The Remo’s concept was born in May 2007 in memory of the late Remo Giuseppe Scribante. His brothers, “Fratelli”, Franco and Renzo Scribante opened their first café in Mount Edgecombe, Durban. What started out as a small café with a limited menu has now turned into an established company fuelled by a passion for excellence.
Remo's Italian Restaurant was expanding to Johannesburg and the task fell to Dakota to design a restaurant which captured the strong family values of authenticity, entrepreneurship and a spirit of adventure. Our approach was to create a space filled with the kind of theatre usually only encountered in the culinary style capitals of Europe. From the centrepiece bar to the immaculately clad waitrons in their full length aprons, everything about the space had to speak of a passionate commitment to gastronomic perfection.
Our Response
By completely re-imagining the interior of what was a thoroughly featureless space, we were able to transport patrons to the eateries of Florence, Milan, Brussels, Paris and Rome. We continued a resurgent European tradition of attaching a deli and bakery to the main restaurant. Thereby maximising the establishment’s value to its patrons i.e. not only can they sample the amazing dishes sold in the restaurant, but also take home the finest Italian ingredients for use in their own kitchens.
Brick built walls and arches paired with natural stone mosaic floors, speak of strength and longevity. In a world where so many establishments don’t make it beyond their first year, this is a clear signal to patrons that Remo’s Fratelli is here to stay. Not only that, but also the intention is to become part of their patrons’ family ritual. A place to congregate to enjoy life, food and family.
Outcome
Awards - Winner - 2014 RDDA award - Store & Restaurant Design Category
