redesign, led by Philadelphia-based interior designer Marguerite Rodgers (who also designed the original space), breathes new life into the iconic Old City establishment, blending restored elements with modern touches to create a timeless and inviting atmosphere.
A Collaboration of Visionaries
The renovation of Fork represents a reunion of two Philadelphia culinary and design powerhouses: restaurateur Ellen Yin and designer Marguerite Rodgers. Rodgers, who originally designed Fork’s interior, brought her deep understanding of the restaurant’s character and Yin’s vision to this new project. The result is a space that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Honoring the Past, Embracing Sustainability:
A key goal of the renovation was to honor Fork’s history and its commitment to sustainability. The design team carefully restored and repurposed existing materials wherever possible, blending them seamlessly with new elements. This approach preserves the restaurant’s character and reflects a commitment to environmentally conscious design.
Key Design Elements: A Detailed Look:
The renovation introduces several striking design features:
- U-Shaped Bar: The centerpiece of the redesign is a dramatic U-shaped bar topped with rich cherry wood from Marguerite Rodgers’ personal collection.
- Bespoke Seating: Black walnut bar stools and charcoal black oak chairs from FYRN San Francisco flank the bar, providing stylish and comfortable seating.
- Custom Liquor Display: A striking steel and glass liquor display, created by local fabricator Alli Fab with millwork by Contemporary Artisans, serves as an elegant focal point and room divider.
- Restored Booths: The restaurant’s signature booths have been meticulously restored, with pine wood-topped tables and church pews revitalized by Jim Moore of Staack Moore Woodworking.
- Warm Lighting: New sconces provide soft, inviting illumination, enhancing the ambiance of the bar area.
- Textured Walls: Custom wood paneling by Staack Moore adds warmth and texture to the main dining room.
- Sophisticated Color Palette: A subtle shift from Tuscan yellow to deep green creates a sophisticated and inviting backdrop.
- Vintage Art: Vintage floral, fruit, and vegetable prints, framed by Staack Moore, adorn the walls, adding a touch of classic charm.
- Restored Pendants: The dining room’s striking pendants, initially designed by Meg Rodgers, were expertly restored by Chris Lynn of Faux Fax.
- Server’s Station: A new custom wood and tile server station.
Enhanced Functionality:
Beyond aesthetics, the renovation also focused on improving the restaurant’s functionality. A new waiting area provides a comfortable space for guests, and a custom-designed server station by Contemporary Artisans enhances efficiency in the open kitchen. The kitchen and dining room will also receive refined floor refinishing.
Fork’s renovation is a masterful blend of old and new, honoring the restaurant’s legacy while creating a fresh and inviting space for the next chapter. The thoughtful design, the collaboration with local artisans, and the commitment to sustainability all contribute to a dining experience that is both timeless and contemporary. The redesigned Fork is a testament to Ellen Yin’s vision and Marguerite Rodgers’ design expertise, solidifying Fork’s place as a Philadelphia icon.
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