Grumpy Rabbit American Eatery
The place
The 1915 Joe P. Eagle Building in downtown Lonoke, Arkansas, originally designed by renowned architect Charles Thompson. Lonoke is known as "The Front Porch of the Delta."
The decisions
A dynamic adaptive reuse designed by Kudzu Collective and Shine Interior Design Studios. State and federal historic tax credits were utilized in the rehabilitation. Landscape architect Brantley Snipes created custom outdoor planters and the landscape plan for the outdoor seating area, and Helena-based Thrive, Inc. created the branding assets and indoor murals.
The outcome
Since opening, the restaurant has inspired numerous other rehabilitation projects in the historic district, significantly increased tax revenue, and put Lonoke back on the map. The design has won three regional awards alongside the restaurant's culinary recognition.
Awards
2021 Arkansas Chapter People's Choice Award
South Central Chapter Silver Award for Hospitality
Outstanding Achievement in Adaptive Reuse
We went from being an overlooked community in the shadows to a community that people really recognize.
Coverage
- KATV, 2022Lonoke sees big improvements with a strategic action plan
- Shared Experiences USA, 2022Lonoke, Arkansas' coolest new restaurant
- Arkansas Times, 2021Lonoke County's Finest: The Grumpy Rabbit is field trip-worthy
- AY MagazineLonoke: Front Porch of the Delta
Project team
- Design PartnersShine Interior Design Studio, Lonoke, Ark.
- MEP Engineering2 Good Engineering, Little Rock, Ark.
- Structural EngineerPhillip Lewis Engineering, Little Rock, Ark.
- Landscape DesignBrantley Snipes, Greenwood, Miss.
- General ContractorHart Construction, Searcy, Ark.
- Historic Tax Credit ConsultantAmber Jones, Little Rock, Ark.
- Branding & Environmental GraphicsThrive, Inc., Helena, Ark.
- PhotographyNolan Dean, Cherry Street Productions, Helena, Ark.
See more of the work
Every project starts with a place worth keeping and a coalition ready to keep it.