Dallas-based global design consultant firm Harrison has been enlisted by Fogo de Chão to apply its award-winning strategic branding, interior design and architectural expertise to several of the brand’s restaurant remodels across the country, including its upcoming Oak Brook location.
As Fogo’s trusted design partner, Harrison will oversee the interior design and architecture for the restaurant, slated to open in late 2021. Earlier this year, Fogo announced plans to open a fourth Chicago-area location within the newly-developed Oak Brook Commons neighborhood, among luxury apartments, multiple restaurants, high-end retail, innovative office spaces and a one-acre public park.
“We are honored that Fogo de Chão selected Harrison to design their new Oak Brook location to showcase the new ground-up prototype,” says Harrison Chief Operating Officer Keith Anderson. “Fogo is a timeless, approachable restaurant that puts authentic Brazilian culture at the center of the dining experience. With its unique heritage in mind, we’ve created a striking design guided by the brand’s personality. The exterior building was inspired by the local Chicago loft style architecture. The design evolved by focusing on the guest journey providing magical moments such as the grand wine wall, entrance chandelier, stunning bar Fogo counter, and the theater of the open fire churrasco grill.”
Fogo’s Oak Brook location will feature natural wood finishes, a signature bronze tree design on the front door, dramatic rope chandeliers across a vaulted ceiling and soaring wine case displays. The new location will also feature an expansive patio with firepits for al fresco churrasco dining, dry-aged meat cabinets for in-house aging, and a reimagined bar area where guests will be able to lounge on bold leather couches with a craft cocktail from the restaurant’s premium whiskey and bourbon menu.
“Fogo has grown over the last 40 years from a few locations in Brazil to more than 50 around the world,” says Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão. “Harrison understands the unique experience we offer our guests and enhances the in-restaurant dining experience through their detailed design plan. Their team created a warm, timeless design that’s not only tailored to the aesthetic of the Chicago community but also leverages our Southern Brazilian culture.”
