El Jefe's
The El Jefe's team.
El Jefe’s Taqueria is a fast-casual, authentic Mexicano street food restaurant where every item is made to order with fresh, in-house ingredients, and where extras are always included at no additional cost. The quick-serve concept is perfect for those on the move, with locations strategically placed near bustling schools and universities, catering to the need for speed and convenience. While the business concept is rooted in the fast-paced culture of Mexican street vendor service, the interior design creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for those who prefer to sit and savor their meal. Working with the interior design group, Studio Tyak, Upland Architects was commissioned to help bring the true Mexican Taqueria experience to the El Jefe’s Taqueria’s.
Design team.
Upland Architects collaborates with the interior design and branding expertise of Studio Tyak to create a space layout that meets the client’s needs while seamlessly integrating the existing history of building materials in each unique restaurant location. Upland works closely with El Jefe’s kitchen equipment vendor, MEP/FP engineers, Studio Tyak, and the landlord throughout the project. Assessing the existing infrastructure and its remaining life expectancy helps determine what can be reused or repurposed and ultimately influences the overall design. Using existing building elements such as exposed ceilings, brick walls, and concrete structures—typically concealed in a finished space—helps to create an environment that evokes a homey feeling, deeply rooted in El Jefe’s Mexican heritage.
Project schedule.
Upland continuously coordinates with the contractor throughout the construction document and administration phases, to ensure the project is completed on time and on budget. Creating an open line of communication between all team members is imperative to meet El Jefe’s consolidated construction schedule, and it starts with Upland.
Upland Architects streamlines the process by:
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Flagging any potential "big ticket" issues with existing conditions early and identifying a remedy.
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Providing a full code analysis during preliminary design to minimize potential pricey code related afterthoughts.
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Streamlining the permit process by filing for permit while the project is being priced simultaneously.
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Maintaining open communication with all team members to ensure smooth project deliveries.
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Generating quick responses to RFI’s and material submittals by the GC.
Consistent programming + branding elements.
El Jefe’s branding elements have been carried through each unique restaurant space. Upland and Studio Tyak have utilized existing infrastructure items and embraced their historic value. Instead of covering up the past, El Jefe’s restaurants showcase them and blend them with the overall design scheme.
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