Oliveto Restaurant and Cafe, an Italian-inspired dining destination in the heart of Rockridge in Oakland, has unveiled a new look—and new sound, partnering with Meyer Sound on an acoustic solution designed to enhance the acoustic environment while limiting noise problems.
The new system also allows the restaurant to advance on its soon-to-launch Oliveto Commons, an ongoing series of classes, panel discussions and workshops focused on food policy issues, producers, cooking techniques, and wine and spirits.
“We think it’s a good time to step out of the crowd of the current restaurant scene,” explains Bob Klein, co-owner and co-founder of the venue with Maggie Klein. “When we decided to make sound management a top priority in our renovation, we wanted to go with this extraordinary company that thought deeply about a problem, took no short cuts, and is truly innovative.”
Specifically, Meyer Sound tailored its groundbreaking Constellation and Libra systems for Oliveto—the second restaurant to employ this unique acoustic management technology—to improve the dining experience.
Employing visually striking Libra acoustic panels, as well as patented algorithms, microphones, and small loudspeakers distributed throughout the upstairs dining room, the system shapes the sonic ambiance of the space to help ensure consistently comfortable conversations.
With the touch of an iPad screen, restaurant staff can choose the optimal aural properties for the time of day, type of event, and occupancy. Guests on any side of a table – large or small – can be heard clearly and without interruptions or distractions from background noise or voices from other tables. As a result, Oliveto provides a multi-sensory experience that sets the tone for conversation and connection, while maintaining the buzz of an exciting, busy restaurant.
Deborah O’Grady’s mural-sized, high-resolution photographs of olive and oak trees (which are printed on the large absorptive Libra acoustic panels) are the cornerstones of Maggie Klein’s interior renovation. Additional enhancements include a mixture of modern elements and the natural world, with deep grey walls that fall into the visual background; dramatically lit, large native California tree branches; a new bar crafted from orchard walnut trees; new carpeting and chairs, and artwork from Pt. Reyes painter Susan Hall.