How design helps restaurants feel like home

How design helps restaurants feel like home

From The Dining Table by Crain's Audio Studio

March 17, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 154

About this episode

The episode discusses how design elements in restaurants can create a welcoming atmosphere, featuring insights from designer Aida Napoles.

For restaurant designers, the small touches are what make a space feel welcoming. In this episode, host David Manilow talks with Aida Napoles about how she brought a vision inspired by childhood memories to Carnitas Uruapan in Little Village. You'll also hear how Napoles applies her instincts for residential design to help restaurants feel more like home.

People in this episode

Host: David Manilow

Guest: Aida Napoles

Topics covered

  • restaurant design
  • interior design
  • hospitality
  • childhood memories
  • welcoming spaces

Keywords

  • restaurant design
  • Aida Napoles
  • David Manilow
  • Carnitas Uruapan
  • interior design
  • hospitality
  • welcoming spaces

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Carnitas Uruapan

Places: Little Village

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