05/26/2026
Project Spotlight: Pica's Pub & Grill | Methuen, MA
After an electrical fire damaged the former Common Grounds Café, the owners of Pica’s Pub & Grill saw an opportunity to rebuild and reimagine their family-run restaurant. The challenge for RWH Architects was to transform the existing 2,100 SF footprint—originally a café and lottery counter—into a fully functioning neighborhood pub with a commercial kitchen, bar, and inviting dining space.
The design focused on maximizing efficiency within a tight layout while creating a strong sense of atmosphere and identity. A custom 17-seat bar anchors the space, supported by a 48-seat dining area carefully arranged for flow and comfort. Existing structural elements were embraced and elevated, with stone-wrapped columns, stained concrete floors, exposed brick, and seven timber trusses defining the interior character.
The result is a warm, industrial-inspired restaurant that balances functionality with an inviting neighborhood feel—turning a constrained rebuild into a refreshed community destination.
✔ Restaurant Design
✔ Adaptive Reuse
✔ Interior Fit-Out
✔ Code + Permit Coordination
Explore more of our work:
https://www.rwh-architect.com/restaurants