The family-owned restaurant group has grown to four locations in four decades and is still a beloved Austin establishment. The owners knew it was time for a modern interiors update – but felt it was extremely important to keep the Serranos brand authenticity intact. They trusted Mark Odom Studio to lead them through an interior reno and update of their popular, 20-year-old, Lakeline Austin location, giving it a modern design while still holding on to their down to earth “everyone is welcome at the table” concept.
Mark Odom Studio has worked with several legacy brands – with the goal of keeping their uniquely Austin identity intact while moving forward with city’s everchanging landscape. Link to images here (Andrea Calo). Let me know if you’d like to pursue an article, details on the new reveal below, interviews available. Thank you! Best, Kris Ferraro
Austin legacy brand, Serranos Cocina y Cantina gets a modern refresh by architecture and interiors firm Mark Odom Studio. The 37-year-old family-owned Mexican restaurant concept gives its Lakeline location an exciting interior and exterior update while keeping the welcoming, lively ambience Austinites have loved.
Founded in 1987 by David Quintanilla and his family, Serranos is known for its mesquite grilled, authentic Mexican food, heirloom recipes, and fresh hand shaken margaritas. In nearly four decades the independently owned family business has grown to four Austin locations. Now run by Josh and Tanya Camacho, David’s son in law and daughter, the brand set out for an interior renovation of its large Lakeline restaurant, opened in 2005. The Camacho’s felt it was time for a modern approach – but it was important to keep the Serranos brand authenticity intact. Ownership asked for a welcoming, down to earth feel, imparting a sense of community and family tradition – a key element that attributes to Serranos’ success throughout the decades.
Mark Odom Studio renovated and updated the 6,931 sq ft space giving it a modern cantina vibe, incorporating vibrant hues, elevated craftsmanship and soft warm textures, while maintaining an easy going, comfortable atmosphere. The goal was to design a new concept that kept the Serranos’ integrity while reimagining the space with an energetic, stylish new look — setting a precedent for updates to other Serranos locations.
“Serranos is a perfect example of how we work with authentic Austin brands like Birds, Torchy’s Tacos amongst others,” says Mark Odom, founding principal Mark Odom Studio. “Helping Austin’s iconic and independent businesses keep their legacy and unique brand identity while moving with our changing modern city is always the end result.”
The architecture team took time in understanding the scope and history of Serranos’ enduring legacy, making sure none of the original charm was lost in the new design. The scope of work included a front of house, bar/lounge and dining room renovation in addition to an exterior and patio refresh. The immediate standout is the stunning front entry as large hand-crafted hacienda-style doors welcome guests. Another key design element is the rolling pin wall that tells the story of the family bond, generational recipes, and fresh homemade tortillas.
The design team completely transformed the vast dining room, creating flex, family and social dining areas, each space with its own visual feature. A large tapestry divider, created by artist Lisandra Ramos of Metgal Art, is centered in the main dining room and acts as a separation of the dining spaces, flanked by new wood banquette seating and colorful hand painted murals by local artists.
The popular bar and lounge get a beautiful update with a fun, elevated vibe that hints at the original rustic cantina featuring carved wood shelving. Large arched tile shelves behind the bar are a stand out along with a colorful Mexican hand painted mural wall and new high top seating – all combined to bring old and new together.
“This process was a successful collaboration with the Serranos team,” says Erin Nies, Principal, Mark Odom Studio. “We were trusted to listen and convey the Serranos name and value. The goal was to not only create a well-designed space but to reflect the history and tradition that has led to their success.”
Mark Odom Studio is working with the Serranos team to begin transitioning and updating another location continuing the family business’ “everyone is welcome at the table” concept. Renovation is about to begin at Serranos Mopac location at 5030 W. Hwy. 290 in Austin.
“Mark Odom Studio did a great job listening about our history, Mexican culture, and brand. They modified our restaurant’s flow to improve our guests’ experience and staffs’ efficiency,” says Joshua Camacho, Vice President, Serranos Cocina Y Cantina. “We take pride in providing traditional recipes in an innovative way and treating guests like our familia and we are excited to share our new look with the greater Austin area!”
Architect: Mark Odom Studio
Builder: Citadel Development Group
Electrical Engineer: HMG & Associates
Accessibility Consultant: Contour Collective
Mural Artists: @brittpaintsalot @taylordpaints @saekart
Tapestry: Lisandra Ramos with Metgal Art
Mosaic Artist: Carmen Rangel, @vivalapainter
Photography: Andrea Calo
About Mark Odom Studio
Founded in Austin, Texas, by principal Mark Odom, Mark Odom Studio aims to listen, observe, and edit to produce experiential architecture that embodies the client’s vision and responds purposefully to context and the wellness of our environment. Mark Odom Studio works with a diverse group of stakeholders and developers that range between mixed-use, retail, hospitality, infill, multi-family housing, and single family. For more information, visit www.markodomstudio.com. Follow @markodomstudio.
About Serranos
Founded in 1987 by David Quintanilla and family, Serranos is a Mexican restaurant and bar that merges family recipes with broader Mexican traditions. With handmade tortillas, the signature flavor of food prepared on a mesquite grill, and an unwavering commitment to sourcing the highest-quality ingredients possible, Serranos serves scratch-made recipes in an atmosphere bursting with life. Deeply invested in their guests, their people, and their community, Serranos believes that good food—and good service—never takes shortcuts. For more information, visit www.serranos.com. Follow@serranosaustin.
