Mad Yolks Restaurant
The design of ‘Mad Yolks’ breakfast concept in Santa Cruz takes inspiration from eggs, with oval-shaped tiles, yellow accents, curvy forms, and an eggshell-like service counter, completed by Studio BANAA.
‘Mad Yolks’ is the latest creation of twin brother restaurateurs, Peter and Henry Wong, who have established themselves as an authority on fast casual dining in downtown Santa Cruz with a highly successful poke restaurant. Their love for well-crafted locally-made ingredients has brought them to experiment with food once more, this time with people’s favorite meal of the day – breakfast!
A breakfast concept in the surf haven of Santa Cruz clearly calls for a laid-back and approachable atmosphere, taking cues from the traditional American diner with a healthy spin. Our design concept riffs off of all things egg – from the large oval-shaped tiles in the restroom, to the deep yellow accent tones, to the loose curvy, and arched forms throughout the space. The service counter showcases a literal version of an eggshell, with a continuous “crack” on the face that brings in soft yellow lighting via a concealed light cove. The existing playful and intricate tile flooring is restored and preserved to celebrate the history of the space, while a few rows of half-circle floating shelves replicate the waves of the ocean.
Design: Studio BANAA
Client: Peter & Henry Wong, Manning Development
Photography: Mikiko Kikuyama
