JA Jiaozi Authentic
Traditional with a twist.
The recently-debuted JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings restaurant in Irvine, California, represents a new chapter for the well-established Chinese company, which has hundreds of existing locations in China. CallisonRTKL designed a fresh branding aesthetic and strategy, as well as the restaurant’s interiors, to reposition the brand and introduce it to a new market.
Jia, which means home, was the inspiration for the design. The main dining space is open, while the bar area allows diners to watch their food being made through a large glass window. Large vertical dye-cut screens in a motif reminiscent of traditional Chinese screens separate the reception desk and entryway from the dining space and feature a woven texture and reference the serving baskets used for dumplings.
Meanwhile, the material palette is dominated by earth tones: concrete floors and reclaimed oak reinforce the natural theme. A feature wall made of concrete tile with ceramic, hand-sculpted dumplings visually anchors the back end of the space, making a compelling artistic statement about the culinary offerings.
