{"id":209634,"date":"2025-10-18T21:20:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-18T21:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/209634\/"},"modified":"2025-10-18T21:20:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T21:20:15","slug":"understated-nostalgia-defines-montreal-sandwich-shop-by-mrdk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/209634\/","title":{"rendered":"“Understated nostalgia” defines Montreal sandwich shop by MRDK"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bright yellow upholstery and formica pops against a 1970s colour palette inside this sandwich shop in Montreal<\/a>, designed by local studio MRDK<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The architecture and design firm, also known as M\u00e9nard Dworkind<\/a>, designed Renzo Sandwich<\/a> in the city’s Mile End neighbourhood as a throwback to retro diners.<\/p>\n

\"RowBright yellow booth seating and matching tabletops stand out inside Renzo Sandwich<\/p>\n

Measuring 1,275 square feet (118 square metres), the space is decorated in warm materials and features stainless steel details reminiscent of those typically found in mid-century eateries.<\/p>\n

“The interior of Renzo was imagined as more than just a backdrop, it’s an integral part of the experience,” said MRDK. “From the moment you step inside, the space strikes a balance between warmth, functionality, and understated nostalgia.”<\/p>\n

\"Retro-styleRetro-style stools are positioned along a counter against the street-facing window<\/p>\n

The eye is immediately drawn to the bright yellow two-seater booths that runs back-to-back along the left-hand wall.<\/p>\n

The upholstery matches the formica tabletops that extend from the wood-panelled walls in between the booths, while pale orange covers the seats of retro-style stools positioned in front of the street-facing window.<\/p>\n

\"ChilledChilled products are displayed in “grab and go” fridges<\/p>\n

Circular sconces by In Common With<\/a> line-up with the tables, and linear overhead lights are centred over a thin rail that defines the queue area and can also be used as a casual dining spot.<\/p>\n

Mosaic tiles in burgundy, beige and pale blue shades cover the floor in offset rows, again nodding to the 1970s in both colour and pattern.<\/p>\n

\"AThe fridges form part of a custom unit that also presents dried goods and merchandise<\/p>\n

The same light blue shade is applied across tongue and groove boards that spans the ceiling and wraps over a change in height towards the back.<\/p>\n

The dropped ceiling denotes the bathrooms on the public side and the kitchen area behind the stainless steel-topped service counter.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Le<\/p>\n

M\u00e9nard Dworkind combines bold yellows with muted tones in Montreal restaurant\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

“At the heart of the room, the open kitchen allows guests to witness the choreography behind every order: sandwiches assembled with speed, care, and precision,” said MRDK.<\/p>\n

“It’s a subtle reminder that craft and transparency are part of the ethos here.”<\/p>\n

\"YellowCircular sconces by In Common With are positioned over each table<\/p>\n

Chilled products are stored in “grab and go” fridges and described by bold red lettering on lightboxes across their tops.<\/p>\n

These units form part of a larger, dark wood display case that was custom made and contains dried goods and Renzo merchandise.<\/p>\n

\"DetailFloors are patterned with mosaic tiles in burgundy, beige and pale blue<\/p>\n

The same hand-painted branding as on the fridges is used for menus and signage on the interior walls, as well as the shop’s exterior.<\/p>\n

“Renzo isn’t trying to be flashy,” said MRDK. “It’s trying to feel like it’s always been there. A place that welcomes you back often, and with friends.”<\/p>\n

\"Orange-toppedStainless steel details nod to those typically found in mid-century diners<\/p>\n

MRDK used a similar bold yellow and chocolate brown palette for the interior of Vietnamese restaurant Le Red Tiger<\/a>, also in Montreal.<\/p>\n

The studio’s other recent projects include a verdant upgrade of a Calgary airport lounge<\/a> and the construction of a cedar-wrapped residence in a Quebec forest<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The photography is by Mathieu L\u00e9vesque<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Project credits:<\/p>\n

Architect: MRDK
Team: Guillaume M\u00e9nard, Fabrice Doutriaux
Contractor: Construction M\u00e9via<\/p>\n