LA chicken restaurant by Preen Inc "glows from within"

American studio Preen Inc has updated a fast-food restaurant in Los Angeles to harken back to Southern California's roadside diners of the 1960s, when the establishment was originally founded.

Dino's Famous Chicken is run by four sisters who from LA who wanted to pay homage to the city and their Greek family heritage as part of the exterior and interior refresh of the chain's first location.

Locally based Preen Inc looked to mid-century references, particularly the region's roadside attractions with distinct marquee signage, for the single-storey building’s overhaul.

"The challenge was to elevate the existing beloved chicken and burger joint by redesigning the interior and gently updating the exterior to empower our client to continue being a neighbourhood beacon, not only serving patrons but their community at large," said Preen Inc.

Nodding to 1960s and '70s architecture, an overhang of perforated breeze blocks extends from the front of the building, and forms a parapet around the roof.

At night, lighting installed behind the porous walls shines through the geometric openings in the blocks.

"Dino's Famous Chicken glows from within," Preen Inc said. "Neon strip lighting lines the eaves, and buttery yellow interior tile creates a warm glow that spills onto the street."

Around the covered outdoor dining area, straight-stack tilework in chartreuse and sepia wraps the lower portions of the walls and a built-in bench.

These tiles continue inside, covering the counterfront that extends through the glass, and lining the back wall above a long banquette.

Minimalist booths were installed below the windows, illuminated by linear lighting fixtures suspended at an angle from the ceiling above each table.

Two-top tables and pairs of stools offer places to eat outside, where late-night orders are also taken and served through sliding glass windows.

"It was important to both the client and to us to build on the legacy of the original Dino's Burgers #2 established on Pico Boulevard back in 1969," said Preen Inc.

Old and new family photos are displayed on the walls, linking the history of several generations with the present.

The restaurant also serves as a community hub by feeding unhoused neighbours, late-night artists and workers, and supporting local families in need.

The mid-century modern movement still has a strong grip on Los Angeles, and many buildings in the celebrated style have been returned to their former glory over the past few years.

Another chicken shop that recently caught our eye, Strip Joint Chicken in Calgary, opted for an equally bold "1990s meets Memphis" interior.

The photography is by Lane Barden.

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