In a city teeming with dining options, Shezan, a cherished Pakistani restaurant in Qatar since the 1970s, faced the challenge of standing out. Known for its authentic cuisine and beloved by the Pakistani community, Shezan sought to reclaim its place as a cultural and culinary beacon. Initially one of the go-to spots for large events, Shezan expanded in 2015 to offer catering for special occasions. Our mission with Daya was clear: revitalize Shezan, champion Pakistani cuisine, and immerse the public in its rich culture through a striking restaurant redesign.

• Cultural Revival: Shezan, a beloved Pakistani restaurant in Qatar since the 1970s, underwent a vibrant redesign that seamlessly blends traditional Pakistani elements with modern design, creating an immersive cultural experience.
• Distinct Identity: Daya revitalized Shezan’s brand, transforming it from a generic eatery into a unique dining destination with eclectic and colorful interiors, featuring authentic rattan textures, patterned ceramics, and traditional fabrics.
• User-Centric Design: Extensive research and workshops informed the creation of a comprehensive user journey, enhancing the overall dining and event experience. Every touchpoint was designed to be engaging and inviting, elevating Shezan’s appeal to both loyal patrons and new customers.

Despite its historical significance, Shezan struggled with several challenges that hindered its potential. The restaurant lacked a distinct brand identity, blending in with generic establishments. This absence of a unique identity diluted the nostalgic charm that Shezan was known for. Operational chaos further marred the experience, with kitchens at opposite ends causing constant struggles to maintain a smooth flow between the back-of-house and customer areas. The inefficient layout lacked proper zoning and footfall analysis, making it tough to manage dine-ins, events, and takeaways seamlessly.

Daya stepped in with a bold strategy. We reimagined Shezan with considerations in good restaurant interior design practices, space optimization, and Shezan's brand expression. The result? A stunningly eclectic and colorful interior that makes fellow Pakistanis feel at home or proud when they bring guests of other cultures. We imported authentic Pakistani elements like rattan textures, patterned ceramics, and traditional fabrics, transforming the space into a vibrant cultural haven.

Operational efficiency was revamped by redefining zoning types and conducting meticulous footfall and time analyses. This streamlined the layout, ensuring a smooth flow from kitchen to table, enhancing the overall dining experience. Our approach was deeply user-centric. Through extensive research and workshops, we identified Shezan's core patrons and new customers, crafting a comprehensive user journey that included welcome onboarding, dining, and event management. Every touchpoint was designed to elevate the experience, making Shezan more inviting and engaging.

Innovation and cultural integration were the pillars of our redesign. By blending unique Pakistani elements with modern design, we created a space that honored Shezan's heritage while offering a fresh, dynamic dining experience. This fusion of tradition and modernity positioned Shezan as a standout beacon of Pakistani cuisine and culture in Qatar. Daya’s innovative and culturally infused design solutions breathed new life into Shezan, transforming it into a modern, efficient, and captivating dining destination.