Post-Covid Refresh Helps Local Family-Friendly Restaurant Translate Downtown Vibe to Suncrest Location

While Black Bear Burritos was closed for dining due to the Covid pandemic, I helped the owners make some big changes inside. After they closed their downtown location, they had a lot of extra art, tables, and chairs to incorporate into the Suncrest space. I painted nearly every wall, helped rearrange and hang art, and added fresh paint and plants to the patio. Below are some before and after shots and a bit about my process.

I painted the walls at the entrance a beautiful warm green, which really made the Volkswagen Bug pop. Jason enlisted the help of a local arborist to re-construct the wall covering of circular wood he originally created for the downtown location. It’s the first thing you see when you walk in, and it really sets the tone. I love how the warm wood pops against the green backdrop. Jason also hung four stained glass pieces from the downtown location in the front windows, bringing back some of that familiar and beloved character.

Owners Jason and Matt decided to incorporate what was once a private dining room into the rest of the restaurant by cutting a large window into the wall it shares with the larger space. I painted the back wall the same green as the entryway and the remaining walls a warm, glowing yellow. It now showcases all their outdoor-themed artwork. 

I continued the green from the entryway walls onto the two walls that lead to the counter where you place your order. I left the orange on the low wall beside the booths for a nice contrast. The new wall colors really highlight both the bicycle tire lights (sponsored by Pathfinder) and the Eddie Spaghetti mural on the low wall.

Jason suggested painting the big square pillar behind the counter turquoise, which ties in nicely with the turquoise accent wall we painted across the restaurant. We hung nine bold bear paw paintings created by Jason’s artist buddy Ryan Liniscome on the entrance wall and behind the counter and hung an awesome new Eddie Spaghetti bike print on the pillar.

We filled the wall behind the bar with brewery signs and other bar-related kitch and switched out the booths for high-tops to create a more cohesive feel.

I also rehung some of the existing art, moving it down a bit to make the space feel more intimate.

In the hall leading to the bathrooms, I hung all the awards and plaques they’ve received in 18 years of business on one wall and grouped a collection of WVU-themed memorabilia on the other. I painted the doors to the bathrooms and offices black to hide dirt and add some punchy contrast.

I painted both bathrooms green and the stalls black and added art and mirrors.

We added a turquoise accent wall and painted the wooden silhouette of musicians (made by Roland Hunn) black to make it pop against the orange. 

I carried the green paint around behind the stage.

In addition to my interior work, I drew a mandala-inspired design they had made into stickers and photographed the entire menu for their new online ordering system.