HAPPY DAVE'S Travel Center

HAPPY DAVE'S Travel Center enlisted Cuhaci Peterson to produce a white paper prototype design from scratch.

The concept incorporated a restaurant, convenience store, donut shop and drive through, making it difficult to define the company’s sector which impacts the occupancy load, codes and overall design. CP was able to guide our client through the process while coordinating with consultants to ensure the project met its deadline.

The design featured kiosks in the middle of the store for sandwiches and cold beverages. It was also important to this customer that larger than normal bathrooms were installed to accommodate additional clientele. Other items incorporated into the design were areas for general merchandise, coolers, beer coolers, a humidor and back of house equipment.

Project Key Facts

Expertise

Convenience

Client

Leadership

Nathan Griffis

Wade Arnold

“The client came to us with a logo and a sign and said, ‘design me something and I don’t want it to look like a typical c-store.”

– Wade Arnold, Senior Project Architect

The Challenge

The project came together through a hand sketch that led to a floor plan and finally, a rendered image. At times, the project was complicated such as getting the proper equipment, elevation work and code research, all ahead of the design and process. Once again, CP led the client through a challenging process, and the result was a satisfied client and a successful project.

As a result, HAPPY DAVE’S Travel Center is now moving forward with Cuhaci Peterson’s prototype, using it for four additional new stores.

The Elevations

Located near the Villages on Highway 441 in Summerfield, HAPPY DAVE’S Travel Center is situated in a rural, residential area that exudes old Florida charm. Part of the design inspiration for the store were the surrounding houses and their gabled roofs or hip roofs. “We wanted something with character, something that would show off the area,” said CP Senior Project Architect Wade Arnold. “The building is actually kind of tall, because we wanted it to be seen through the fuel pumps,” he continued.

The Rendering

Cuhaci Peterson collaborated with HAPPY DAVE’S Travel Center to create two unique custom designs for the first-of-its-kind travel center. The winning design features a distinct entry tower that is easily recognizable from the road and an inviting front facade done in the old Florida style vernacular. Inside, you will find Happy Dave himself, a laid-back surfer dude with two thumbs up. HAPPY DAVE’S Travel Center is now moving forward with CP’s prototype, using it for four additional new stores.