Catezza Italian Restaurant & Lounge
Concept Description:
Catezza Italian Kitchen and Bar is a new concept from the Esperto Hospitality team located in the heart of downtown Red Bank, New Jersey on Broad Street, steps away from the Navesink River. The Interior Design and Branding by NYC based Celano Design Studio Co. the team who also brought you Centrada brings forward an approachable dining experience with quality Italian food in a stylish and comfortable setting. At Catezza, Italian food goes back to its roots with a focus on fresh, seasonal dishes inspired from traditional regional recipes.
Interior Design Project Description:
Catezza Italian Kitchen and Bar is an inviting neighborhood restaurant that balances modern touches with the nostalgia of a classic Italian restaurant that has aged gracefully over time, says Vincent Celano, Founder at Celano Design Studio Co.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an inviting round bar and lounge area that sets the tone for the space and creates a transition to the main dining area just beyond. The bar is clad in burgundy lacquer panels, antique mirror and velvet channel tufted panels. Brass accents and metal barstools upholstered in a light blue leather sit on a decorative pattern Italian tile on the floor that creates a contrast to the wood plank flooring that runs throughout the rest of the space. A residential style sofa upholstered in a deep green fabric adds another color pop and a cozy place to sip a negroni or Super Tuscan.
The main dining space adjacent the bar and lounge is wrapped with claret red banquettes and offset by light blue upholstered dining chairs. Walnut wall panels with decorative trim and a dramatic feature staircase with lit risers work as a backdrop for the furniture and lighting giving it a rich and warm feel. Retro-inspired brass chandeliers and geometric screens offer some sparkle and detailing that hints to a bygone era.
The Chef’s Dining Room at the back of the restaurant offers the best view in the house – seeing into the dynamic and bustling open kitchen. This beautiful space has an approachable luxury balancing a mix of patterns on the furniture and decorative floor tile with a modern interpretation of a chesterfield sofa for the banquette design. A communal table sits in front of the large open kitchen pass where guests can see the freestanding pizza oven and the rest of the kitchen line as dishes move into the dining rooms.
Up the feature stair, on the second floor is the secondary dining space. Perfect for a more intimate dining experience or buyout for a private party, this room has dramatic ceiling heights, warm gray venetian plaster finished walls that reflect the shine and sparkle from the custom chandeliers and wall sconces. Black and white vintage photos inspire celebration and fun in the space.
Branding Project Description:
Located in Red Bank, New Jersey, Catezza is an authentic Italian restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere that transports you to an Italian dining experience, says Frank Festa, Graphic designer at Celano, Our challenge was to create a brand identity that captures the essence of the restaurant’s tradition and authenticity while appealing to a modern audience.
The logotype becomes a storyteller that narrates the journey of Catezza. It is a welcoming invitation, alluring customers to step into a nostalgic dining experience. Our logo is more than a symbol; it captures the warmth, tradition, and contemporary spirit that defines Catezza’s dining experience.
Designed thoughtfully, the logo seamlessly translates throughout various platforms and mediums. Whether on a menu, signage, or digital platforms, the logo remains recognizable and conveys the blend of tradition and modernity that defines Catezza.
Project Design Team:
Vincent Celano – Founder & CEO
Stephanie Niebler – Partner & Creative Director Rob Veluz – Principal & FF&E Director
John Pearson – Project Manager/ Designer Mark Simpson – Lighting Design
Frank Festa – Senior Graphic Designer
Owner/Developer: Esperto Hospitality Group
Architect of Record: Mode Architecture
General Contractor: Continental Construction and Development, Inc. Vendors:
- Kohler – Plumbing Fixtures
- Paint – Benjamin Moore
- Venetian Plaster – Texston
- Leather at Back Bar – Tiger Leather
- Colorado Stone Quarries – Bar top marble
- Zia Tile – Decorative tile at Chef’s dining area floor
- Tile Bar – tile throughout
- Custom Furniture – Celano Collective
The cursive logotype is a key design element, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the overall visual identity. This embodies the artistry of traditional handwriting, creating a sense of authenticity and connection. This not only represents our passion and dedication to traditions but also adds a personal touch to the brand.