Food Service

McDonald’s Restaurant
McNamara Midfield Terminal
Detroit, Michigan

“America's Engine" was the airport's required decor theme for this McDonald's facility.  To achieve this high-tech, industrial look, Dorchen/Martin Associates, Inc. worked creatively with Raymond Design Atlanta and incorporated hard, shiny-surfaced materials such as polished chrome and brightly colored ceramic tile.  A bit of nostalgia was accomplished by using murals depicting classic automobiles at drive-in McDonald’s restaurants.

This McDonald’s facility offered D/MA the design challenge of creating a seating and kitchen layout that would accommodate a large volume of patrons using  a predetermined, limited space. Great care was taken to use all floor and wall space in the most efficient manner possible.

A dramatic metal, double arch at the entrance takes advantage of the world-wide recognition of McDonald’s logo arch,  making this facility a friendly welcome sign for  national, as well as, international travelers.

McDonald’s Restaurant
Romulus, Michigan

At the request of local community leaders, a standard 2000 Series McDonald’s facility has been transformed into a "home away from home" residential appearance – much different from a standard McDonald’s. The multiple pitched gable roofs with decorative brick columns and portico provide a pleasant welcome sign for Detroit Metropolitan Airport travelers. Located on Merriman Road just north of the airport, this bright new McDonald’s plays an important role in the regional redevelopment of this community.

Did somebody say "McDonald’s"?

Loricio’s Espresso Cafe
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Having already succeeded in similar food court installations, McDonald's Corporation took full advantage of this university opportunity. Dorchen/Martin Associates, Inc. was asked to modify this newly vacated space in an already successful food court.

While keeping much of the kitchen area intact, and therefore reducing development costs, the customer service area was improved substantially by the removal of an enclosing wall, the use of bright tile work, and the extensive use of decorative neon. The end result is a quick service food facility that pleases both the Western Michigan students and the McDonald's Corporation.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Livonia, Michigan
Dearborn Heights and Warren, Michigan

This former Livonia auto parts retail store never looked so good!

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts had a vision for this prime parcel of real estate. It required innovation, compromise, determination and a cooperative design team to create the exciting Krispy Kreme Doughnut facility that this location warranted. Serving not only as a retail destination in the community, this facility functioned as a training hub for Krispy Kreme team members along with becoming a distribution center for wholesale operations.

The Krispy Kreme transformation was challenging. However, upon completion the results were tremendously rewarding and successful. The aroma of Krispy Kreme doughnuts now fills the air and beckons neighbors and travelers alike.

Café De Marquise
Royal Oak, Michigan

To make the transition from an art gallery to a coffee house, this space required extensive interior renovation including the removal of a raised floor area, the provision of customer rest rooms and the installation of significant additional mechanical/electrical services. All of these basic changes were accomplished on a minimum budget due to the active involvement of the owner as builder. Acting also as co-designer, the owner transformed the interior space into an eclectic mix of simple durable finishes, antique furnishings and spotless equipment.

In a town already overflowing with coffee houses, it is a testament to all those involved in this project that you can stop by the Café De Marquise any time, day or night, and find it filled with patrons.