WHITNEY'S
When the owner came with a garage full of automobile parts and asked what could be the theme of his new diner, it was a no-brainer. By painting the walls in dark green and using the vintage oil cans, gasoline tanks, and other memorabilia, the overall look of the diner became a fun auto-museum establishment. Painting old brick here and there, hanging garage lights and accenting the wall decor with pin-spot lighting, gave a glamor and punctuated the drama of a restaurant with little natural lighting. By up-cycling the chairs and tables and using what existed in the warehouse of this collector, there was little need for buying new and making the small budget restaurant affordable for the owner. More than ever, his personality came out when he hosted the door surrounded by the things he loved the best. He was loved by all the locals.
Photos by Dan Forer