Kapow Noodle Bar has been receiving culinary accolades since its debut in 2011, but the interiors of the new Mizner Park location deserve the spotlight too. As important as the food is at any restaurant, ambiance plays a significant part in the entire culinary experience and Kapow is the epitome of doing just that. It’s truly a visual feast, with one visit to Kapow not enough to take in all the intricate design details. Co-founders Vaughan Dugan and Rodney Mayo worked alongside the Manhas Design team and a group of Florida-based artists to bring their vision to life. “By enlisting the talent of top creatives, we are merging art, technology, and sustainability in a way that helps us lay the foundation for the future of the Kapow brand,” shares Dugan.
First and foremost, the new 5,175 square-foot Kapow space feels like an elevated extension to its original smaller Mizner Park location. Vaughan explains that, “It’s a natural progression for Kapow. Although the restaurant square footage is much bigger, it had to feel like Kapow.” Mission accomplished! Rather than feel like an open empty space, there is a cozy eclectic vibe, transporting guests to a handful of beautiful Asian countries all at once.
Transforming this storied location took an entire year of major renovations. In fact, the work was a complete gut job, way beyond just putting lipstick on the place. Right from the get-go, guests intuitively know that it’s a new beginning with the entrance completely changing the entire welcome. First off, you are greeted by a larger-than-life Japanese lucky cat from Unique Rabbit coupled with a traditional hand-carved Buddha. Make sure to take note of the custom hostess desk made out of steam bent wood to emulate a ramen noodle bowl by Sabal Design. Another amazing detail by the team of creative builders is the illuminated abacus ceiling over the lounge area to the left of the entrance.
When touring the restaurant with Vaughan, he credits his business partner Mayo for being the visionary behind the interiors, saying that he “sprinkled pixie dust.” The amount of surprise details is like a gift that keeps on giving because you are bound to discover new elements with each visit. For instance, my eyes were instantly drawn up to the authentic Chinese snuff bottles nestled into the main bar’s lighting fixtures and the monkeys hanging off the bamboo wall partition are a delightful touch.
Another fascinating piece of the entire puzzle is how synergistically the individual art by talented commissioned artists from different mediums came together to create magic. The perfect example of this artistic fusion is Rosanna Kalis’s dreamy 95-foot mural which was whimsically animated by Jasper Mosher. Fun fact, Dugan shared that just the other day, Mosher decided to add some falling snow to the mural, just for fun, and all done remotely. Tattooist and painter Michael “Pooch” Pucciarelli’s mural is reminiscent of his original work at the first Kapow, while showcasing its own personality and character.
If you’re looking to have a great time with friends and colleagues, the three fully-automated karaoke rooms are a must for the wallpaper alone. Each private karaoke room boasts custom wall coverings that are as bright as they are bold.
It’s important to note that sustainability played a large role in the design process. Reclaimed wood was used when possible and cool authentic old Japanese newspapers grace the bar and table tops. Something else worth mentioning is how local-centric Vaughan and Dugan were in the renovation process, selecting and promoting local vendors and artists as much as they could.
More can be said about all of the fun, creative and authentic interior elements of the new Kapow. It may seem like there is sensory overload with so much simultaneous stimulus, but it’s truly just the right amount of ‘a lot.’ Kapow has its own identity with a unique voice which takes us on both a culinary and design adventure that will keep you wanting more.
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