After a brutal 2013 Winter, we are more than ready for the return of Spring on Boston’s Newbury Street.  We are delighted to announce the completion of our latest restaurant design and the emergence of one of the newest culinary gems on Newbury – Wich!t Sandwich.  Formerly based in Lawrence, MA, the aunt & nephew management team of Rose and Chris Young have brought their craft sandwich savvy to the heart of Boston’s Back Bay.

With just about 1,000 sf of usable lease area, every square inch of this sandwich shop demanded a heightened attention to detail and a required a concerted effort to integrate the client’s vision with the operational directives of the kitchen coordinators and the realities of the building and the regulatory process (from the Back Bay Architectural Commission to the Boston Redevelopment Authority).  Each of these planning considerations provided the insights that led to design opportunities and ultimately, innovation.  The use of the extant brick party walls, stainless steel work stations and exposed conduits and junction boxes allowed the team to develop a concept that conformed with tight financial parameters without compromising the design vision to create an environment that celebrated the honesty of craft sandwich fabrication.

LEFT – main restaurant elevation, 244 Newbury Street.  Store branding, graphic design and signage concept by Brian Colcord

View of the main service line.  Image courtesy Thrillist Boston.

Chef Chris Young envisioned an open kitchen concept that engaged customers immediately upon entering the store.  The decision to eschew wall partitions in the open plan resulted in a more open and inviting space for diners without compromising precious kitchen operating area.

Check out both the hot and cool craft sandwiches at Wich!t at 244 Newbury Street (Fairfield and Newbury, next to Daisy Buchanan’s).  For more on the restaurant, go to the Thrillist Boston review in December 2012 – http://www.thrillist.com/eat/boston/ma/02116/back-bay/wicht_asian_catering_coffee-shop_delivery_healthy_lunch_sandwiches_african_feature/occasion_type/cu

CREDITS

Photography:  all images posted courtesy of Thrillist Boston

General Contractor:  The Evergreen Group, Inc.

M/E/P:  BLW Engineers, Inc.

Kitchen consultant:  Boston Showcase Company

Graphic Designer:  Brian Colcord

All photographs, images and drawings copyright XChange Architects LLC, unless otherwise noted.