DINING INNOVATION

Royal Oaks Retirement Community

Royal Oaks Retirement Community in Sun City, Arizona, underwent a full dining renovation aimed at modernizing the dining experience while fostering autonomy, engagement, and community connection for its residents. SCOPOS Hospitality Group led the foodservice design, interior design, and branding in close collaboration with The HUB Innovation Design, who provided operational consulting and strategic planning. Together, the team transformed outdated and underutilized areas into a collection of vibrant, purpose-built dining venues tailored to the lifestyle and needs of today’s senior living community.



The renovation introduced six distinct venues: Oasis Market, Thrive Coffee Shop, Wild Cactus Bistro & Grill, Sonrei Full-Service Restaurant with an Expo Kitchen, 1983 Bar and Lounge, and Willow Reserve Private Dining Room. Each space was designed to offer a unique service style, from self-serve and grab-and-go options to full-service exhibition dining, catering to the different preferences and routines of residents. While each venue operates independently, they share a cohesive visual language and operational flow, creating a unified yet diverse dining program.



City/State:
Sun City, AZ
Date of Completion:
January 2025
Project Size (Sq. ft)
10,465.9 SF

Oasis 24/7 Market Before | After

Owner:
Royal Oaks Lifecare Community
Operator:
Morrison Living
Architect:
Spiezle Architecture Group
Builder/Contractor:
GCon, Inc.
Interior Design Firm:
SCOPOS Hospitality Group

Wild Cactus Fast Casual Bistro & Grill Before | After

Design inspiration was drawn from the surrounding desert landscape. The “Modern Desert” aesthetic blends a warm, earthy color palette of rust, copper, sand, and clay with natural materials like wood, stone, and aged metal. These selections reflect the character of the region while offering durability and ease of maintenance. Universal design principles were embedded into each space, with wide, clear pathways, accessible counters, and well-lit environments that support residents of all mobility levels. Layered lighting and acoustic ceiling treatments balance ambiance with function, and custom millwork and environmental branding help establish a strong sense of identity for each venue.

The temperate California climate also encourages an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, inspiring our members to enjoy
outdoor dining and lounging next to the fireplace in our courtyard.

Sonrei Full Service Expo Restaurant Before | After

Operational efficiency was a key priority. The Bistro follows a left-to-right service flow to streamline movement and reduce staff steps. The Expo Kitchen is equipped with flexible cooking platforms, including an EVO grill for live demos and rotating menus. Self-order kiosks and online ordering systems give residents more control while easing staff workload. In the Bistro, Matradee robotic bussers assist with clearing and support cleanliness. Adjacencies between venues allow for shared staffing and equipment, reinforcing a lean and adaptable model.

Designed to offer each member an elevated and engaged life, including the Elegant Palmer Library and Lobby.

1989 Bar & Lounge Before | After

The renovation took place on an active campus and was executed in three carefully planned phases to minimize disruption. Temporary partitions, clear signage, and consistent communication with residents helped maintain comfort and continuity of service while portions of the dining areas remained open. Community connection was also central to the redesign. The centrally located market and coffee shop welcome both residents and visitors, while the bar connects directly to a landscaped patio, encouraging an indoor-outdoor experience. These venues now serve as gathering spots for wine tastings, community events, and casual meetups, extending their impact beyond daily dining.