Jasmine Kitchen

Jasmine Road is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of sex trafficking and abuse. Formed in 2016, the organization provides residential programs for victims as well as stable and sustainable employment opportunities. In 2018, Board Chair, Katherine Norwood, approached McMillan Pazdan Smith to design their new restaurant, Jasmine Kitchen. Having worked with us previously at Christ Church Episcopal School, she was familiar with our firm and our passion for designing community-focused spaces.

Jasmine Road purchased two adjacent houses along Augusta Road. Our female-led design team coordinated the demolition of one house to make room for parking and renovated the second house to serve as the site for Jasmine Kitchen. Given that this was once a residence, much of the space consisted of smaller, enclosed rooms. We opened up the space, creating a flow so that when customers enter from the front door, they are led right to the ordering counter, and then to the seating area. Our design team also considered the historic character of the house and maintained many original elements including mouldings, coffered ceilings, doors, and windows. Partial walls were kept in place as a nod to the original layout and an inviting, home-like environment. Working with a local restaurant equipment designer for the kitchen, we combined what was once two rooms to expand the area.

We enclosed the front porch to create a dining room for private events or regular lunches. With the other house demolished to make room for the parking lot, we were able to design a new side entrance that mimicked the original front porch with a ramp and covered entry. We also added a large back deck that includes outdoor seating, and then converted the basement to house equipment and storage as well as a small office for staff. Women in the program contributed to the design process and now help operate the business as part of a job training plan. The service model of the restaurant strives to create a safe, friendly place to work and find stability for a new life.

The 1,500 SF renovation was completed in February 2020.