Project Description:
Junction Bakery’s newest location in Chevy Chase, Maryland brings a lively, yet laid-back community gathering space to the buzzing residential neighborhood. Junction Bakery enlisted //3877 to transform the former retail space into a social environment that harkens back to the area’s rich history and complements the dynamic menu: an assortment of nostalgic American favorites with a contemporary twist. The 2,698-square-foot bakery and bistro exudes a comfortable yet vibrant atmosphere for guests, as the Junction Bakery brand is beloved for being an extension of the home kitchen through its homemade bread and baked goods. The Chevy Chase location completes the DMV trifecta with other locations in Alexandria, Virginia and Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.; the brand’s latest addition opened its doors to the public in April 2022.

The design team drew concept inspiration from the locale, incorporating the history of Chevy Chase’s trolley corridor into the interior by marrying elements of streetcar design with a fresh take on the traditional European bistro. A significant piece of Maryland history, the Chevy Chase trolley line was the first in the area to connect to Washington, D.C. in the 1890s. Though the tracks were replaced by buses in 1935, the historical context of the trolley line speaks to the core values of Junction Bakery & Bistro: community and connection. Historical art prints of the location are on display throughout the space, enhancing the restaurant’s bygone spirit of the early 20th century. Industrial elements are offset by soft, natural materials and finishes such as wood and marble. Wooden floors, shiplap walls and table tops complement a warm and earthy color palette of green and terracotta.

A purposeful division of the space facilitates a flexible, multipurpose business model—customers have the option to either grab food and beverages to go or be seated in the dining room for a full-service experience. An open kitchen greets guests to the right of the entry, engaging customers in the sights, sounds, and most importantly, delicious smells of the atmosphere as they arrive. Distinct clustered ceramic pendant lighting defines the entryway, featuring fixtures varied in size, shape, and height. The serving counter is found directly ahead of the entry, providing to-go customers with seamless direction while maintaining connectivity to the main restaurant bar. The brand language seamlessly transitions from fast casual to full service, giving Junction Bakery the ability to provide dynamic experiences that remain consistent in quality.

Communal-style dining defines the heart of the dining room, encouraging a relaxed setting where gathering takes center stage. A wooden table welcomes diners to enjoy their meal, share in conversation, and revel in the experience at Junction Bakery. Overhead, an industrial-style metal framework for lighting elevates the central space with oversized globe pendants and track lighting referencing trolley car cables. Custom upholstered banquette style seating lines the window dining tables, inviting customers to stay a while. Bentwood chairs reference those in a traditional European café, with curves and woven seat backs that soften the space’s otherwise rectilinear geometry. A rebar iron back bar with an elegant marble top and textural ceramic tile facade sets the backdrop of the interior, running the length of the space with a view from every angle. A patio adjacent to the dining room gives customers the option to enjoy the outdoors during warmer months.

With both fast casual and full service dining options, Junction Bakery’s Chevy Chase location serves up the perfect treat for any occasion. //3877’s design provides an open door for the community to gather and socialize in an environment that celebrates the area’s rich history.