# Retro Restaurant Exteriors This Taco Restaurant References 1950s Roadside Buildings and Signage By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-02-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roadside-buildings References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/02/18/torchys-tacos-restaurant-chioco-design-roadside-architecture-austin-texas-usa/) & [chiocodesign](http://www.chiocodesign.com/) Chioco Design recently completed a new taco restaurant that pays homage to the colorful roadside buildings popular throughout the 1950s. While many restaurants aim to make their establishment appear completely modern, this diner combines retro elements with contemporary designs for a nostalgia-inducing experience. The new branch of [Torchy's Tacos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-pumas-taco) is located in Austin, Texas, and it sits on the old site of 1970s burger chain Fran's Hamburgers. The new building boasts a [retro exterior](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uptown-sports-club) that is inspired by the roadside buildings and colorful signage popular during the 1950s. The restaurant's unique [zig-zag profile](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/le-red-tiger) and distinctive red columns make the establishment eye-catching and inviting to those passing by. As a result, the combination of contemporary features and 1950s-inspired designs provides a whole new dining experience for guests. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Retro Restaurant Exteriors:** Opportunity to create unique dining experiences by blending retro elements with contemporary designs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Hospitality:** Restaurants and bars can incorporate vintage elements into their exteriors to enhance the dining experience. - **Design:** Companies specializing in architecture and interior design can offer retro-inspired concepts for restaurant exteriors. - **Tourism:** Roadside attractions and themed restaurants can draw in tourists by recreating a nostalgic 1950s vibe. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mid-Century Modern Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balboa-surf-club.md) - [Glowing Chicken Restaurant Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dinos-famous-chicken.md) - [Retro Sandwich Diners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/renzo-sandwich.md) - [Revived Decade-Themed QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-menu.md) - [Old School Glamorous Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carlotta.md) - [Retro QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-bell-decades-menu.md) - [Retro-Futurist Restaurant Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrofuturist-restaurant.md) - [Revamped Mid-Century Beach Motels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-lucine.md) - [Fast-Casual Industrial Style Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rale-milanga.md)