Equinox Restaurant: A Stunning Renovation Rooted in Sustainability
Photo courtesy of Equinox, equinoxrestaurant.com
In the heart of Washington, D.C., Equinox Restaurant has been a beacon of culinary innovation and excellence for over two decades. Owned by the dynamic husband-and-wife team, Chef Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff, Equinox has built a legacy as a cornerstone of Mid-Atlantic cuisine, blending seasonal and regional ingredients with Todd’s signature creative flair. A five-time James Beard Award nominee, Todd is renowned for his bold and inventive dishes, while Ellen’s leadership has helped establish the restaurant as a leader in sustainability and hospitality.
In December 2023, as they celebrated their 25th anniversary, Todd and Ellen unveiled a new home for Equinox Restaurant at 19th and L Street NW in downtown D.C., formerly an Irish pub. The move marked a significant milestone for the couple, reflecting their deep love for the city and unwavering belief in its vibrant future. As part of this next chapter, they embarked on an ambitious project: transforming the former pub into a welcoming extension of their renowned restaurant. “When we first saw the space, we thought, ‘This place has some good energy, good karma,’” Ellen shared. “It felt like an opportunity to customize something special.”
A key element of the renovation was their decision to refurbish the pub’s original chairs and stools instead of purchasing new ones. Having gone through numerous renovations, Ellen shared, “We’ve bought enough junk furniture online to know you never really know what you’re getting. We didn’t want to take that risk again.” Instead, they opted to breathe new life into the sturdy, well-built chairs that had already proven their durability.
In their search for the right partner to help bring their vision to life, Todd, who attended the University of Richmond and has family ties in the area, was introduced to u-fab through the architects at Fultz and Singh. “We felt more confident working with someone F&S was familiar with,” Ellen explained. “There’s a certain cohesiveness to keeping things together. Being a small family business, we like working with other small family businesses.”
The collaboration with u-fab’s design consultant Ana Conceicao played a crucial role in the success of the project. “Ana is very obviously in charge,” Ellen noted. “I appreciate that she’s a straight shooter. She inspired confidence with her definitive feedback. Confidence is everything with a decision this big. Ana’s leadership and ability to think outside the box made sure the project ran smoothly.” Ellen also praised Ana’s professionalism and the guidance she provided throughout the design process, ensuring the reupholstery project exceeded their expectations.
Together with Ana, Todd and Ellen decided to subtly alter the frames of the chairs, refining their silhouette for a more modern look. The reupholstery process was a collaborative effort, with Ellen and Ana exchanging fabric samples to find the perfect choice. They ultimately chose a bold sunflower yellow fabric, adding a vibrant pop of color to the space. “We completely trusted Ana and the people at u-fab,” Ellen said. “They know fabric, and we knew they’d guide us in the right direction.”
Once the design was finalized, the chairs and stools were carefully altered and reupholstered in u-fab’s workroom. The result was remarkable, with many restaurant guests commenting on the chairs’ exceptional comfort. “Seating is everything for a restaurant,” Ellen emphasized. “It’s not just decorative; it’s the most important part of the renovation.”
The decision to refurbish the original furniture was not only practical but also aligned with Equinox’s commitment to sustainability. Known for their innovative zero-waste dining initiatives and hyper-local sourcing, the restaurant has long been dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint. Choosing to refurbish rather than replace exemplified their ethos of preserving quality and minimizing waste.
Photo courtesy of Equinox, equinoxrestaurant.com
Photo courtesy of Equinox, equinoxrestaurant.com
In addition to the furniture, u-fab also crafted a custom curtain for the restaurant’s fireplace area. The warm, autumnal golden-brown hue perfectly complemented the overall design, adding an extra layer of coziness to the space. “We love the curtain,” Ellen said. “The color worked out great.”
Photo courtesy of Equinox, equinoxrestaurant.com
The renovation of Equinox’s new space showcases the impact of thoughtful design, durable craftsmanship, and sustainability. By blending the old with the new, Todd and Ellen have created a dining environment that enhances the guest experience while staying true to their core value of sustainability. We were thrilled to partner with Todd and Ellen on this labor of love!
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You can visit Equinox Restaurant at its new home at 19th and L Street NW in downtown D.C. For reservations or inquiries, call (202) 331-8118 or visit their website at www.equinoxrestaurant.com.
You can also explore Todd and Ellen’s other restaurant, The Federal, a beach-casual, fine-dining bistro and fritter shop in Rehoboth Beach, DE.
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