One year after Owen Gabbert, LLC completed the initial renovation of Justa Pasta, owner Roland Carfango reengaged the team to help formalize the outdoor dining area and add a cover. Little did anyone realize that a global pandemic would hit six months later making the covered structure less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

After resolving several open permits with the city, half the off-street parking for the building was converted into heated, covered, outdoor seating - doubling the seating capacity of the restaurant. The structure is covered with a waterproof canvas that transmits natural light, allowing for the space to stay dry while remaining bright and airy, and the large post and beam construction keeps the framing minimal while maintaining an outdoor feel.

Subsequently, in conjunction with Design Department Architecture + Interiors, the team collaborated with the client to rethink how the building, restaurant, and its future guests could better connect its interior and exterior spaces. To maximize the interior space, the team opted to transform one of the dining spaces into a new bar. To create a more seamless connection to the exterior, the dining room window wall was removed and replaced with a glass overhead door. When open, this large entryway allows guests to mingle at the new bar while waiting for a table or opt for a bar seat for a quick cocktail. This alteration now provides guests two entryway points into the restaurant and also provides better circulation for employees.