Home to the self-described “World’s Most Fabulous Cheesecake”, Junior’s Restaurant has been a Brooklyn, New York tradition since 1950.   Its reputation has enticed diners from around the world including an array of celebrities all looking for classic American fare and, of course, a sampling of cheesecake.  After nearly being destroyed by a fire in 1981, Junior’s has rebuilt and has carried forward as a family-run restaurant. 

One of Julie Garman’s first projects at Haverson Architecture and Design, Greenwich, CT, included the interior renovation of this famed restaurant.  Recognizing that Junior’s Restaurant has a distinct element of nostalgia, Julie established that goal of the renovation would be to retain the original interior elements while updating the finishes.  The resulting restaurant interior design evoked a 1950’s retro flair evident from the chrome lighting to the bright stripes on the banquettes.  Adding to the ambiance, Julie showcased the eating establishment’s rich history and iconic location by creating fun vignettes and wall displays of memorabilia throughout the restaurant.  Playing off Junior’s location in Brooklyn, Julie collected autographed photos of famous Brooklyn personalities from Barbara Steisand to Jay-Z.  This eye-catching wall paid tribute to the many celebrities that have frequented the restaurant over the years.  President Obama once stopped here for a bite with the new incumbent mayor of New York City, Bill DeBlasio.  Other wall displays included an artful arrangement of framed photographs of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge and a collection of memorabilia dedicated to the Brooklyn Dodgers featuring autographed photos of the players and signed baseballs and jerseys.  In keeping with Junior’s storied history, Julie took great care in framing and displaying old artifacts related to the nearly devastating fire in 1981.  Once the many pieces of the interior renovation came together under the direction of Julie Garman, the final outcome restored Junior’s Restaurant as an original Brooklyn, New York dining destination.

 This project remains a positive experience in restaurant interior design for Julie Garman, not to mention an ongoing fond appreciation for Junior’s cheesecake.  Plus, as interesting additional fact, the renovated interior of Junior’s Restaurant played background in the movie, Sex and the City, in which the characters Carrie and Big held their wedding reception.