Creating a Sense of Comfort

The Frog and The Peach chef and owner Bruce Lefebvre disliked the restaurant's restrooms feeling they didn't match the level of ambiance he strives to provide for guests. He initiated a renovation to make the restrooms as elevated as his menu and as comfortable as the best seat in the house. 

“The restrooms were dated, to say the least. The partitions were painted metal with cheesy flip locks,” said Lefebvre. “They weren't so bad that we would hear complaints, but it really was time for a remodel that reflected a refined interior design and the restrooms just didn't match the level of ambiance we're trying to provide.”

There were a few complications. The New Brunswick, NJ dining staple was established in 1983, but housed in an 1800s site that originally stored printing presses for the local paper and was later used by various factories and manufacturers. For years, renovating the restrooms was not a priority compared to other demands of remodeling and running the restaurant.  But the restrooms frequently had issues with chipping paint, vandalism, and keeping the metal partitions clean.

He and his team considered having a woodworker make handmade partitions but nixed the idea due to concerns about longevity and maintenance. He wanted partitions that were resistant to bacteria, easy to clean, and durable enough to handle daily crowds. Another serious consideration was that The Frog and The Peach is located in a flood zone, meaning they sometimes get water accumulation from the overflowing Orion River during large storms and hurricanes. Because of that possibility, the restroom required materials that would hold up, allowing the restaurant to quickly mitigate the situation and reopen.

“I can't have something like wood buckling and being destroyed to put me down for weeks, if not a month, of business,” said Lefebvre.

The team found Aria Partitions® which combined the classic, refined aesthetics with the durability he needed. Designed to address common issues found in traditional partitions, they reduce sightlines to create a secure environment that puts guests at ease. Crafted from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, they are designed to effectively withstand environmental factors such as humidity and moisture. Additionally, the color remains vibrant over time, negating the necessity for repainting. 

The renovation , managed by Brown & Glynn Construction, faced the unique challenge: a tight seven-day timeline for the overhaul of two bathrooms. Despite the small window, the project was completed without any major hitches. Now that they’re complete, the restrooms reflect The Frog and The Peach’s high standards. Classic subway tiles adorn the walls, with accent colors providing a touch of sophistication. LED fixtures are embedded in the ceiling, minimizing external elements for added cleanliness and safety. The partitions stand eight inches from the ceiling for improved ventilation in the small space.

Joshua Glynn, Project Manager at Brown & Glynn, said, “Before the renovation, the restrooms were dated. They probably hadn't been touched in 25 years, so they were tired. It really didn't fit the feel of the restaurant that it is now. The team did a very good job picking tiles and colors so everything flows well. It feels like the restroom is part of the restaurant now.”

“The restrooms are gorgeous,” said Lefebvre. “If you really care about your brand, it all has to come together. The restrooms are beautiful now, and the partitions are certainly part of it.”