2023 Newsletter
Dear friends of api(+),
We are thrilled to unveil our 2023 newsletter, showcasing the remarkable achievements that have defined this year for us. We’ve made substantial advancements in the realms of retail, restaurant, and wayfinding industries. Our unwavering commitment to client satisfaction has not only fueled revenue growth but also fostered enduring partnerships with a considerable number of long-term clients.
On our journey, we have continued to amplify our team with exceptionally creative and talented individuals, enhancing our capacity to innovate and deliver outstanding results. As we reflect on our accomplishments, we are filled with gratitude for the continuous support we’ve received. The future holds immense promise for our firm, the industries we passionately serve, and, above all, for our valued clients. Thank you for being an integral part of our ongoing success.
Restaurants
Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
RESTAURANT FLAGSHIP DESIGN
Tampa, Florida
Step inside the redefined steakhouse experience, developed by api(+) with Jay Hannifan and the Bloomin’ Brands team. Fleming’s is breaking the mold of traditional steakhouse dining. Prepare to be amazed by the modern, Napa-inspired design and menu. The freestanding, 360-seat fine dining concept to be located near Bloomin’ Brands’ headquarters in Tampa and is slated to open in 2024.
services: branding | concept design | planning | interior design | architecture
Food Retail
ShopRite
GROCERY PROTOTYPE
Woolrich, New Jersey
Our mission was to create a standout ShopRite store spotlighting Zallie Family Market’s uniqueness. We aimed to define distinct architecture, interior design, and graphics for Zallie Family Market’s as the top regional grocer. We wish continued success to David Zallie and his family.
services: prototype design | branding | graphics | interior design | architecture
Centers
Regency Centers Avenida Biscayne
GROUP UP LIFESTYLE CENTER
Aventura, Florida
Crafted as an inviting, outdoor-oriented, upscale destination, the center celebrates the region’s weather and hospitality. Avenida Biscayne will be approximately 28,000 square feet of exclusive retail and restaurant tenants. We look forward to groundbreaking with Paula Henrique and the Regency team.
services: brand strategy | master planning | placemaking | architecture
Restaurants
Olivia
RESTAURANT DESIGN
St. Petersburg, Florida
Renowned Chef Chris Ponte, a former James Beard Foundation Award nominee, is set to bring OLIVIA, his modern Italian eatery, to downtown St. Pete. Partnering with api(+), the 5,550-square-foot restaurant, situated on the ground floor of the new 36-story Ascent tower, promises a chic urban experience.
services: space planning | interior design | architecture
Centers
Sembler Publix Retail Center
PUBLIX + RETAIL CENTER DESIGN
Spring Hill, Florida
Our team proudly served as both the designer and architect of record for the tear-down and replacement of Publix, spanning nearly 50,000 square feet. Additionally, we updated the look of the approximately 55,000-square-foot balance of the center. Thank you to Dave Davis and the Sembler team.
services: architecture
Food Retail
KJ’s Market
GROGERY PROTOTYPE
Tampa, Florida
Working closely with our client team from Lowes Foods, api(+) created an all-new approximately 30,000-square foot prototype design for KJ’s Market, complete with a cafe, butcher shop and pitmaster, plus lots of interactive components for kids! More stores with the new prototype design are planned to open in 2024 and beyond. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Heather George and Ted Croiter again!
services: prototype design | decor | graphics | interior design | architecture
Restaurants
Amendment XXI
RESTAURANT DESIGN
Tampa, Florida
This 8,000-square-foot restaurant underwent a total rebrand and remodel, embracing a prohibition era theme. The design, inspired by the post-speakeasy era, cleverly utilized materials, colors, and vintage photography to celebrate the end of prohibition. Congratulations to Anthony Sandstrom, Brian Henry and Chuck Locke of Babb Hospitality.
services: brand strategy | space planning | interior design | graphics | architecture
Food Retail
Winn-Dixie
GROCERY EVOLUTION
Apopka, Florida
api(+) developed an evolutionary graphics and décor package for a new ground-up approximately 47,500-square-foot Winn-Dixie. We brought more fun and lightheartedness into the environment, and focused on lighting to increase sales in key areas. Thank you for your collaboration Joe Armas and team!
services: branding | decor | graphics
Restaurants
Banyan House
RESTAURANT DESIGN
Venice, Florida
Mattamy Homes partnered with our design and architecture team to create a stunning waterfront restaurant, drawing inspiration from a traditional canoe livery. PRIME Restaurants recognized the potential to develop a vibrant, nature-inspired full-service restaurant and bar. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Rick Severance of Mattamy Homes and David Valentino and Mark Costanzo of PRIME Restaurants.
services: branding | space planning | interior design | architecture
Wayfinding
Downtown Tampa Neighborhood Branding
BRANDING | PLACEMAKING | WAYFINDING
Tampa, Florida
api(+) was enlisted by the Tampa Downtown Partnership to create a set distinct yet cohesive brand identities for the neighborhoods that make up Tampa’s core. The brand elements will be implemented in placemaking and wayfinding throughout the city to inform and guide visitors and locals alike. Thank you Caroline Keesler, Rachel Radawic and Partnership team for your collaboration.
services: branding | placemaking | wayfinding
Food Retail
Lee’s Marketplace
GROCERY PROTOTYPE
Richmond, Utah
The Richmond location showcases an original prototype seamlessly infusing local charm into color, materials, lifestyle photography, and distinct departments. We are adapting the prototype to additional Lee’s locations. It is a pleasure to work with you Jonathan and Shari Badger!
services: brand strategy | interior design | décor | graphics
Food Retail
poppy go lucky at lowes foods
STORE-WITHIN-A-STORE PROTOTYPE
Wilmington, North Carolina
The Poppy Go Lucky popcorn department caters to families who choose Lowes Foods for its thematic branded experience. We developed a conceptual design studying the layout, millwork, finishes, and graphics and crafting the final environment, continuing our partnership with Heather George and the Lowes Foods Team.
services: brand strategy | interior design | decor | graphics
Restaurants
Stormrunners Tavern
RESTAURANT REIMAGING
Gulfport, Florida
The api(+) team collaborated with restauranteur Dave Burton to develop the brand and environmental design for a new Florida concept, Stormrunners Tavern. The 8,000-square-foot concept will offer dining and three bars with an old Florida, hurricane theme.
services: branding | concept development | interior design | décor | graphics
Thought Leadership
Exploration, learning and thought leadership drive our team. We’re proud to share our expertise with the industries we serve. This year we proudly contributed to events by Urban Land Institute, Innovating Commerce Serving Communities, Tampa Bay Retail Alliance, Tampa Downtown Partnership and Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.
api(+) In the News
Team & Company Culture
api(+) Team Milestones
We are grateful for our many team members that have been with us for many years. Congratulations to those who have celebrated 5 or more years with our company!
Judy • 24 | Li • 19 | John • 18 | Juliette • 11 | Carrie • 8 | Joan • 7 | Rachel • 6 | Jeff • 5
New & Returning Team Members
In 2023, we grew our diverse and creative team by six! Welcome, Jason, Jeni, David, Erin, and Zach and the return of Rachel!
Tiger Award Winners
Each year api(+) recognizes employees who have consistently distinguished themselves for their resolve, agility, tenacity, accountability, effectiveness, pride and can-do attitude with the api(+) Tiger Award. Congratulations to our 2023 Tigers: Lisa, Alex & Nikki
Community Involvement
Several of our team members are in leadership roles with Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA), an annual event where accomplished and emerging artists showcase work at one of the largest outdoor art festivals in Florida. John is past president and serving a three-year board term, Jeff is vice president of the board, and Erin, Lisa and Rachel each serve on committees.
Several of our team members are in leadership roles with Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (GFA), an annual event where accomplished and emerging artists showcase work at one of the largest outdoor art festivals in Florida. John is past president and serving a three-year board term, Jeff is vice president of the board, and Erin, Lisa and Rachel each serve on committees.
Rachel is a member of AIA, participates on the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Urban Design Committee, and volunteers/donates as she can with locally focused fundraisers and activities that are focused on Conservation, Animal Rescue, and Families in need.
Alex U is an active member of St Pete Young Professionals, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Young Professionals and Themed Entertainment Association NextGen.
Nikki is an active member of IIDA.
Jeff volunteers with Friends of Strays animal shelter.
John is an Equality Florida donor and active Society of Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) member.
Juliette continues to lead the Tampa Bay Events Committee for ICSC, the premier retail real estate industry association, organizing several sold out events per year.
David is an active member of American Institute of Architects and regularly participates in Tampa Bay Chapter events.
