Babalu Knoxville
- architecture
- brand integration
- equipment specifications
- furniture selections
-
interior design
- staging
A year after its closure, Babalu Tacos & Tapas returned to Gay Street, reimagined and rebranded by the same group behind Maple Hall and The Maple Room. Collaborating closely with our returning clients, we transformed the JCPenny building into the vibrant new restaurant.
What began as simple seating modifications evolved into a comprehensive redesign, encompassing everything from furniture and lighting to food presentation and uniforms. Custom neon fixtures, including the brand’s tagline, “Baby, I love you,” added another level of spice to the space.
project info
Designed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the seating layout prioritized social distancing while offering varying levels of intimacy throughout the space, from the energetic bar area to intimate dining spaces delineated by custom partitions. Trendy materials and seating arrangements celebrate the warm, bohemian-inspired interior design, accentuated by multi-level lighting that transforms the ambiance as daylight fades.
Despite extensive changes, the kitchen and bar retained their original locations. Removing the bulky bar soffit and enclosing the kitchen visually opened up the space, with a custom-designed maple wood ceiling cloud serving as a focal point. Connecting Babalu to the adjacent Maple Room and bowling alley below creates a seamless entertainment experience under one roof.
Our collaboration with local artisans, consultants, and our client intensified each layer of the concept’s brand development. We cannot help but say, “Baby, I love you”.
