Jose Cuervo Tequileria

Designers tried to create a space that feels like the “Island Nation of Jose Cuervo” for the newest Jose Cuervo Tequileria at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport. At the front of the restaurant, a colorful, illuminated mosaic lizard crafted from broken ceramic tiles greets guests. Once inside, visitors pass over a glass mosaic tile “rosetta,” a Cuervo trademark. Large, open windows facing the terminal allow passersby a glimpse of the lively atmosphere, attracting them into the space.

The 2800-sq.-ft. space is divided in two sections: a casual bar area and a traditional dining section. Bright colors, whimsical graphics and multi-colored chairs denote the bar. Custom tabletops boast sayings like “Lick, shoot, suck” and other Cuervo trivia to engage guests.

In the dining room, faux-chiseled stone tables and wooden-bottomed chairs create a more intimate, rustic Mexican atmosphere. Three themed bays reflect Mexican heritage: the Gran Centario, which features a hand-painted angel mural; the 1800 Room, with a working gas fireplace; and the Agavero Room, in which a large sun mask with backlit rays takes center stage.

Client Team: Host Intl., Scottsdale, Ariz. – Perry Brush, director of design and construction; Terry Ell, developer and general manager

Design: AAD, Scottsdale, Ariz. – Carl Schaffer, principal-in-charge; Keith Sullivan, studio director; Jennifer Reynolds, design director; Tom Higgins, Rodney Jakes, Stacy Molnar and Sudeep Dey, development team

General Contractor: Wolfe Construction, Phoenix

Suppliers: MPO Videotronics, Newbury Park, Calif. (audio/visual); National Mallfront, Peoria, Ariz. (ceiling/theming/graphics/signage); Pindler & Pindler, Arizona Design Center, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Commercial Custom Seating, Santa Ana, Calif. (fabrics); National Mallfront, Peoria, Ariz. (fixturing); Shaffer Seating, Denver (chairs and barstools); Casa Talamantes, Albuquerque (leather chairs); National Mallfront, Peoria, Ariz. (resin tabletops); Innovative Surfaces, Pheonix (stone tabletops); J&J Industries, Santa Ana, Calif. (table bases); Tile West, Phoenix (flooring); Interiors for Architecture, Scottsdale, Ariz. (props/decoratives/artifacts); JM Lynne Wallcovering, New York, and Xquest Wall Surfaces, Hackensack, N.J. (wallcoverings)

Photography: Norton Photography, Phoenix