by Madison Rutherford | photography by Angelina Aragon
The fact that this contemporary neighborhood eatery was formerly the country’s first Polynesian-themed Dairy Queen, built by Ralph Haver in 1964, is weaved into every corner of the space – from the original triangular roofline jutting out toward Hayden Road to a history wall inside the restaurant featuring framed photos and memorabilia.
Originally located at McDowell Road and 68th Street, the building was disassembled and relocated 2 miles northeast by Scottsdale studio ALINE Architecture Concepts. Its interior, conceptualized by Valley firm Social Design Studio, similarly marries midcentury design elements with the modernity and sophistication of 2024 South Scottsdale.
“There’s a big difference between decorating a space and designing a space… We give [spaces] a narrative and make sure everything is there intentionally,” says Nicole Herman, founder and principal designer of Social Design Studio. “You can point at any element, and we’ve picked it for a very specific reason.”
Linen Pendant Lights
Herman and her team selected these Worley’s Lighting fixtures for their striking contrast: subtly masculine, angular silhouettes paired with delicate, warm light filtered through dainty linen lampshades.
Felt Tiles
These customizable felt wall tiles from Utah brand Felt Right come in 40 different colors. “We got the whole sample box and pulled the ones that made the most sense with the design,” Herman says of the triangular ivory, pewter, periwinkle and slate blue tiles.
Midcentury-Inspired Lava Stone
Designed to mirror the lava rock featured in the original building’s interior (and still prominently displayed on the restaurant’s outer façade), this stone accent wall is illuminated by natural light from adjacent clerestory windows.
Tambour Paneling
Though custom-built and brand-new, the retro chocolate oak tambour panels below the bar “feel like they’ve always been here,” Herman says.
Vintage Tumblers
Oliver’s co-owner Steve Ellefson scoured eBay to source these genuine glasses from Polynesian-themed Dairy Queens of the ’60s and ’70s. They now serve as the perfect vessel for the eatery’s signature cocktail, The Queen – a boozy twist on pineapple upside-down cake.
Oliver’s Modern American
3205 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
480-582-0006, oliversaz.com
