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INSIDE SCOOP
Chapel Hill, NC

This 1,540-square-foot retail shop is one of several newly renovated spaces in the Midtown Market in Chapel Hill. Facing stiff competion between four other related businesses, Ben and Jerry's, Swensen's, Smoothyville, and the Yogurt Pump, the owners, Jane Davis and Vivian Olkin, needed a store that stood out and was memorable.

Storefront The storefront is one the most critical elements of the Inside Scoop. The entrance had to be completely different from its neighboring businesses. Strict restrictions from the shopping centers owners and a tight budget were the main constraints.

Circulation The space maintains a clear seperation between the dining area and the ordering area. Located in a college town and near a transitional neighborhood, the store must appeal to kids of all ages. Most of all, it must be a fun place to "hang out". A play area for small kids, the colorful counter, walls, seats, floor patterns all matched the light, playful atmosphere desired by the owners.

Work Space Designing a space to efficiently and comfortably create and serve the ice cream was a fundamental concern. The small existing space required exact positioning of the kitchen/serving space to ensure a successful design.