After three years of serving fine wines and inventive dishes, Oakland’s Daytrip Counter has returned with a new look. This time, they have taken a simpler approach and opted to serve chicken-focused dishes. Owners Finn Stern and Stella Dennig have transformed the restaurant in the best way possible, offering the perfect casual dining experience to visitors.
Highlights
- Daytrip Counter returns with a simpler menu and casual dining experience for visitors.
- Once an innovative kitchen, the restaurant now focuses on roast chicken, salads, and fries.
- The new look of the eatery is receiving positive reviews from diners.
Daytrip Counter: From the Best New Restaurant to Casual Eatery
The Bay Area restaurant’s closure was surely one of the most lamented news in 2024. Diners missed the restaurant’s inventive and seasonal menu. However, the owners of the eatery surprised everyone when they announced their return with a new look.
Now focusing on affordable and counter service, the restaurant has a new highlight for diners- their chicken. The restaurant is drawing attention for itself with its new look and delicious chicken, opening a new path for the establishment.
The Transformation of Daytrip Counter
What opened as one of the hottest restaurants in the Bay Area closed down in 2024, after proving to be unsustainable in today’s economy. After a sorrowful goodbye, the owners Finn Stern and Stella Dennig surprised everyone when they announced that they are back. But this time, with a dramatic change.
After looking into a new strategy for a better business, the owners decided to completely renovate the restaurant. What came first was changing the vibe and creating a more cheerful atmosphere for diners. Bring in a splash of yellow paint, and the restaurant is already looking new.
What came next was the menu; the list of wonderful wines and intriguing dishes was eliminated. They have now introduced the duo’s rotisserie chicken, which has received early praise from diners. The establishment now focuses on chicken, and it is already said to be introducing complex flavors that have won the hearts of early-stage diners. The new menu also has some specialties that are affordable and attractive to diners today.
Why the Change from Hottest to Casual
While the couple (owners Finn Stern and Stella Dennig) had a good time running the restaurant for two years, 2024 saw a series of issues like inflation, fewer diners, and so on. This made sustaining the standards of the restaurant harder, putting pressure on the couple. Thus, as a strategic move to adapt to these changes, the restaurant was changed into what it has become today.
New Additions to the Eatery
Apart from the striking yellow paint and counter service, the restaurant also brings some intriguing chicken dishes. Cooked with patience and dedication, the chicken has already become a favorite among many. Apart from this, the selection of salads and sauces is another highlight of the restaurant. Going beyond just ranch and mustard sauce, the restaurant now feature house-made sauces that offer bold flavor profiles.
