Draft + Table Argenta
The Design Story Behind Draft and Table Argenta
What happens when a once-popular downtown restaurant becomes overlooked and underutilized? At Shine, we see potential—and that’s exactly what we brought to life at Draft and Table Argenta in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Location: Argenta Historic District, North Little Rock, AR
Scope of Services: Full Interior and Exterior Renovation
Architectural: Scott Pruitt, Eyllen Calderon/ Applied Technology Group
Located within the vibrant Argenta Arts District, just steps from Simmons Bank Arena, this restaurant space was dark, dated, and underperforming despite its prime location in a walkable, historic neighborhood. Our client envisioned something entirely new: a welcoming, flexible restaurant that could serve weekday lunch crowds, weekend brunchers, and refined evening diners. And they needed a team who could reimagine both the space and the brand—within a tight budget, and with respect for the district’s historic character.
A Concept Rooted in Character and Community
The design concept centered on contrast and balance: pairing timeless architectural character with the needs of a modern hospitality space. While the building itself is not historic, it sits within the Argenta Historic District—meaning thoughtful design, material selection, and exterior elements required careful review and approval. We took that responsibility seriously, using design to help Draft and Table feel both connected to its historic surroundings and fully current in its ambiance and amenities.
Inside, we preserved existing elements with sentimental and aesthetic value, including the wood-paneled dining room walls, which feature authentic craftsmanship and add warmth and depth to the space. The main bar, originally crafted in Ireland for the previous restaurant tenant, also stayed—refinished and repurposed as a nod to the location’s legacy and community nostalgia.
Designed for Flexibility and Flow
Furniture Floor Plan
One of the client’s main goals was creating a restaurant that could shift throughout the day and week. From lunch crowds to weekend brunch, and from intimate date nights to lively pre-concert gatherings, the space needed to feel equally welcoming and functional. We introduced a variety of seating types—cozy two-tops, booths, bar seating, and large group tables—making it easy to accommodate any occasion.
A once-cluttered interior with pub-style niches was opened up to allow for clear sightlines, easier service, and better flow. We also prioritized sound management with acoustical ceiling baffles, ensuring a pleasant experience no matter how full the dining room gets.
A Fresh Palette with Lasting Impact
We leaned into a rich, high-contrast color story to bring visual drama and cohesion to the space. Cobalt blue, copper, soft white, and black appear throughout the restaurant in everything from upholstery and tile to light fixtures and millwork details. New lighting—both ambient and decorative—was selected for its warmth and sparkle, adding a glow that draws guests in from the street.
Outdoor patios on the south and east sides expand the dining experience beyond the walls, and help Draft and Table engage with Argenta’s walkable, pedestrian-focused energy, especially during special events and arena concerts.
Restrooms That Reflect the Brand
Often overlooked in restaurant design, the restrooms at Draft and Table were seen as an opportunity to elevate the overall experience. We treated these spaces like a hospitality moment, incorporating full-height louvered doors, ambient lighting, oversized mirrors, and plenty of counter space—ideal for guests attending special occasions or concerts.
When the originally specified quartz for the restroom counters exceeded the budget, we sourced a visually similar alternative with a dramatic pattern that stayed within the color palette—and within budget.
Overcoming Challenges with Craft and Creativity
Every renovation brings its surprises.
At Draft and Table, a few of our biggest hurdles included:
Budget: Smart material choices and creative sourcing were essential to delivering big design impact without overspending.
Tile installation: A custom ceramic tile for the feature wall shrank slightly in the firing process, making its precise geometric pattern difficult to install. Our team adjusted the layout, relying on both level and visual balance to complete the wall with intention.
Flooring issues: The original restaurant stage was made of concrete and surrounded by poorly maintained flooring. We partnered with a seasoned concrete team to prep, infill, and finish the floors with sanding, scoring, and staining—creating a seamless, cohesive look throughout.
One of the most exciting parts of the process? Using 3D scanning software to model the entire space, a first for our team. This tool gave us an incredibly accurate foundation for our renovation plans and helped ensure alignment between designers, contractors, and clients from the very beginning.
More Than Just Interiors: A Full Brand Experience
This project wasn’t just about designing a space—it was about helping build a brand. Shine’s team was responsible for developing the full interior and marketing concept for Draft and Table. That included everything from the ambient lighting and table design to branding patterns and color strategy.
We made sure every detail, from custom-made tables to clever bar station layout, was chosen with durability, functionality, and visual storytelling in mind.
Draft and Table: A New Chapter for a Beloved Location
Today, Draft and Table stands as a vibrant neighborhood destination, balancing modern hospitality design with nods to the past and an eye toward community connection. It’s a space that locals are proud of—and one that guests love returning to.
Location: Argenta Historic District, North Little Rock, AR
Scope of Services: Full Interior and Exterior Renovation, Brand & Marketing Design
Design Team: Owner, Scott Landers,
Architectural: Scott Pruitt, Eyllen Calderon/ Applied Technology Group
Is your space ready for a reimagination? Let’s talk. Contact Shine Interior Design Studio to bring thoughtful, hospitality-forward design to life