Infusing Human Touch into a Fast Casual Restaurant
With the help of GDP Design Build, Sizzlin’ Greens has created a space that radiates health and vitality, inspired by the best of West Coast livin’.
Sizzlin' Greens is more than just a restaurant — it's the story of a family on a mission to bring wholesome, made-from-scratch food to quick-service dining. The Holden family, with the help of GDP Design Build, has created a space that radiates health and vitality, inspired by the best of West Coast livin’.
A Small Firm with a Big Heart
GDP Design Build, a father-son duo, is known for diving deep into the narrative of each space they design. George and Justin Fong, both trained architects, blend their skills in architecture and interior design to create cohesive and beautiful spaces. Despite being a small firm, their projects are anything but small-minded. “We delve into the narrative of the space,” Justin explains, emphasizing how the local community shapes their work. Many of their clients, like Sizzlin’ Greens, are new startups or first-time entrepreneurs, so adding a personal touch to each project is important.
A Concept Born from a Family Tale
Founded by Ray Holden and his four sons, Sizzlin' Greens is a new kind of fast-casual restaurant. Inspired by Jackie Holden, a certified holistic health practitioner, the restaurant serves fresh, delicious dishes made from high-quality, clean ingredients. The alignment of family-run businesses made the collaboration with GDP Design Build a natural fit.
The Holden family's commitment to health and vitality is reflected in the restaurant's design, emphasizing natural light, sustainability, and a connection to nature. Inspired by the airy, light-filled spaces of West-Coast livin’, Sizzlin' Greens features clean architectural lines and a soothing color palette of mossy greens and dusty blues. Wooden accents add mid-century modern charm, grounding the space in natural serenity. The open kitchen design extends into the dining room, promoting food transparency and inviting guests to engage with the culinary process.
Curated Furniture with a Hand-Selected Feel
Choosing the right furniture was crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality. Grand Rapids Chair provided a range of options that allowed GDP Design Build to create a cohesive yet diverse look suitable for the high-traffic nature of a restaurant environment. Justin highlights the importance of customization and sourcing furniture from a single provider without sacrificing a unique, hand-selected feel.
"The ability to customize details and get quick responses was invaluable. It’s like working with a one-stop shop that doesn’t look like one," Justin says.
The furniture curation yielded standout pieces like the fully upholstered Sigsbee Chair with leather backrest straps and the Sally Barstool matched perfectly to the brand colors. These combinations emphasized a human touch, creating an elevated look with an inviting atmosphere. The flexibility offered by Grand Rapids Chair Company, from customizing upholstery to matching specific colors, was crucial.
“Color is crucial for us. We were pleasantly surprised when Grand Rapids matched our specific blue for the Sally stools,” Justin said. “Their ability to accommodate our needs while maintaining high-quality standards was a godsend.”
Outdoor Dining: Enhancing Well-being and Freshness
Justin explains how the outdoor spaces at Sizzlin' Greens add to the restaurant’s character and goals. The patio is landscaped with potted plants and trees, making it a peaceful spot for meals. Bowen Pedestal Tables, utilizing sustainable a sustainable HDPE table top that mimics the look of wood, under white canvas umbrellas give a laid-back feel — like eating in a park, where you can enjoy your food surrounded by fresh air. Contrasted by the Sadie II and Opla outdoor chairs which provide a pop of color, echoing the interior palette and bringing the cozy vibes from indoors out.
Learn More: Explore our outdoor suitable HDPE Surface Finishes that are made from primarily from recycled post-consumer and post- industrial plastic materials.
The Result
Sizzlin' Greens is a lively, health-focused spot where every detail, from the lush greenery to the handpicked furniture, reflects the care and creativity of its founders. With GDP Design Build’s thoughtful approach and the Holden family's passion, the restaurant is visually stunning and rooted in the health of its community. As soon as guests walk through the doors, they’re greeted with an inviting atmosphere that feels like a breath of fresh West Coast air. The perfect mix of natural materials, light, and color invites diners to enjoy their meals and feel part of something bigger — a movement toward mindful, healthy living.
Sizzlin' Greens represents the future of fast-casual dining: nutritious, sustainable, and deeply personal. Here’s to many more meals shared, stories told, and lives nourished at Sizzlin’ Greens.
