When you walk into Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, you’re immediately greeted by two things: a cozy, intimate vibe and the undeniable buzz of creativity. That’s no accident. This beloved bistro and music venue was built with flexibility at its core, right down to its walls.

The Challenge: One Space, Two Worlds

Hey Nonny’s owners had a bold vision. They wanted a place where you could enjoy a delicious meal in the Bistro while also catching a glimpse of the magic happening on stage in the Venue room. But there’s a small catch. They didn’t want the sound from the venue room to creep into the Bistro. With limited square footage, they needed a clever solution that would allow them to use the space in multiple ways, without sacrificing acoustics or ambiance.

The answer? An operable wall that could make the venue feel larger when needed and keep sound and space separated when not. But not just any operable wall would work. This had to be something sleek, easy to use, and well-insulated to maintain the vibe in each room.

The Solution: A Skyfold Wall

Modernfold Chicago jumped into action to help Hey Nonny bring their vision to life. The team collaborated with the owners to provide clear options and operational parameters, ultimately designing a Skyfold wall system that checked every box.

“We said what we wanted, Modernfold Chicago gave us the choices and made it happen,” they recalled. Simple, smooth, and straight to the point, just the way any project should be.

The Results: Flexibility That Rocks (Literally)

Since installation, the wall has helped Hey Nonny meet their flexibility goals. During the pandemic, the ability to open the space and socially distance guests was a game-changer. Today, the wall still gets put to work regularly for sold-out shows, big brunch events, and private parties that need both rooms.

Even though the wall is often quietly doing its job behind the scenes, when guests do see it in action, it leaves an impression. “People don’t often see the wall in motion,” the team shared, “but they’re amazed when they do.”

Acoustically, it’s a win across the board. The Bistro stays blissfully unaffected with little sound bleed from the tunes coming from the Venue room, keeping dining experiences relaxed even during the loudest drum solos. And when not serving as a space divider, the wall even moonlights as a screen for Hey Nonny’s projectors.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

The Hey Nonny project was a unique space that called for an equally unique solution. But that’s where Modernfold Chicago shines. Combining our 30+ years of experience in the operable wall industry with our passion for collaboration resulted in a wall system that was both smart and stylish.

If you’re ready to collaborate on your next project, reach out to us and let’s bring your vision to life.