[Photos: Missy Frederick/Eater.com]
The design for Republic, the latest addition to the Black Restaurants empire, was a collaboration between restaurateur Jeff Black, chef Danny Wells, and designer Molly Allen of Atreus Works. The group took several trips to locations throughout the East Coast to find vintage and offbeat pieces to add to the Takoma Park project, and Wells thinks they succeeded.
Those trips unearthed discoveries such as a vintage working radio and turntable, lighting fixtures fashioned from old plane engines and decorated with local beads, factory lights, doors salvaged from Buenos Aires and more. The group found gems at such locations as Recycling the Past , Olde Good Things and even Trove down the street.
Republic will occupy about 3,000 square feet at 6939 Laurel Avenue, plus an outdoor patio with room for 30-40 people. There are large bay windows in the front of the restaurant, a bar and restaurant area separated by wrought iron, and seating for about 16 at the bar. The dining room features two different wallpapers, including a 1960s floral print from Paris, fashioned together by hand. A long run of banquette seating has been put together using vintage sofas with the backs cut off, Wells said. A zinc bar will include an oyster shucking station. There is a private dining room in the back as well. The back patio features the sign from the Video Americain store that used to occupy the space.
Republic is hoping to host live musical acts when the restaurant opens. Right now, they're shooting for an early December opening.
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