This award-winning restaurant in Downtown Lonoke, Arkansas is a dynamic adaptive reuse project designed by Kudzu Collective and Shine Interior Design Studios. It is located in the 1915 Joe P. Eagle Building, originally designed by renowned architect Charles Thompson.  Since its opening, The Grumpy Rabbit American Eatery has inspired numerous other rehabilitation projects in the historic district, significantly increased tax revenue, and put Lonoke, known as “The Front Porch of the Delta,” back on the map.  Landscape Architect Brantley Snipes created custom outdoor planters and landscape plan for the delightful outdoor seating area. Helena, Arkansas-based Thrive, Inc. created the unforgettable branding assets and indoor murals that make this dining experience unlike any other.  State and federal historic tax credits were utilized in this rehabilitation project. In addition to dozens of awards for culinary excellence for the restaurant, the project’s design has also won the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Arkansas Chapter People’s Choice Award, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) South Central Chapter Silver Award for Hospitality, and Preserve Arkansas Award for Outstanding Achievement in Adaptive Reuse

Design Partners: Shine Interior Design Studio, Lonoke, Ark.

MEP Engineering: 2 Good Engineering, Little Rock, Ark.

Structural Engineer: Phillip Lewis Engineering, Little Rock, Ark.

Landscape Design: Brantley Snipes, Greenwood, Miss.

General Contractor: Hart Construction, Searcy, Ark.

Historic Tax Credit Consultant: Amber Jones, Little Rock, Ark.

Branding Consultancy and Environmental Graphics: Thrive, Inc., Helena, Ark.

Awards: American Institute of Architects (AIA) Arkansas Chapter People’s Choice Award
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) South Central Chapter Silver Award for Hospitality
Preserve Arkansas Award for Outstanding Achievement in Adaptive Reuse

Photography: Nolan Dean, Cherry Street Productions, Helena, Ark.