When Hospitality Advisor Steve Ramras and Chef Dana Slatkin set out to open The Wilkes, their vision was clear: honor the unique architectural legacy of their Brentwood location while crafting a welcoming, neighborhood-focused American bistro. Bringing this vision to life required not only passion and expertise, but also a strong partnership—most notably with Southern California Restaurant Design Group.
A Culinary and Construction Powerhouse Team
Steve Ramras’s path to The Wilkes is rooted in decades of restaurant construction and development experience. A San Diego native and former attorney, Steve founded Ramland Construction, building over 300 restaurants nationwide for high-profile clients. Dana, a Culinary Institute of America graduate with training in France, is known for her successful Westwood venture, Violet Bistro. Their complementary backgrounds led to a natural collaboration—Dana overseeing culinary direction, Steve steering project management and build-out.
The Significance of The Wilkes
The Wilkes was born from Dana’s purchase of a striking mid-century modern building designed by architect Alfred T. Wilkes in 1952. The building’s history is so integral that the restaurant bears the architect’s name. Determined to preserve its heritage, Steve and Dana undertook a full interior renovation, gutting and combining two former restaurant spaces on the first floor while meticulously maintaining the exterior.
“We wanted to keep the integrity of the exterior to honor the architect’s legacy,” Steve shares. The
result is a seamless blend of classic design and modern hospitality.
Seamless Collaboration with Southern California Restaurant Design Group
A project of this scale and ambition called for trusted partners. Enter Michael Benson and the team from Southern California Restaurant Design Group (SCRDG). With Steve now acting as both owner and project manager, he assembled a group that included Ocean Construction, kitchen designer Alan Moret, and SCRDG project manager, Scott Lang.
This close-knit, experienced team enabled fast decision-making, budget-conscious equipment selection, and creative problem-solving. Steve notes, “Working with professionals like Michael and his team made all the difference. We shared an understanding of both quality and efficiency, which was key to staying on schedule and realizing our vision.”
SCRDG played an instrumental role in the design and fabrication of The Wilkes’ kitchen and bar, including custom elements to suit the unique space. Their expertise ensured that Wilkes not only looks stunning, but functions seamlessly from chef to service line.
Building for the Future
Completed in just eight months—despite the challenges posed by the California wildfires—The Wilkes stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnership and respect for history. The cohesive teamwork between Steve, Dana, and Southern California Restaurant Design Group has delivered Brentwood a beautiful new gathering place that’s rooted in community, architectural legacy, and culinary excellence.
