PROJECT
interiors
The Jinya Ramen Bar location in midtown Houston is part of a vibrant mixed-use community populated with bars, restaurants, and shops. (Photos courtesy YNL.)
Ramen Bar Fuses Traditional And Modern Japanese restaurant delivers destination for casual dining and drinking.
T
he first Jinya restaurant opened in Tokyo in
vibrant mixed-use community populated with bars,
yet comfortable, environment that embodies the Japa-
2000. Its success convinced Jinya CEO To-
restaurants, and shops. Jinya CEO Takahashi believes
nese dining experience. The use of a variety of wood spe-
monori Takahashi to bring the ramen bar expe-
that the Jinya izakaya concept will be welcomed by young
cies was a primary element in the design, coupled with a
rience to the U.S., opening its first location in California.
working professionals in Houston as a new destination
warm color scheme meant to express a rustic and tradi-
Franchise locations have spread to other major cities.
for casual late-night dining and drinking.�
tional atmosphere. The wall-mounted light fixtures, bar
As part of that expansion, YNL Architects Inc., Los
The space is 2,600 sq. ft. and previously a fitness cen-
Angeles, was commissioned to design the Jinya Ramen
ter that was part of a mixed-use development. One of the
Bar location in midtown Houston. YNL also designed
challenges was to transform that space into a food-service
Dull stainless-steel flashing was replaced and the open
the first Texas franchise, Jinya-NASA, also in Houston.
establishment that blends with the existing district,
ramen bar kitchen was clad with rustic stone tiles. In lieu
which is rich in nightlife.
of bland drywall, traditional Japanese stucco finishes cre-
The midtown location is described by YNL principal Yu-Ngok Lo, AIA, CDT, LEED AP, NCARB, as a “very
The design concept is to offer customers a modern,
counter decoration, brick veneer, and wood furniture were carefully selected to express the design intent.
ate a more authentic dining experience. To further rein-
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
JUNE 2017
COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
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