Living Above the Shop: Part Two

Written and Photographed by Vickie Dreste

Just a few generations ago, business owners lived extremely close to their enterprises—as in they lived above the store, restaurant or bar. Interior designer Vickie Dreste tracked down two current examples of that historic practice. Part One discussed The Map Room.

And now: Part Two: Café Mochi.

Victor Pham, owner of Café Mochi, has worked in the South Grand area since 1992. He owns and runs the hair salon, Victor’s, on South Grand. But three years ago he began planning a new business, a new building and a new home for himself.

His decision to construct a new building and start a new business adjacent to his current location was motivated by a desire to create a family business. Since Mr. Pham’s brother, Duncan, has over 20 years of restaurant experience and another brother and sister also work in the business, a restaurant seemed an easy choice.

So the adventure began. Mr. Pham knew it was a risk—but it was one he was willing to take.  “I am young,” he says. “I can work hard to pay for it. Everything is risky.”

The style and detail of the new building (Café Mochi is on the first floor and Mr. Pham’s’s residence on the second) is a perfect match to the existing structure.

The living space is a two-story loft. The kitchen, living room and dining room is all open. The color palette of taupe, gray, cream and deep brown is soft and masculine.

The paint colors, finishes, light fixtures, fabrics and furniture for both spaces, the living space and the restaurant was created with the talent and guidance of designer Tricia Heliker. 

The décor of Café Mochi (3221 S. Grand, 314-773-5000) is decidedly French, with a forest of chandeliers and pink damask fabrics. The color palette is a vibrant mix of fuchsia, pink, gray and purple.

The menu includes Japanese fare such as katsu, teriyaki and sushi. Sweet endings such as coconut dream cheese cake and Mochi ice cream are also available.