Ricetta's Brick Oven Ristorante – A Stunning Restaurant Makeover

Bringing Authentic Italian Dining to Life: The Ricetta’s Brick Oven Ristorante Transformation

Ricetta’s Brick Oven Ristorante has long been known as a staple of authentic Italian dining in Maine. With a commitment to high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, the family-owned restaurant has cultivated a dedicated following. As the demand for an expanded presence grew, Ricetta’s took on a bold new project—a complete transformation of a former pub into a modern, state-of-the-art Italian eatery in Saco, Maine.

Jewett Construction was honored to bring this vision to life, delivering a beautifully renovated restaurant that blends contemporary design with the classic charm that Ricetta’s is known for. From upgrading the kitchen to enhancing the dining experience, every element of this project was carefully crafted to meet the evolving needs of both the business and its customers.

Designing a Space That Reflects the Ricetta’s Brand

With any restaurant renovation, maintaining brand identity is crucial. Ricetta’s signature aesthetic combines rustic Italian warmth with a modern touch. The renovation was designed to embody this essence while also ensuring functionality for both customers and staff.

The transformation included:

• Redesigned interiors that create a welcoming and cozy ambiance.
• A state-of-the-art open-concept kitchen, allowing guests to see the art of pizza-making in action.
• Custom tile finishes that complement the restaurant's brick oven centerpiece.
• A dedicated takeout area with a separate entrance for convenience.
• Upgraded lighting, seating arrangements, and décor to enhance customer comfort.

The goal was to create a space that not only enhanced the dining experience but also improved workflow efficiency for staff and streamlined service operations.

Upgrading the Heart of the Restaurant: The Kitchen

For any restaurant, the kitchen is the backbone of operations. Ricetta’s is well-known for its handcrafted brick oven pizzas, and the new space was designed to support the high demand for their signature dishes.

Key kitchen improvements included:

• Installation of new, high-efficiency pizza ovens that maintain optimal cooking temperatures.
• An expanded prep area for streamlined food preparation.
• New refrigeration and storage solutions to enhance food safety and freshness.
• Improved ventilation systems to ensure a comfortable work environment for chefs.

These enhancements have allowed Ricetta’s to operate at peak efficiency, ensuring that customers receive the same top-tier quality they have come to expect.

Enhancing the Customer Experience

Today’s diners look for more than just great food—they want an immersive experience. The Ricetta’s renovation focused on creating an environment where guests could enjoy not just the flavors of Italy but also the ambiance that comes with it.

Highlights of the dining space upgrades include:

• Open kitchen concept, allowing guests to watch the pizza-making process in real time.
• Large, comfortable seating arrangements for families, couples, and large groups.
• A beautifully designed bar area featuring a curated selection of wines and craft cocktails.
• New acoustics and soundproofing to enhance conversations without excessive noise.

By balancing aesthetics and function, Ricetta’s now offers a space where diners can fully enjoy the art of Italian cuisine in a setting that feels both upscale and familiar.

Creating a Seamless Takeout and Delivery Experience

With the rise of takeout and delivery services, Ricetta’s recognized the need for an efficient system to handle off-premises dining. A dedicated takeout area was built with its own entrance to separate it from the main dining area, streamlining the pickup process for customers and delivery drivers.

Key improvements for takeout services include:

• Separate kitchen prep space for faster, more efficient takeout orders.
• A designated waiting area to improve the pickup experience.
• Enhanced packaging stations to ensure food quality during transport.

These changes have significantly increased the restaurant’s ability to meet demand without disrupting the dine-in experience.

Improving Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

In addition to enhancing aesthetics and functionality, sustainability was a major consideration in the renovation. Several eco-friendly upgrades were incorporated to reduce Ricetta’s environmental footprint and improve energy efficiency.

• LED Lighting Installation – Reduces energy consumption and provides better illumination.
• High-Efficiency HVAC System – Improves air quality while lowering operating costs.
• Recycled and Locally Sourced Materials – Used wherever possible in flooring, countertops, and furniture.
• Water-Saving Fixtures – Installed in restrooms and kitchen areas to conserve water.

These sustainability initiatives not only benefit the environment but also help Ricetta’s reduce operational costs over the long term.

Managing the Renovation Process

One of the biggest challenges in restaurant renovations is managing construction while keeping operations as undisrupted as possible. With Ricetta’s new location being a former pub, the existing structure required extensive modifications to align with the brand’s needs.

Jewett Construction worked closely with Ricetta’s team to implement a strategic project timeline, ensuring:

• Efficient demolition and reconstruction phases.
• Minimal disruptions to neighboring businesses.
• Strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
• High-quality craftsmanship throughout every stage.

Thanks to careful planning and collaboration, the renovation was completed within 16 weeks, allowing Ricetta’s to open its doors on schedule.

A Successful Grand Opening and Beyond

After months of careful design and construction, Ricetta’s Brick Oven Ristorante officially opened its doors to an overwhelmingly positive response. Customers immediately embraced the new space, appreciating the blend of modern upgrades with the restaurant’s authentic Italian roots.

Since opening, the renovated Ricetta’s location has seen:

• Increased customer traffic and higher retention rates.
• Greater efficiency in kitchen and front-of-house operations.
• More streamlined takeout and delivery services.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction due to improved ambiance and service.

These improvements have positioned Ricetta’s for long-term success, ensuring it continues to thrive as a top-tier dining destination in Maine.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Future Expansions

The success of this renovation has set the foundation for Ricetta’s potential future expansions. With an optimized design, increased efficiency, and a stronger brand presence, the restaurant is well-equipped to continue its growth.

Jewett Construction is proud to have played a role in this transformative project. The completion of Ricetta’s Brick Oven Ristorante serves as a testament to the power of thoughtful renovation, combining tradition with modern efficiency to create an unforgettable dining experience.