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Route 66 Casino, Buffet 66

Buffet interior design, theming, decor, and signage - Albuquerque, NM

The Buffet environment at Route 66 Casino builds on the theme of an Oasis in the Desert with regional Route 66 elements woven in and represented in a timeless way. As you enter the buffet, the curving carpeted roadway leads you past stylized, multi-faceted angular rock forms reaching up to the sky to give you a feeling of entering a quiet canyon. These are also planned so that they serve to conceal the two large structural columns in the center of the floor. Faux Aspen trees in fall colors communicate a pleasant coolness and a refuge from the summer heat. Above your head a layered soffit with blue and turquoise LED accent lighting curves like a cool river and directs you toward the buffet line. In the tradition of the famous highway, Route 66, a variety of architectural styles and signs point to the specific types of food offerings and make for a journey of discovery as you walk further into the space. Because strong design elements were applied which add continuity (i.e. the curving overhead soffit and repeated columns), the variety of storefront styles work together without looking contrived.

The desert oasis theme in the custom wall murals depicting flowing water with leaves from the Aspen trees of high desert forests floating through, creating a dramatic visual element. Gracefully curving woven steel curtains are illuminated from above with blue and aqua specialty lighting, washing over the folds of the curtains and creating the feel of a cascading waterfall.

Within this plan, a unique dining area was created that was designed to set the Route 66 Casino buffet apart for years to come. Along with the themed design elements, we manufactured and installed the entire décor package, working alongside the architect and construction company to ensure that every detail added to the design intent.

Some of the elements included in this décor package were: specialty metal ceiling curtains, custom large format wall murals, wallcovering, specialty laminates and metal finishes, custom color palettes for each food venue and customer area, LED lighting, a curved perimeter soffit, faux aspen trees, custom designed carpet integrating the overall color palette, and specialty venue signage.