From Cafe to Crave-Worthy: A Restaurant Renovation in the Heart of Lakeland
What was once a tired, dimly lit café with worn finishes and a layout that had seen better days is now an energetic, fast-casual pizza spot packed with personality—and style that hits just as hard as the sauce.
Welcome to By the Chef Pizza, located off South Florida Avenue in Central Lakeland. This transformation wasn’t just about making a space look better—it was about creating a total vibe shift.
The Before
This former café had great bones, but the space felt dated, dark, and disconnected. The interior finishes were mismatched, the layout didn’t support a smooth flow, and the branding lacked punch. The overall feel was more forgotten brunch spot than buzzworthy pizza joint.
The Vision
The client came to us with a clear goal:
Turn this space into a bold, branded environment that feels modern, urban, and unforgettable.
They wanted a layout that worked for dine-in and takeout, a color palette that popped, and interiors that matched the energy of their food—and their mascot.
The Transformation
We reworked every inch of this space to create a high-impact, highly functional restaurant that blends style and street appeal.
Key Design Moves:
Color-Driven Identity: Red was used strategically throughout—on the ceiling, tile, and furniture—to create bold cohesion and brand consistency.
Custom Art Moments: The “By the Chef” artwork and mural-style illustrations inject playful character and Instagram-worthy focal points.
Durable Meets Modern: New banquette seating, clean-lined tables, and industrial-chic chairs balance durability with aesthetic edge.
Mood-Setting Lighting: Pendant lights, wall sconces, and directional spotlights layer ambiance and function for an environment that works from lunch rush to evening bites.
Street-Smart Vibe: Blackout shades, exposed brick, and high-top community tables give the space an urban feel that reflects the brand’s personality.
The After
What was once an outdated café is now one of Lakeland’s coolest new spots. By the Chef Pizza is bold, branded, and built to last—designed to serve up fast-casual flavor in a space that’s anything but ordinary.
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