Big Burger Spot has many things going for it. For one, they have a Steve Harvey Burger—a mile high burger stuffed with two all beef patties, two slices of cheese, onion, pickle, extra mayo, topped with steak fries on a whole wheat bun. But now, they can add thoughtful and modern design to their repertoire, too.
For its third location, owner Guy Bradley hired designers Hannah Grau and Karla Villarreal of Fortuna Enterprises, a full-service design firm that handles everything from menu design to kitchen layouts, to create an industrial-style restaurant filled with pops of color and community-centered touchpoints.
Image via Fortuna Enterprises
Industrial 2.0
While the heavy industrial look (re: reclaimed wood and Edison bulbs) may be over, a lighter, more refined version is proving it has staying power . We’re dubbing it “industrial 2.0,” and Big Burger Spot executes this style perfectly.
According to Grau, they leaned into this genre for its sheer approachability. “Because the industrial style is so entrenched within all forms of design, we knew it would have an element of familiarity. Big Burger Spot serves customers of all demographics. We didn’t want the design to alienate anyone. On the contrary, we wanted it to feel incredibly welcoming, complete with thoughtful and fresh design details.”
To balance the original lime green and orange logo, they opted for neutrals found in the glossy concrete floor, crisp white shiplap, and smooth wood textures. Punches of their signature orange can be found in the custom powder coated Brady chairs, factory-style pendants, and a huge hand-drawn (by Villarreal herself) menu board filled with playful burger illustrations.
Custom orange Brady chairs. Image via Fortuna Enterprises
Big Burgers, Bigger Purpose
When I spoke with Grau and Villarreal, it was evident the community-driven design details excited them the most. “The owners are passionate about their community and clientele. They were determined to incorporate clientele into the space in some shape or form,” said Villarreal. “We decided to honor their commitment by including (actual) long-time clients into the mural above the register.”
Created by a local artist, the mural is a focal point for the design, artfully fusing brand with the Kernersville community in a way that doesn’t feel kitch. Not only does this piece add a playful layer to the space, but it also demonstrates the genuine appreciation the owners have toward their town and guests. Cue warm and fuzzy feelings.
Custom mural of Big Burger Spots' customers. Image via Fortuna Enterprises
Another key point of this design was to create an open kitchen concept. “Because the owners are so communal, we intentionally created a congression between the owners and the kitchen, the staff and the food, the kitchen and the dining area. That physical transparency only compounds that sense of community and connection,” said Grau.
Big Burger Spot is a story of big burgers and even bigger hearts, a modern mom-and-pop burger joint that will no longer be known just for its colossal burgers, but a new-age industrial style enveloped in a sense of community.
Fortuna Enterprises is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. To learn more about their holistic approach to designing commercial dining spaces, check out their website here.