What makes this 7,200‑square‑foot Chicago bistro so welcoming and popular? Part of the appeal is the biophilic design that isn’t quite traditional, yet is perfectly on brand for the business owners. The restaurant sits on the ground floor of the 1914 Reid Murdoch Building, and can hold about 170 diners, with a cozy private area accommodating 40 more. The venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows give guests a relaxing view of the Chicago River. Every feature, including the exhibition kitchen, pays homage to the building’s industrial history, as reclaimed wood blends into plaster walls with decades of stories behind them. Salvaged and new materials work together to create a space that feels grounded and inviting inside a building that once warehoused groceries. This case study proves restaurants can build atmosphere through raw surfaces and thoughtful plant placement.
Challenges
One challenge that most people wouldn’t think about is the restaurant staff’s effort to be helpful. They feel compelled to water the interior plants, not realizing an interiorscape team manages the watering. This can cause overwatering. Staff members also move plants into shaded areas or spaces where there’s too much sunlight. Relocating a plant near a vent is another issue, as it may receive too much heat or cold air.
“Indoor Plants can be classified according to their light requirements: low, medium, or high.” ~ University of Maryland Extension
The above challenges expand during the holidays as the bistro’s event schedule grows. Regular plants and those added with Yellowstone’s holiday decor service are prone to being moved more often to accommodate large groups. Even during winter, the interior plants can come under attack from pests and disease because of humid microclimates in a food service facility.
Chicago’s climate makes outdoor container maintenance difficult. There are four seasonal rotations, and each season has its own unique issues. Landscape crews have to contend with downtown Chicago’s heat island effect (asphalt, concrete, and brick absorb heat). The city’s known for high winds that can also damage greenery. Finally, brutally cold winter temperatures can diminish the exterior plants’ health.
Results
This quaint restaurant had several uncommon landscaping challenges. The following list shows how Yellowstone Landscape overcame those challenges.
- Regular soil moisture checks reveal issues with overwatering.
- Good communication helps avoid overwatering, so we send automated reminders about restaurant staff not needing to water plants.
- Restaurant managers are provided with a “plant map,” so plants can be moved back to their proper locations after events.
- Plant health checks reveal issues that may have come from moving plants into shade or sun-heavy spaces.
- Plant placement takes into consideration any kitchen equipment that might cause humid microclimates, helping fend off pests and disease.
- Holiday plant selection takes into account intense window sunlight and cold blasts near doorways.
- The outdoor container plants are chosen to blend with the restaurant’s industrial vibe and hold up to intense urban heat and windy conditions.
- All containers are mindfully selected, using natural materials when possible, to blend with the business owners’ natural design goals.
- Having experience with a variety of properties across Illinois, Yellowstone Landscape crews have the skillset to manage this property’s interiorscaping, exterior plants, and holiday decor.
Diners’ Reviews
“Their interior design is the nicest I’ve seen.”
“The place to go to relax after a river walk.”
“River-view seating is unbeatable.”
Beyond Dining
This Chicago property doesn’t have the space for large living walls or a hundred interior plants. That’s what makes this case study so interesting. It reveals how much visual appeal can be added with only a few plants. The right plant, right place philosophy works in any size space. Especially when the property owners have a clear vision of the desired atmosphere for their guests.
Our company is proud to help achieve those goals, which include beautiful flowers at the entrance, relaxing greenery indoors, and holiday decor that adds joy to the season. Of course, it’s a challenge to keep flowers and greenery healthy and looking their best in challenging climates, indoors and out. That challenge expands in a special location like this, where many patrons enjoy taking and sharing photos of their dining experience.
That means Yellowstone Landscape crews’ work is on display in the real world and on social media. These photos show up in family group chats and online reviews too. And when someone comments on the aesthetics being amazing, that means a lot to our company and the hardworking employees who play a key role in getting those rave reviews. It all begins with a client who wants the best dining experience for their guests, and understands it’s more than great food that creates a memorable dinner.
Are you looking to create an unforgettable atmosphere for your restaurant guests? Contact Yellowstone Landscape to discuss how our interiorscaping, landscape maintenance, and holiday decor services can enhance your dining experience and keep customers coming back.
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