Cornell University Café Jennie

The university needed a counter equipment company that could provide design flexibility, was familiar with the fit and finish of high end materials and exterior finishes and one that would complement an attractive, modern interior space. The counters needed to appear like high end, finished millwork yet provide the durability and superior structure of stainless steel. In addition, they also needed a counter manufacturer that could expedite the fabrication and delivery of the counters in a short period of time in order to meet a rigid construction schedule.

Multiteria’s unique stainless steel core and shell framework coupled with our ability of finishing the countertops and bodies in a wide variety of wood veneers and plastic laminates was a perfect fit for the needs of the project.

Multiteria worked very closely with the university’s design team and foodservice equipment contractor to develop AutoCAD drawings and detailed elevations of each counter in order to locate and identify a wide array of menu supporting foodservice equipment like blenders, soup warmers, combi oven, ice maker, dishwasher, coffee brewing equipment, trash cans, etc. Space was limited and the support equipment needed to be fitted and placed in precise locations with no margin for error.

The elevations were also used to identify where the exterior finishes would be applied and illustrate special features like door pulls, raised molding patterns, quartz countertop edges / back splashes. In addition, the elevations helped locate where plastic laminate would be applied to exposed stainless steel counter components to soften the appearance. Utility services and connections for built-in equipment were also indicated on the plans.

Other portable counters were required within the dining space such as a very attractive but functional condiment counter complete with built-in trash chute and trash receptacle, elevated shelf for dairy pitchers, sugar packets, stirrers, napkins with plenty of countertop space for patrons to place their beverages. A separate trash recycling cabinet was also designed with independent receptacles designated for compost, paper, bottles and cans. The interior was enclosed for cleanliness and sanitation.

DuPont Zodiaq; front countertop
DuPont Corian; back counter and portable service countertops
3 form decorative vertical panels with aluminum posts (to conceal the back side of espresso machines)
Wood veneer panel on front counter (applied in field to match wood species and color of interior trim)
Hi end plastic laminate on portable counters with extruded aluminum corner guards (for durability)
Matching plastic laminate on exposed surfaces on stainless steel back counter