Restaurant Design Partnership for Restaurant Operators

A Decade of Creative Collaboration

In the bustling world of restaurant design, trends can shift as quickly as diners’ tastes. That’s what makes the longstanding relationship between Doug Petkovic and Richardson Design a story worth telling. For more than fifteen years now, the seasoned restauranteur and consultant has turned to Richardson Design to bring his culinary visions to life. The menus may change with the seasons, but their partnership has endured.

In Petkovic's eyes, Richardson Design isn't just another interior design firm, but a true partner. Their collaborative spirit has fueled multiple successful projects, from casual burger joints to high-end steakhouses.

"They’ve grown as a firm to understand that just because a design looks stunning, it doesn't automatically make sense for operations. After working in the restaurant industry for decades, they make really strong recommendations and designs that look great and improve our operations."
Doug Petkovic, on his work with Richardson Design

Petkovic's restaurant savvy and the creative talent at Richardson Design curate spaces that don't just look stunning—they function seamlessly.

Go behind the scenes in these four standout projects. Get a glimpse of how a top-tier restaurant design company delivers spaces that delight operators and diners, and drives operational success.

A Journey of Innovation and Collaboration

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Flannery’s Pub

Breathing New Life into Tradition: Flannery’s Pub

When Petkovic acquired Flannery's Pub, a cornerstone of Cleveland's bustling East 4th Street entertainment district, he faced a unique hurdle. The established Irish pub had devolved into a cluttered sports bar, its authentic Irish craic giving way to pre-game rituals and 2am last calls.

"It definitely had, over the years, started to feel like a college bar or a sports bar with Miller Lite posters on the wall. There was little left that made it feel like a true Irish pub experience," Petkovic recalls.

Petkovic turned to Richardson Design with a clear vision. "It needed to feel Irish! But it also needed an updated feel to it, and we needed to change some layouts." Richardson Design embraced the opportunities.

The project goals were centered around authenticity and customer experience:

Restore authentic Irish elements with contemporary details
Streamline the layout for better flow and customer experience
Create a thoroughly designed space whose design feels effortless

Richardson Design focused on:

New, open floor plan to enhance the overall atmosphere
Refreshed finishes and decor while maintaining the original layout's best features, like the large wooden bar
Contemporary design elements that complemented the Irish pub aesthetic

The results exceeded expectations and improved operational performance.

"They did an awesome job of still making it feel like an Irish pub and putting a little bit of a contemporary slant to it. They opened up the floor plan as a huge improvement. Now it feels really neat inside; a little more high-design, but still a very casual pub," Petkovic enthuses.

This delicate balance maintains Flannery's position as the laidback, go-to spot in the neighborhood. As Petkovic explains, "It's the corner bar for East Fourth Street. There are a lot of other places nearby where people go to have sophisticated cocktails. You can get that at Flannery’s, but you're mostly coming in to grab a Guinness and a burger or a Reuben.”

Patrons of the revamped Flannery’s have voted with their feet. Since reopening—and especially through baseball and basketball season—the pub is as lively as a Friday night in Temple Bar, in a space that is at once familiar and exciting.

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Red's Lakehouse

Rendering of bar area

Bar area

Rendering of dining room

Dining room

Rendering of dining room

Dining room

A Community Gem, Revitalized: Red’s Lakehouse

When Petkovic and his partners acquired Red's Lakehouse, they envisioned transforming a dilapidated structure into a vibrant, family-friendly summer destination. What they didn't anticipate was the extent of the renovation setbacks they would face.

"The building started as a gas station from the 1950s to the 1970s. Then, in the 80s, it changed hands and became both a gas station and a market. Then in the 90s, it became a market and pizza place, and then it stood empty for two and a half years through the cold winters and hot summers without HVAC," Petkovic recounts.

The project goals were ambitious:

Create a casual, family-friendly summer destination
Preserve historical charm while updating facilities
Maximize seating capacity and operational efficiency

But as demolition uncovered the underlying condition of the building, the design team’s initial plans, the true—and truly daunting—scale of the project emerged.

"Every wall we opened, every ceiling we uncovered, every part we took down was rotten. We essentially ended up keeping two walls and the basement and rebuilt the rest of place," Petkovic explains.

Richardson Design rose to the occasion by:

Continuously reworking designs as new structural issues emerged
Balancing historical elements with modern additions like a new wing and rooftop deck
Incorporating design elements that evoke nostalgia and community spirit

"They did a wonderful job reworking designs with each one of those challenges that came up. They understood that the building had good character, but needed a lot of love in other areas,” Petkovic says.

The former gas station has been transformed into a restaurant and bar where the community comes to relax and refuel. The once-empty building now welcomes a new generation of patrons to its fire pits and lively bar, beneath murals painted by regional artists and framed family photos of lake life. These design elements evoke happy yesterdays while looking forward to many more years at the heart of this community.

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Heritage Steak & Whiskey

Reimagining Elegance: Heritage Steak & Whiskey

When Doug Petkovic created Heritage Steak & Whiskey, he needed to walk a carnivore’s tightrope.

"I wanted it to be a steakhouse, but at the same time, I didn't want it to feel like every other steakhouse in town," Petkovic explains. "I wanted something different and elegant, especially because this was a second-generation restaurant.”

The project goals were sophisticated:

Refresh the high-end steakhouse concept without reinventing the wheel
Ensure every seat offers a great view and a comfortable dining experience
Pair classic steakhouse luxury with contemporary elegance

Richardson Design brought its expertise to reimagine every aspect of the space:

Overhaul the former steakhouse while maintaining select original elements
Relocate the bar to enhance the space’s sense of flow and ambiance
Incorporate design elements that evoke both whiskey culture and steakhouse traditions

For Petkovic, the process of collaboration with Richardson Design proved as satisfying as the final product.

"The collaborations are really fun," Petkovic enthuses. "I have a strong opinion on what I'm looking for, but Scott [Richardson] and his team have earned a great deal of creative freedom by exceeding my expectations for every project."

Petkovic gave Richardson Design latitude to make key design choices. The team sorted, selected, and tested over twenty blue paint swatches to find the perfect hue for the dining room walls.

The final environment was cool, sophisticated, elegant, and trendy all at once, according to Petkovic and local critics. Heritage Steak & Whiskey has quickly established itself as a top dining destination in the Cleveland area, receiving praise for both its ambiance and service. The space successfully marries elegance and approachability, creating an atmosphere that appeals to both traditional steakhouse aficionados and those seeking a more modern dining experience.

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Haven Brewing

Crafting a Vision: The Story of Haven Brewing

Haven Brewing in Oberlin, Ohio presented a distinct opportunity—and a series of challenges—for Petkovic: to create a family-oriented brewery with deep cultural roots on a tight budget. As a consultant on this project, Doug Petkovic brought Richardson Design to the table, confident in their ability to work on a budget without budgeting out creativity.

The project goals were multifaceted:

Develop a family-friendly brewery concept with strong cultural ties
Create a high-level brand identity inspired by the Gutenberg Bible
Ensure the design is approachable and reflects community values

Richardson Design approached the project with its signature blend of creativity and practicality:

A contemporary brand identity that pays homage to history
Exterior renderings that emphasize community-focused design
Design solutions that fit the budget without compromising on aesthetics

Petkovic praises the Richardson Design team's ability to work within constraints: "Richardson Design understood what the founders were looking for. Scott and his team really got to know them and what they were trying to accomplish in a brewery – and stuck within their budget, which was difficult."

He emphasizes their skill in value engineering.

"This is where Richardson Design is unparalleled in their approach. They make smart recommendations that save resources. If a certain material that the client wants is going to be really expensive, they’re always ready with a solution. Whether it’s sourcing a similar, less expensive material or going in another direction, they’re conscious of costs while maintaining design integrity."
Doug Petkovic, on working with Richardson Design

The work-in-progress results have been impressive, with the Haven Brewing concept garnering strong community involvement even before pouring their first pint. The unique, welcoming atmosphere concepted by the Richardson Design team has set the stage for what promises to be a beloved local institution in Oberlin.

This project demonstrates how a premiere restaurant design company can create a compelling vision on a budget, proving that financial constraints need not constrain the creativity of a skilled and innovative designer.

Insights from the Operator

After collaborating with Scott Richardson and his team for almost twenty years, Doug Petkovic shares insights on their restaurant design partnership.

RD: What initially drew you to partner with Richardson Design for your projects?

DP: We discovered Scott Richardson through another developer, Bob Stark, at least 15 years ago. Scott did these creative renderings for Bob Stark. They blew us away. It was something we'd never really seen before, and so that got us really keyed up about him. He continued to impress us on project after project with not only his design skills, but how he really listened to our goals and visions. Then knocked it out of the park. The rest is history!

RD: How would you describe the interconnectedness between your operational skills and the design team's creative talents?

DP: Second to none. I enjoy the challenges that come with designing a new space. It's awesome, and it's very fun. It's enjoyable because Scott’s team is made up of great people. You know, we've gotten to know each other really well over the past 15 years and that level of trust is evident in the super high quality of every space they design.

RD: How has the team's approach aligned with your vision and goals?

DP: Scott [Richardson] is a dynamic person and he’s obviously very talented. He really listened to me as a restauranteur and entrepreneur. In many ways, I’m a designer in my own right. Scott, and now his team, could take my vision and understand what I was saying. They always bring a fresh approach to the design for all my projects.

RD: In what ways has the timeline management and flexibility been crucial to the successful completion of your projects?

DP: They've done a great job of working with me and my team to meet deadlines, even when they’re moving targets. They've always done a great job of being realistic with me, too. I know that they will do what they say they’re going to do.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Restaurant Design

Restaurant design trends evolve as quickly as consumer preferences, operational challenges, and technological advancements. The right design company can make all the difference for restaurant operators seeking to create memorable dining experiences that stand out in a crowded market. It's not just about creating beautiful spaces; it's about crafting environments that tell a story, function efficiently, and keep diners coming back for more.

“The only constant in this industry is change. Dining is almost as much about pop culture as it is about the food. If you don’t keep a finger on the pulse, you might become irrelevant. That being said, I’ve found success in my ventures by sticking to my core and making small tweaks to keep up with trends. It’s important to weigh trends with business viability.”
Doug Petkovic, on the restaurant industry

Are you considering your next restaurant concept or renovation? Consider how a true collaboration could be the key to unlocking your restaurant's full potential.

Connect with Richardson Design to secure your restaurant’s place in guests' hearts (and stomachs) for years to come.

^{Photography used in this project is property of its respective owners and Billy Delfs.}