Project Description:
When the team behind Carluccio’s, a United Kingdom-based Italian restaurant and market brand, wanted to launch its first U.S. location, they tapped DC architecture and design firm Studio3877 to do the job. The new 7,300-square-foot space, which opened in Fall 2014 is housed on Old Town Alexandria’s main road,

King Street, near the waterfront. Studio3877 worked with UK-based architecture, hospitality, and branding firm DesignLSM on the project.

Firm principals David Shove-Brown and David Tracz created a concept for the space that highlights the brand’s focus on fresh and authentic ingredients and quality customer service. The layout of Carluccio’s offers distinct spaces for those who want to enjoy a sit-down meal, grab pastries and coffee to go, or do their grocery shopping. The first floor of the historic building houses Carluccio’s casual restaurant, spacious café, and retail area. To make the restaurant and retail market accessible to all, Studio3877 lowered the first floor of the building to meet the street’s curb outside. Once inside, an open floor plan with small, translucent dividers between the restaurant, café, and retail areas set the tone for the space.

Within the restaurant, guests can find an inviting space with comfortable wooden chairs and upholstered seating. Throughout the eatery, the project team employed a rich palette of colors and materials, including metallics, vivid hues, and wooden tile flooring to craft a delicate balance between formal and casual dining. Other highlights include eye-catching light fixtures and unique artwork. Customers also have the option to peruse aisles in the gourmet grocery, which are stocked with a selection of sweets, high quality meats, cheeses, and freshly made pasta. A display table will serve as the grocery’s focal point, showcasing seasonal and holiday-inspired goods. A grab and go spot with pastries and coffee will complete the space. Carluccio’s will also occupy a second level where handmade pasta along with other foods will be prepared on site in the kitchen.

With the launch of its first U.S. location, Carluccio’s has brought a new kind of dining and grocery experience to Old Town Alexandria, offering the bustling community a new space to relax, enjoy gourmet food and beverages, and pick up Italian groceries.