Hospitality-Driven Retail with an Island Vibe

Blending casual dining, a full-service bar, and curated retail, Tommy Bahama's Marlin Bar concept in Oklahoma City delivers an immersive, island-inspired experience. 

“The Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar serves guests who want to sip, shop, or browse,” Takeshi Okada, AIA, associate principal at Graphic Design Group, told Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. “There are dedicated entrances for both the retail store and the bar, allowing customers to choose their own experience. Inside, visual and physical connections like interior windows and a cased opening allow the spaces to flow into each other. Guests can move easily between them while still experiencing each space as its own destination.”

The Seattle based design group worked closely with the brand to realize the project and is currently working on nine new Tommy Bahama locations across the country.

“The immersive experience centers around the quality of the Tommy Bahama product, whether it’s clothing, food, or drink. When guests have a positive and memorable experience, they are more likely to return and share it with others who haven’t yet visited.”

Design challenges included aligning with the Tommy Bahama brand image and accommodating ceiling height in the enclosed patio. The design uses consistent lighting, audio elements, and color to create a cohesive atmosphere, seamlessly connecting the retail and restaurant elements while maintaining distinct functions.  

“Their brand image is very defined and beloved, so it was important that the Oklahoma store fully transported customers to the island life ethos,” Okada offered. “Another challenge involved getting comfortable ceiling height at the enclosed patio. We had to navigate mechanical ducts, roof drains, and overhead garage doors while still delivering a finished ceiling that felt proportionate and appropriate to the space.”

Lighting and color choices help create a consistent island-inspired atmosphere across all spaces. 

“Whether someone is sipping a cocktail or shopping for resortwear, the experience feels connected. The audio and visual elements reflect the brand’s laid-back, coastal lifestyle, inviting guests to take a bit of that feeling home with them. We used a consistent color palette and visual textures to tie the two spaces together. The distinct functions and operational needs of each space create natural separation while maintaining brand unity.

For other brands looking to better connect with their guests and provide a more immersive experience, the key takeaway from this project is clear, Okada said.

“Create a place people genuinely want to visit. If they can take a piece of that place home with them, whether through a product or a memory, you’ve built something that lasts.”