Tekka Bar at La Concha Resort

Concept Description:

Puerto Rico’s La Concha joins Marriott’s Autograph Collection and is the first Puerto Rico property to join the Autograph Collection, which has a footprint of more than 270 independent hotels and resorts around the world.

Also coming as part of the revamp is Tekka Bar, brought to you by Las Vegas’ A Perfect Bite Hospitality Company and originally concepted by restaurateur Takashi Segawa, best known for his creations Monta Ramen, Kabuto and Sushi Mon. Tekka Bar: Handroll & Sake draws inspiration from the ancient gambling destination in Japan dating back more than 100 years ago, with “Tekka Ba” translating to “old gambling place.” Tekka Bar debuts a signature Tekka Tuna roll, featuring the restaurant’s notable spicy sauce, alongside an eclectic sake program. Handrolls are prepared counter-side and made to order for guests, highlighting the freshest seafood, including blue crab, yellowtail, salmon and more.

Project Description:

The Tekka Puerto Rico location will embrace a new design narrative by world renowned, NYC-based design firm Celano Design Studio for La Concha as an Autograph brand. The concept will have a fresh, modern-coastal feel while still maintaining the familiar Tekka brand identity. Bold artwork by local artist Ángel Colon, artist name ‘Sweet Ambition’ pulls influence from the feel of the overall design while adding a sense of local style and vibe. Nestled in a corner of the main lobby, on the way to the nightclub and new soon-to-be disclosed signature restaurant, Tekka Puerto Rico adds to the vibrant, fun and happy vibe that is La Concha.

Center to the concept is the iconic hand roll sushi counter. Clad in white oak wood planks and accented with ocean-blue glazed tiles the counter is the heartbeat of the concept. Hanging above and following the length of the sushi counter is an oak wood and white powder coated metal shelving unit showcasing the feature sakes on offer along with manek-neko, lucky cat figurines that are signature to the Tekka brand. The design includes a dynamic and artful custom Macrame rope screen helping to define where the Tekka experience begins and the lobby ends, but also playfully burring that line so guests can visit Tekka as a destination while also being part of the social lobby scene.

Inspired by La Concha’s coastal, nautical, minimalist narrative Tekka Bar was thoughtfully designed to blend and work well within the new hotel lobby design.

Project Design Team:

• Vincent Celano – Founder & CEO
• Stephanie Niebler – Partner & Creative Director
• Rob Veluz – Principal & FF&E Director
• Mark Simpson – Associate Director of Lighting Design
• Diana Bradica – Interior Designer
• John Pearson – Interior Designer / Project Manager

Additional Information:

• Hospitality Group: A Perfect Bite
• Property Owner: Condado Duo La Concha SPV, LLC
• Re: La Concha Resort

Vendors:

• Sweet Ambition – Ángel Colon: Mural Artist
• Ombre Rope Feature: Celano Collective
• Queremere Designs: Bar Tile
• TileBar: Tile