Reinventing Spaces: Our Work at The National Club in Downtown New Bedford

When The National Club, an iconic downtown New Bedford landmark, set out to reinvent its space with Servedwell Hospitality’s modern Mexican cantina concept, we were honored to help bring that vision to life. 

The restaurant now welcomes guests with elevated Mexican cuisine, inventive classics, and a vibrant cantina atmosphere inspired by the energy and style of Mexico City.

For this project, our team partnered closely with the owners, general contractor, and other trades to deliver high-quality custom fabrication and installation that supports both the performance and design of this exciting new dining destination.

Custom Fabrication Designed for Performance & Style

The National Club required a wide range of custom stainless steel and aluminum elements to support a high-volume kitchen and polished, contemporary bar area. Every piece was fabricated to order and built to withstand constant use while maintaining a clean, professional look.

Commercial Hood & Ventilation System

We fabricated and installed a complete make-up air hood system, including:

• Stainless steel wall panels
• Fire suppression system
• Welded and fire-wrapped ductwork
• Rooftop exhaust and supply fans

This system ensures proper ventilation, safety, and comfort in the heart of the kitchen.

Custom Back-of-House Components

To support daily workflow and long-term durability, we also fabricated:

• A ceiling-hung double overshelf with owner-selected heat lamps
• Custom stainless steel beverage cabinet with a drop-in ice bin
• Two L-shaped dish tables
• A custom etched and monogrammed bar drainboard
• Stainless steel bar footrail
• Aluminum diamond-plate ramp
• Custom perforated shelving units
• Soda dispenser stands

Each piece was tailored to fit the space, equipment, and needs of the culinary team.

Overcoming Unique On-Site Challenges

Downtown installations often bring logistical hurdles, and this project was no exception. Located on the busy corner of Union Street, coordinating a crane to place rooftop fans required precise timing and teamwork. With the help of the general contractor and BC Crane Corp., we executed the lift safely and efficiently.

Because many elements were custom, we also conducted several onsite design meetings with the owners and GC to ensure every detail aligned with the restaurant’s equipment and layout. Their involvement helped streamline decisions and allowed us to incorporate specialized components such as their pre-purchased heat lamps directly into our fabrication.

Installation That Adapts to Real-World Conditions

The installation of the hood system took approximately two weeks, while many of the other fabricated items were delivered and placed in a single coordinated visit. As with any project, some last-minute adjustments were needed onsite. Our team modified:

• The beverage cabinet to accommodate water and soda lines
• Dish tables to fit an under-counter dishwasher

These real-time adjustments ensured perfect fit and functionality once all equipment was in place.

A Smooth Collaboration & A Successful Outcome

The National Club is a repeat customer, and we value the trust they continue to place in our team. Their familiarity with our work—and ours with their expectations—allowed us to navigate challenges with confidence and efficiency.

Their team has expressed how happy they are with the final results, and we look forward to adding their full testimonial soon. 

In the meantime, we’re proud to showcase this project as a reflection of our craftsmanship, our adaptability, and our commitment to quality.