Fogo de Chão, Paramus

Fogo De Chão, in the Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ, was a conversion of a former Bar Louie. The industrial space needed to be transformed into Fogo de Chão and represent their design pillars: warm, timeless, and approachable. The two-story structure and openings to the exterior remained intact. Through the conversion, the look and feel was totally transformed by the use of materials creating strong and simple frames of the interior Fogo experience. Porcelain tile with a marble look frame their brand along with vertical slats of wood siding. The black frame storefront windows reveal the warmth of the dining and upper Next Level Lounge experience from within. The guests walk up and are greeted by the flickering flames as they enter through a portal of wood columns and beams.

The interior spaces were organized around a central focus on the flames of the Churrasco grill central to the dining experience. Flanking either side of the grill and market table are featured wood and antique mirrored columns containing Dry Aged Meat case on one side and fine Cognacs on the other. Across from the grill and market table sits Bar Fogo with rich black marble, deep bronze accents and bar shelving with up lighting. The interior dining experience also features sliding glass partitions that can create private dining rooms, as well as open to a patio experience enveloped in wood beams, chandeliers, and lush potted plants.

On the second level, this location also features Fogo’s signature Next Level Lounge where guests can also experience an exclusive atmosphere anchored by a tufted double-sided banquet, lounge chairs and unique petrified wood art pieces as they enjoy small plates, cocktails, and South American wines.

Interior design, Architecture, Detailing

Restaurant Development + Design

Best Full-Service Restaurant Design (Check Average $50+) Winner: Fogo de Chão, Paramus, N.J.

Operator: Fogo de Chão, Dallas

Architect of Record and Interior Design: Harrison, Dallas

Contractor: ADI Construction, North Springfield, GA.

Harrison was tasked with converting a former bar-themed restaurant into a fine-dining experience for Fogo de Chão. It had to represent the chain’s design pillars – warm, timeless and approachable – while also incorporating signatures such as the churrasco grill, market table, bar, dry-aged meat display and two private dining rooms. The design team had to maintain the existing two-story structure of the shopping center building.

The result is a complete transformation. On the exterior, porcelain tile with a marble-like appearance frames the brand along with vertical slats of wood siding. The black frame storefront windows reveal the warmth of the dining and upper bar level.

Flickering flames greet guests as they enter through a portal of wood columns and beams. The interior perfectly captures the brand’s desired effect. The judges felt the transformation was “truly incredible” as it “captured the concept idea as you enter, which is especially hard to do as you repurpose a space.” Overall, it felt “very warm, fresh and current.”