I am not going to focus on the food or service on this review because they are both 5 star and others have commented well on these topics. While Matt and John understand food very well, they don't understand ambiance. Here were my observations.
1) location is not good, in a strip mall with a 99cent store is not a good sign. While I'm sure they got a smoking deal on rent they don't need 5000 + sq ft.
2) When I walked up I first noticed benches made of cinder blocks and treated lumber (first impression)
3) The second thing I noticed was a large empty banquet room followed by a huge open restaurant with one couple eating. (second impression was this is not a very popular restaurant)
4) Walked in to be seated in the huge dining area looking at a sea of empty tables.
5) Decor was a strange mix (industrial black pipe lighting fixtures with Italian mosaic tile oven, Asian inspired chairs and modern tables and large 18" Arizona ceramic tiles.)
6) Lighting was harsh from the multitude of Edison bulbs and track spots that were aimed at me.
7) I noticed cleaning supplies and brooms/mops leaning against the wall near the bar.
8) Also noticed a stack of empty pizza boxes stacked by the oven (like what you would expect to see at Papa John's
9) Ceiling was 2x4 suspended tiles painted black.
10) Artwork was too small and made the room look even bigger.
11) Room was reverberant because of the abundance of hard ceramic tile.
Here's what I would suggest:
1) Try to partition the room and create smaller spaces/nooks more intimate
2) Use rugs to breakup the tile and reduce ambient noise
3) remove suspended ceiling tile and leave the grid up then hang some pendant lights,
4) Get larger artwork
5) Close off the banquet room so it is not visible from the outside.
6) Clean up boxes and cleaning supplies.
7) Improve the cash area the shelves look out of place and the hanging t-shirts don't fit in.
Good luck!