When executing a commercial buildout for an iconic brand like Buffalo Trace Distillery, the stakes are incredibly high. The goal for the new John G. Carlisle Cafe was to seamlessly blend the rich, historic legacy of the distillery with a fresh, highly functional hospitality experience.
As a leading custom fabrication partner, our team was tasked with bringing this vision to life. From massive live-edge communal tables to metal fabrication and integrated retail fixtures, this project showcases our ability to maintain strict design intent while building for high-traffic commercial durability.
Here is a look behind the scenes at how we brought the wood, brass, and metal elements of this stunning space together.
Furniture
The centerpiece of the main dining space consists of two massive, high-top communal live edge tables. Surrounded by diner inspired custom laminate tables and long banquettes throughout the space. With spaces to dine for an individual or for a large group or even outside with a carryout snack, there are so many thoughtful details and spaces throughout the cafe. The mix of materials helps create visual interest and defined spaces.
Millwork, Fixtures + Metal Fabrication
Grab & Go
A modern distillery cafe isn't just a place to grab a bite, it’s an immersive brand experience where food service and retail intersect. Our shop engineered and built a cohesive suite of retail fixtures and displays. The Grab & Go station features retail shelving made from solid walnut and brass shelving with integrated lighting to highlight the merchandise. This corner creates a casual spot to grab food to enjoy outside on the property or to grab a memento from your time at the distillery.
Integrated Bar & Countertop Millwork
Moving into the service line, our team fabricated the extensive front-of-house service counters and display cases. With walnut cabinetry, marble countertops and more brass shelving the service lines continue the warm and historic feel of the space. Featuring fluted glass partitions and sneeze guards and custom lighted food displays, the customer journey is beautiful the entire way.
Render To Reality
Our team is dedicated to maintaining design intergrity. Check out these renderings and the same space fully built and installed.
Behind the Build!
We love the reveal of a finished space, but the real magic happens on our shop floor and during the installation process on site. These behind-the-scenes photos offer a look at the craft, engineering and teamwork required to bring the Buffalo Trace vision to life. From the initial restaurant layout to the custom brass retail fixtures, this is where design intent becomes reality. Check out some of the in process photos of install, shop fabrication and more. It's all the details that bring projects like this together.
Why General Contractors and Designers Trust Our Shop
When working for an iconic brand like Buffalo Trace, our partners require more than just building capabilities—they require a partner who understands how to translate a designer’s rendering into a physical reality without losing the soul of the concept.
By handling millwork, custom furniture, retail fixtures, and metal fabrication under one roof, we eliminate the friction and coordination required between separate trades.
Project Highlights at a Glance:
Location: John G. Carlisle Cafe at Buffalo Trace Distillery
Core Capabilities: Architectural millwork, custom hospitality furniture, retail fixtures, metal fabrication.
Primary Materials: Live-edge oak, solid walnut, brass, copper accents, fluted glass, casework
Are you planning a commercial hospitality or retail build that requires uncompromising attention to detail and multi-material fabrication? Let's connect to discuss how we can bring your design intent to life.
