The Lawrence Group/Integrate Construction Partners design-build team celebrated the successful completion of City Foundry STL’s newest concept restaurant Expat BBQ, which officially opened on Aug. 30.
City Foundry STL is a transformative “live, work, play” community featuring a food hall, movie theater, shops and more located in St. Louis’ growing Midtown neighborhood. St. Louis-based New + Found developed the $217 million adaptive reuse of former Century Foundry as one of the largest historic redevelopments in St. Louis.
The 17,165 SF Expat BBQ is located on the south side of Foundry Way, with an entrance just east of City Foundry’s Food Hall. Providing architecture, interior design and FFE services on the project, Lawrence Group’s talented hospitality design team envisioned the globally inspired restaurant with three distinct areas – a full bar and dining service on Level 1; a mezzanine level for private parties and events; and a full bar, fast casual dining, and an amazing view of Foundry Way on Level 2.
The restaurant’s overall design was inspired by the conceptual menu of its owner and operator, award-winning Chef Gerard Craft of Niche Food Group. Creating an eclectic mixture of authentic BBQ from all over the world, while incorporating both traditional and modern concepts, Chef Craft drew inspiration from areas like Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. He was also inspired by the concept of spice markets and how they combine cultural influences from around the globe.
Lawrence Group blended traditional design elements with modern forms to reflect the fusion of old and new in the menu. Subtle nods to vintage travel are peppered throughout the design to evoke the sense of adventure and exploration. Custom graphic wallcoverings inspired by travel motifs add a playful and whimsical touch to the space. Overall, the goal was to create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere that reflects the eclectic nature of the menu and transports diners on a culinary journey around the world.
“Vibrant, colorful patterns and textiles are integrated into the design elements throughout the space, along with natural elements such as wood and lush greenery to create the inviting atmosphere,” said Lawrence Group Interior Designer Dana Peck, NCIDQ. “The restaurant’s bold color palette is inspired by spice markets and exotic locales. Its deep blues and greens create an intimate feeling on the first-floor dining area, while bright pinks and blues create a livelier and more energetic atmosphere for the indoor/outdoor terrace on the second level.”
Lawrence Group designers also incorporated the historic foundry’s original steel beams, concrete walls and floors, brickwork, furnaces and other industrial components to create the rich and dynamic space.
St. Louis-based general contractor Integrate Construction Partners (Integrate) was charged with bringing the unique design to life, starting in February 2023. Integrate President Scott Zola commented that accessibility and logistics were the main challenges on the project.
“Expat BBQ is an incredibly unique, three-story venue containing a commercial kitchen, butchery, and meat smokers on the first level, an historic mezzanine on the second level, and a large bar with grand outdoor patio on the third level. Weaving MEP/FP infrastructure through these three levels and locating new HVAC equipment on the roof required extensive design coordination, BIM clash detection, and unique hoisting and installation techniques given all the historic elements and structure that was to remain in the space. Additionally, the installations of tenant finish materials and a 4,900-pound elephant statue on the space’s third level required exterior hoisting and structural reinforcements not common in your typical tenant build out,” said Zola.
For more information about City Foundry STL and Expat BBQ, visit cityfoundrystl.com.