Perkins wins top prototype design award for Orlando restaurant

By AI, Created 9:50 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Perkins Restaurant and Bakery won Best New Prototype - Existing Concept at the 10th Annual rd+d Awards for its Orlando, Florida location. The redesign cuts the footprint by 50% while keeping the brand’s bakery-café identity and improving efficiency for guests and staff.

Why it matters: - Perkins is using design to modernize a 65-year-old family-dining brand without losing the bakery-café experience that defines it. - The award signals that smaller, more efficient restaurant layouts can still support core menu items, guest flow and brand identity. - The prototype could shape future Perkins locations and franchise development if the model scales as planned.

What happened: - Perkins Restaurant and Bakery won Best New Prototype - Existing Concept at the 10th Annual rd+d Awards for its Orlando, Florida location. - restaurant development & design magazine presented the awards. - The recognition went to Perkins for a redesigned restaurant prototype that blends a traditional feel with a more contemporary look.

The details: - The new prototype repositions the bakery near the entrance to highlight the brand’s bakery-café heritage. - The design uses a significantly reduced footprint and a more streamlined layout. - Judges said the Perkins team reduced the restaurant footprint by 50% while keeping core offerings and the guest experience intact. - The prototype was described by judges as a “fresh design” and a “strong revival of the brand.” - Peter Ortiz, chief development officer for Ascent Hospitality Management, said the recognition marks an important milestone for the organization and reflects the brand’s continued evolution. - Ortiz also said the redesign improves the dining experience for guests and efficiency for teams. - Perkins partnered with Aria Group on architecture and design, Ameritech Facility Services as general contractor, Dykes Food Service Solutions on kitchen and furniture consulting, and MEP Green Design & Build on MEP engineering. - restaurant development & design is a reader-driven publication focused on restaurant development, design and construction. - The rd+d Awards are now in their 10th year and recognize standout projects that resonate with readers and impress industry judges. - Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has more than 65 years of history and serves all-day breakfast, hearty meals and fresh-baked pies made daily. - Perkins operates locations across the U.S. and Canada. - More information is available in Perkins franchising opportunities.

Between the lines: - The redesign suggests Perkins is prioritizing operational efficiency as much as aesthetics. - A 50% smaller footprint points to a strategy that could lower buildout and operating costs if deployed broadly. - Moving the bakery to the entrance also reinforces the brand’s most recognizable asset at the point of arrival.

What’s next: - Perkins is likely to use the award-winning prototype as a reference point for future development and franchising conversations. - The brand’s next test is whether the new layout can deliver the same customer experience at scale across more markets. - Perkins continues to position itself around classic comfort food, all-day dining and bakery items as it evolves its store design.