Space Needle renovations propel foodservice to new heights

Nation's Restaurant News, Feb 25, 2002 by Lori Doss

McVey said that in order to revamp the banquet facility and enhance the private-dining atmosphere, the design team incorporated elements of SkyCity's newly adopted warm colors and sleek design. One of the highlights of the private-dining area is a wood-paneled wall that incorporates pieces of copper, aluminum and custom-made glass.

For the last piece of the restaurant project, Architettura tackled the quick-serve component of the Space Needle: the SkyCafe, which serves coffee, soft drinks and packaged foods. McVey said the group decided to have fun with the SkyCafe because tourists and young children would frequent it heavily.

"For the Skycafe they wanted it to be more fun ... something that called attention to itself," he said.

Playing off of the Space Needle's circular peak, Architettura incorporated a circular pattern in bright, primary colors throughout the cafe.

In the wake of the renovation, the Space Needle has proved that it's still a top tourist attraction despite the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which ate into travel nationwide. Nelson said that while business at the Space Needle's restaurants slowed afterward, as it did at restaurants throughout the country, the landmark bounced back for a very successful Thanksgiving weekend.

"That's a sign that people are wanting to come back," he added. "They want to get out in the world and dine."