firebirds niles

Located at the Eastwood Mall Complex in Niles, Ohio, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill engaged Phillips Sekanick Architects in 2021 to design targeted interior and exterior renovations that improved functionality, expanded private and outdoor dining opportunities, and enhanced the guest experience while maintaining the established Firebirds brand.

Inside, Phillips Sekanick Architects transformed a portion of the dining room into a flexible private dining and meeting space. Frameless glass partitions and doors provide separation for events while preserving openness, natural light, and visual connections to the surrounding restaurant. The space continues to serve business gatherings, celebrations, and community events with direct access to the patio.

Exterior improvements focused on converting the open-air patio into a more versatile covered outdoor dining area. A new roof structure provides protection from sun and changing weather while preserving the full seating capacity. The design was carefully coordinated around existing Firebirds signage and the outdoor fireplace.

Guests have responded positively to the completed environment, describing the Niles Firebirds as a “classy experience” with an atmosphere that is “so very relaxing.” Through focused improvements, Phillips Sekanick Architects combined restaurant architecture, hospitality design, private dining, and outdoor dining design to increase flexibility without compromising the restaurant’s distinctive character.

The Niles renovation also reflects a broader relationship between Firebirds and Phillips Sekanick Architects, with the firm providing architectural services for restaurant improvements in Erie, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; and Spotsylvania Town Center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The work demonstrates the firm’s experience adapting national restaurant concepts to individual locations while balancing brand standards, existing building conditions, operations, and customer experience.