THE RENOVATION OF TWO COUSINS PIZZA
Project Type: Hospitality
Businesses Involved: TONO, PROTO
Location: Stevens, PA
Projection: 3,000 square feet
Owners Frank and Lorenzo Bonura originally contacted PROTO Construction to renovate their restaurant, Two Cousins Pizza in Stevens, Pennsylvania, because of their personal relationship with PROTO Construction’s project manager, Jeff Garner. As a longtime customer and friend, Garner was excited to help the Bonura family celebrate their restaurant’s 10-year anniversary in a big way. In addition to rebranding the company with a refreshed look and logo, they wanted to completely renovate the 3,000-square-foot space.
The Goals
1.) double the amount of seating for patrons
2.) add more light to the space
3.) redesign the interior
4.) redo the mechanicals (heating, air conditioning, HVAC, plumbing, and electric)
5.) increase efficiency for their back-of-house staff
“We did the whole thing in 14 days,” said PROTO’s project manager, Jeff Garner.
The Vision
When they came to PROTO Construction with plans already in hand, they were just looking to add to the existing space which had been an ice cream parlor (Rettew’s 222 Drive-In) and had been added on to four or five times. “When you walked in, it wasn’t inviting and it was dark. The mechanical systems didn’t work. It didn’t accurately represent the Bonuras family and Two Cousins Pizza,” Garner said. But after PROTO factored in the cost of the addition, they asked the Bonura family to bring TONO Architects to the conversation. Together, TONO and PROTO were able to draft new plans that would add more square footage, achieve all the Bonura’s goals, and give them a solid building that would last and serve their needs for the next ten years.
The Renovation
The complete renovation included tearing down the building, extending the front of the building by four feet, enclosing the patio to become part of the existing building, and removing the old drive-thru. “Our turn-key, design-build got us the contract and I told them: ‘If you can give me two weeks, we’ll tear down your old building, rebuild it, and you’ll be able to reopen in 14 days.’ So we put that in writing,” Garner recalls.
The Bonuras were incredibly helpful and willing to move fast, taking out all the furniture and equipment from the restaurant before demolition day. Together with a great group of subcontractors, from a solid trade base, PROTO installed new roof trusses, all new mechanical systems, ADA restrooms, new flooring, windows, doors, lighting, and the Bonura’s kitchen equipment. “The only thing that is standing in that building that’s original is the rear wall and six feet toward the front on either side. Everything else is new,” Garner said. “It was a complete renovation!”
The Interiors
For the interiors, the Bonuras worked on choosing bright colors to complement the refreshed space. TONO Architects’ interior designer, Angelique Miller, NCIDQ, was happy to help suggest finishing selections and accent details to bring the independently-owned family business the brand recognition it deserved.
The Results
Today, the space is inviting and it has allowed business to grow. Since completion, the owners have sustained 30% increase in revenue as a result of the investment. The restaurant represents the brand and fosters the relationships central to its success. the back-of house runs smoothly and patrons are comfortable in the restaurant–often staying and socializing with friends and family while enjoying sandwiches, pastas, and pizzas.
The Two Cousins Pizza brand and building represent the Bonura family and their values–including community service through volunteer efforts to the police department and the school district. Find out more about Chef Joe and his sons Lorenzo and Francesco Bonura…and their recipe for success at 2cuzpizza.com.
