2026 Beautification of the Year Award: Grace & Rose Restaurant
By Camille DeVaul · Thu Feb 26 2026
The Paso Robles & Templeton Chamber of Commerce has named Grace & Rose Restaurant the recipient of its 2026 Beautification of the Year Award. The honor recognizes the restaurant’s thoughtful transformation of a historic home into a vibrant and welcoming dining destination, preserving the building’s original charm while giving it fresh life as a beloved local gathering spot.
The project has enhanced the look and feel of downtown Paso Robles while supporting the area’s ongoing economic and cultural growth. Grace & Rose exemplifies the spirit of the Beautification Award, which celebrates businesses that invest in the community through redevelopment projects that honor Paso Robles’ heritage and elevate its unique character.
We spoke with husband-and-wife owners Justin and Julie Fischer about the vision behind Grace & Rose, the journey of restoring a historic home, and the thoughtful process that brought the restaurant to life.
What did it mean to the Grace & Rose team to receive the Beautification of the Year Award from the Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber of Commerce?
We are incredibly honored for Grace & Rose to be the recipients of this year’s Beautification Award! This recognition for us reflects not just our updated space, but our commitment to honoring history, cultivating connection, and contributing thoughtfully to the community we love so much. We are grateful to the Paso Robles and Templeton Chamber of Commerce for this recognition, to our community for embracing our vision of a gathering space that honors local farmers and winemakers, and to our team for helping us to execute it!
Can you share the vision behind transforming a historic home into Grace & Rose while preserving its original charm and character?
The original owners, Robert and Sherry Gilson of Hotel Cheval, had the vision to revitalize this historic house that had fallen into disrepair. We learned of the project at the conception phase and immediately envisioned it as a gathering place where warmth, hospitality, and intentional design come together with food and wine. General Contractor Jack Wiest and his team did an incredible job enhancing what already existed: honoring the charm and history of the space while carefully evolving it for modern use. The result is a restoration that feels both respectful of the past and welcoming for today.
What were some of the most important design choices you made to balance historic preservation with creating a modern, vibrant dining experience?
One of the most impactful design choices was the addition of the wraparound porch, beautifully executed by Robert, Sherry, and Jack. The porch immediately welcomes guests to enjoy the expanded space, creating a beautiful setting for al fresco dining. On the interior we were inspired by old farmhouse charm; filling the dining room with vintage art, decor, and plateware sourced from local antique stores alongside floral wallpaper and handcrafted furniture that balance historic character with artisanal elegance.
Were there any unexpected challenges during the renovation process, and how did you work through them?
One of the most unexpected challenges was discovering a bee colony in the attic that had been there for at least ten years. We worked with a local bee rescue to safely rehome the bees to a nearby ranch, but the process was lengthy. Once the bees were removed, the entire interior wall had to be treated to remove pheromones and fully restore the space. We still affectionately refer to it as “the bee room.”
In what ways do you feel the transformation of this property has contributed to the aesthetic appeal and energy of downtown Paso Robles?
After three years of renovations and permits, we are thrilled to open the doors to this historic property and welcome the community to enjoy it. We hope it adds to the vibrant destination of downtown Paso Robles and helps support the culinary and wine scene. We're honored to be a part of it!
How important was it for you to create a space that felt welcoming and connected to the local community?
Grace & Rose is rooted in community so every decision is made with the intention of creating a space that feels welcoming, timeless, and distinctly Paso Robles. We designed the restaurant to foster connection between neighbors, visitors, farmers, winemakers, and friends gathered around a table — making memories together over a delicious meal and a glass of wine.
As a small, family-owned and operated business, we take pride in being hands-on stewards of the building, investing in its upkeep and long-term vitality. We are inspired to continue evolving our service, food, and space with intention, creativity, and gratitude — ensuring Grace & Rose remains a place where connection, hospitality, and community flourish.
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