Crafting the Heart of Cantina Pedrigal: A Collaborative Journey in Furniture Design
When Clay Nutting approached me to build the furniture for his latest restaurant venture, Cantina Pedrigal in Folsom, California, I was thrilled. Having worked with Clay on two of his previous concepts, including Canon East Sacramento and Franquette, I knew this project would be special. But what truly made this endeavor unique was the collaboration with the talented designer Gennifer Munoz of Studio Oxeye and the general contractor, John Foster of Hive Contracting.
John and I go back to 2020 when we built Mast Coffee on Broadway together. His attention to detail and commitment to quality made him a perfect partner for this project. When I learned that he was the general contractor for Cantina Pedrigal, I knew we were in for another successful collaboration.
Tackling the Curves with Innovation
Gennifer Munoz’s design for Cantina Pedrigal featured 28 foot curvy seating booths that were as challenging to build as they were beautiful. Our conversations and planning for this new concept took about six months, during which we discussed ideas, made small-scale mockups, and refined every detail to ensure the final product would perfectly capture the restaurant's authentic Mexican atmosphere. These booths were not just functional seating; they were meant to be a focal point that captured the essence of the restaurant's authentic Mexican atmosphere. The challenge was to create these intricate curves with precision, ensuring they were both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.
To achieve this, we turned to advanced software and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining. These tools allowed us to accurately model and cut the complex curves that Gennifer had envisioned. The process was meticulous, requiring countless hours of programming and fine-tuning to ensure every curve was perfect. Any slight deviation could compromise the design, so precision was key.
Grain Matching and Vertical Splicing
Once the curves were flawlessly cut, the next step was to cover the booths in a stunning walnut veneer. The rich color and natural grain of walnut added a layer of elegance and warmth to the design. However, applying veneer to such complex shapes was no small feat. We had to grain match the veneer and splice it together vertically, which added another layer of complexity to the project. Ensuring a seamless appearance across the hundreds of parts required careful attention to detail.
Labeling and organizing these parts was essential. With so many pieces that needed to come together perfectly, we had to be meticulous in our approach. Each piece was labeled and organized to ensure that when it came time to assemble, everything fit together as intended.
To protect and enhance the beauty of the wood, we finished the veneer with Chocolate Rubio Monocoat, which not only provided a durable finish but also brought out the rich, deep tones of the wood.
The entire project took a year to complete. Six months of communication and planning and Six months of fabrication with my team of three (Ed, David and I) working closely with John Foster and his crew from Hive Contracting. John was, as always, fantastic to work with. His experience and leadership ensured that every aspect of the build went smoothly, from the initial design stages to the final installation. Our shared history made the collaboration effortless, and together, we were able to overcome the challenges that came our way. (there were a few)
The Grand Opening
Now that Cantina Pedrigal is open, I can look back with pride on what we achieved. The restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, not just for its authentic Mexican cuisine, but for its inviting atmosphere and unique design. I had the honor of having dinner with my wife on opening night and it was incredible. Each booth we crafted contributes to the overall experience, making every visit to Cantina Pedrigal special.
Working with Clay Nutting, Gennifer Munoz of Studio Oxeye, and John Foster on this project has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder of why I love what I do—transforming creative ideas into tangible realities that people can enjoy for years to come. If you find yourself in Folsom, be sure to visit Cantina Pedrigal. Not just for the amazing food, but to experience the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating this unique space.