HFA has worked alongside the Bojangles Design and Construction Teams since 2020, and as the program architect, we developed the architecture, MEP, and structural standards for the ground-up prototypes. Our team has created multiple prototype designs based on lot size, preferred kitchen and dining room square footage, and a new DTO (drivethrough only) design. For these prototypes, we utilize traditional stick built, modular, and panelized construction processes based on square footage.

Our partnership with Slim Chickens has evolved over the years from prototype development and site adapt work. In recent years, we partnered with a local franchisee on four local restaurants that have unique kitchen designs and are some of the top grossing locations Slim Chickens maintains. This strong, successful partnership has also allowed us to take a larger part in prototype development and management for Slim Chickens corporate, as well. Being near Slim Chickens headquarters in Fayetteville, AR also allows our team even more in-person opportunities to meet with new franchisees and corporate clients prior to construction.

Chick-fil-A sought to partner with an architecture firm that could provide a centralized prototype design, helping them save on costs and promote consistency across their restaurants nationwide. HFA was selected due to our change management process and experience handling large-scale projects with other major restaurants and retailers. As our relationship grew and the scope of work increased, we became more heavily involved in the long-term planning and execution of Chickfil-A restaurant projects. Unlike traditional client-architect relationships, HFA partners with Chick-fil-A as an extension of their internal team. We are regularly involved in corporate meetings to provide expert knowledge of both the Chick-fil-A restaurants and industry thought leadership.

Throughout our work with Sonic, we’ve worked on corporate and franchisee restaurant locations, both new ground-up and retro-fitted locations, and each time our team has been careful to keep designs consistent with the prototype, while still incorporating the needs and creativity that franchisees would like to see in their locations. One such Sonic location melded the prototype with new and interesting developments, like a dog park placed front and center at the restaurant, allowing customers to eat on the patio with their families, four-legged family members included.

Working in conjunction with our strategic partner, The Moseley Group, we provided design reimaging services to refresh existing locations and created a new prototype concept that was rolled out to new stores and franchisees. We developed designs based on new kitchen layouts and food offerings, creating new design standards that were implemented across their branded stores. These standards included interior design, flooring, lighting, and casework design. We also developed a kiosk prototype, and these smaller footprint designs were rolled out at airports and other large function areas.

Five years ago, our team was approached by a local developer that was also a Freddy’s franchisee, to design a multi-tenant development with a Freddy’s restaurant anchoring the development as the end cap, flanked by two other tenants. Our team took the Freddy’s prototype and provided the client with high-quality construction documents that incorporated their individual design style, ultimately avoiding any potential RFIs that might complicate the construction process. We also built a client-specific REVIT prototype for this client, as well.

From the very beginning of our conversations with Tacos 4 Life, rolling out locations quickly throughout the region was always top-of-mind. Our team partnered with Tacos 4 Life to help make this dream a reality by supporting them through the creation of their first location in Little Rock, AR thanks to value engineering support on the current building design and prototype they were working with. By providing them cost-effective solutions that kept the look and feel they were looking for, they were able to expand at a faster rate, which allowed them to deliver on the motto of giving back meals to those less fortunate for every taco or bowl sold.

HFA has worked alongside Black Rock Coffee Design and Construction Teams since 2019, collaborating together to create a prototype that is cost and timeline conscious while maintaining the consistency of their community-driven brand experience. Our team provides site analysis + evaluation, restaurant design, kitchen layout, exterior design visualizations required for approval by local jurisdictions, construction documents, permitting + entitlements, and construction administration to franchisees of Black Rock Coffee.

Combining the spirit of rock n’ roll with an unmatched coffee shop experience, our team worked with Aerosmith’s Joey Kramer to design his flagship cafe for the Rockin’ & Roastin’ brand of premium coffee. We were responsible for the exterior and interior design, custom millwork, graphics, signage, equipment, and furniture design and selection. To really bring Joey Kramer’s rock n’ roll vision to life, we incorporated music memorabilia from his own collection into the interior, including a full drum kit with display case, stage lighting, and illuminated platform.