1950s delivery truck door

Object: Door from the delivery truck of restaurateur/chef Marcie Turney‘s grandfather’s restaurant

Location: In the basement of one of Turney’s 13th Street restaurants

Background: Turney has this and an original sign from The Spot, opened in the 1950s in Ripon, Wisconsin, in storage. One day she wants to use them in a restaurant.

Context: Like a giant thumbprint, the logo marks The Spot. The swirls on the cap and foot of the “S” are festive, and the “o” and “t” appear to be dancing. (The “o” is releasing the “t,” who has one arm outstretched, from a tight underarm spin.)

I don’t know anything about The Spot, but here’s my guess: This is a place to have a little fun. The food is special but straightforward, as indicated by the no-nonsense sans serif lettering of “Ripon, Wis.” The abbreviation of “Wisconsin” to “Wis.” says it’s a local place, for and by locals. You’ll run into your neighbors here. Maybe you’ll take one, and/or a steak, for a spin.

Also: an object that symbolizes an idea, a dream. Turney has opened lots of restaurants (among them: Barbuzzo, Lolita, and the new Jamonera). What’s the restaurant she’s imagining for The Spot decor? I can’t wait to find out and to see how she integrates this door with its artful dings.