Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue
Sarasota, FL
Saks Fifth Avenue expanded its in-store experience by introducing Sophie’s, a restaurant concept designed to complement the brand’s luxury retail environment. Located within select stores, the space was conceived as a natural extension of the customer journey, offering a place to pause, gather and continue the experience beyond the sales floor.
Chipman Design Architecture served as Architect of Record for locations including Sarasota and San Juan, working within existing department store conditions to integrate a full-service hospitality environment. Each location required careful planning to balance kitchen operations, dining layouts and circulation while remaining aligned with the surrounding retail context.
The program is intentionally layered, with a central bar that opens to the kitchen, intimate dining areas and a dedicated private dining space that supports both business and social use. Outdoor terrace seating extends the experience, creating an additional layer of flexibility and connection to the surrounding environment.
Rather than relying on strong visual statements, the design leans into restraint. A neutral palette, paired with soft textures and elevated but approachable furnishings, creates a setting that feels comfortable without losing its sense of refinement. The space supports the Saks brand by offering something quieter and more intimate, allowing the retail experience to carry through in a more relaxed and hospitality-focused way.
