Vito's Coal Fired Pizza
Location: St. Clair, PA
Nestled in the foothills of St Clair, PA, this 4,000 square foot prime retail space in the newly constructed Coal Creek Plaza was the perfect setting for this unique restaurant & pizzeria to pay homage to the area’s historic past.
This blank canvas afforded the opportunity to tie in the distinctive coal-fired food preparation process with Schuylkill County’s anthracite mining roots. We used both galvanized and painted metal elements throughout the restaurant in decorative as well as structural forms. Painted exposed ceilings serve as a backdrop for industrial pendant lights, while decorative glass pendants accent the black galaxy granite bar & takeout counters. At the perimeter, functional track heads suspended from irregularly shaped, colorful soffits are directed at framed photographs highlighting the mining history of the area including the crowned “Miss Anthracite,” in full royal attire.
Diners are offered a variety of seating options which include cozy upholstered booths at different heights to take advantage of the restaurant’s overall experience. Penny-colored wire mesh curtains subtly obscure the view of the bar area where patrons may await their dining table or watch sporting events on one of the large flat screen panels positioned above the bar.
The restaurant’s focal point is the massive, stone coal oven, with its warm neutral tones and enveloping flames, which may be seen throughout the space from its central location. A dining area is positioned adjacent to the oven, where VIPs may observe the preparation of their meals and interact with the chef.
2012
Success of the restaurant since its opening in 2010 led to an expansion of an outdoor seating area in 2012. The DSI design team carried our established interior palette to the exterior with the design and implementation of custom canvas canopies. We further enhanced the evening dining experience with ambient lighting for a casual and active atmosphere.
2013
Continued success of the restaurant necessitated a 1,500 square foot banquet room addition in 2013. The owner’s goal was two-fold; providing an open, flexible, and more formal dining space to accommodate a growing clientele, while offering a diverse venue for multiple functions and private parties. We kept the ceilings open and designed decorative wall treatments that supported the acoustical needs in this high volume space. We conveyed the client’s inspiration of Italian icons with the use of plush carpeting, dark wall finishes and selective artwork, giving the new space a refined feeling of old Hollywood.