A new sandwich shop in Montreal's trendy Mile End neighborhood is capturing attention with its retro-inspired design that perfectly balances warmth, functionality, and what designers call "understated nostalgia." Renzo Sandwich, created by local architecture and design firm MRDK (also known as Ménard Dworkind), transforms a 1,275-square-foot space into a throwback to classic American diners from the mid-20th century.
The interior design immediately draws the eye with its striking bright yellow booth seating arranged back-to-back along the left wall. These eye-catching two-seater booths are complemented by matching yellow Formica tabletops that extend from wood-paneled walls, creating a cohesive visual flow throughout the space. The color palette extends to pale orange seat covers on retro-style stools positioned strategically in front of the street-facing window, allowing customers to watch the neighborhood bustle while enjoying their meals.
"The interior of Renzo was imagined as more than just a backdrop, it's an integral part of the experience," explained MRDK designers. "From the moment you step inside, the space strikes a balance between warmth, functionality, and understated nostalgia." This philosophy is evident in every design choice, from the carefully selected materials to the strategic lighting placement that enhances the dining experience.
The flooring features an intricate mosaic tile pattern in burgundy, beige, and pale blue shades, laid in offset rows that directly reference 1970s design aesthetics. This same light blue shade appears throughout the space, notably on tongue-and-groove boards that span the ceiling and wrap over a height change toward the back of the restaurant. The dropped ceiling serves a functional purpose, denoting the location of bathrooms on the public side and the kitchen area behind the stainless steel-topped service counter.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the overall ambiance, with circular sconces by In Common With positioned perfectly above each table. Linear overhead lights are centered over a thin rail that serves dual purposes – defining the queue area while also functioning as a casual dining spot for customers who prefer counter-style eating. These thoughtful details contribute to the space's authentic diner atmosphere while maintaining modern functionality.
The open kitchen concept allows guests to witness what MRDK describes as "the choreography behind every order," where sandwiches are assembled with speed, care, and precision. "It's a subtle reminder that craft and transparency are part of the ethos here," the designers noted. This transparency extends to the restaurant's commitment to quality and customer engagement, making the food preparation process part of the entertainment.
Storage and display elements are seamlessly integrated into the design through custom-made units that house both chilled products in "grab and go" fridges and dried goods alongside Renzo merchandise. These fridges feature bold red lettering on lightboxes across their tops, while the larger dark wood display cases provide organized storage that doubles as visual merchandising. The same hand-painted branding style used on the fridges appears consistently on menus, interior wall signage, and the shop's exterior, creating a cohesive brand experience.
Stainless steel details throughout the space pay homage to the materials typically found in authentic mid-century diners, adding both durability and visual authenticity to the design. These elements, combined with the warm color palette and carefully chosen furnishings, create an environment that feels both familiar and fresh.
"Renzo isn't trying to be flashy," MRDK emphasized. "It's trying to feel like it's always been there. A place that welcomes you back often, and with friends." This design philosophy reflects a broader trend in hospitality design toward creating spaces that prioritize comfort and community over Instagram-worthy moments, though the space certainly photographs beautifully.
MRDK has established a reputation for bold color choices and thoughtful space planning, as evidenced in their previous work on Vietnamese restaurant Le Red Tiger, also in Montreal, which featured a similar bold yellow and chocolate brown palette. The firm's recent portfolio includes diverse projects such as a verdant upgrade of a Calgary airport lounge and the construction of a cedar-wrapped residence in a Quebec forest, demonstrating their versatility across different project types and scales. The Renzo Sandwich project, photographed by Mathieu Lévesque, represents another successful collaboration between Guillaume Ménard and Fabrice Doutriaux, with construction handled by Construction Mévia.
