Zulu Grille
We are so excited to show off the grand reveal of our latest project, Zulu Grille! Bringing a little piece of South Africa to Utah, you’ll want to be sure to check this one out. We will take a look behind the scenes and share how it all came together.
THE BACKGROUND
The colors and aesthetic were inspired by the story behind Zulu. Zulu was founded after 3 people discovered their passion for “Ubuntu”, the African philosophy centered on our need for one another and truly welcoming every stranger. The Piri Piri Chicken Grille strives to provide a way to change the world in our everyday lives by offering their Meal for Meal Program. This program provides a portion of a nutritious meal for a struggling child for every meal sold at Zulu Grille.
THE LAYOUT
This one was tricky to nail! We really wanted to utilize as much of the dining space as possible, making every inch count for seating. To accomplish this, a high top was incorporated at the windows to provide additional space to sit. The built-in bench gives a comfortable yet casual feel. Wanting even more seating options, we added an outdoor option for use during the warmer months.
THE CONCEPT
The arches were inspired by the curvature of traditional African hand-woven bowls. Deep, rich tones were used to pull the color palette together. Earthy hues paired with brilliant blues and vibrant yellows were incorporated in fun textures and patterns all around the space. We didn’t want it to be too overly stimulating, after all, it is a restaurant. Therefore, these elements were blended throughout the tile, floor patterns, and bench. Each of these complements one another as the same wood tones appear in the floor, tables, and cabinetry.
Zulu rendering - THE BEFORE
THE CONSTRUCTION
Does it ever go as planned? Yes and no! Right now major delays are being seen throughout the world due to a shortage of building materials and labor. Subsequent backorders on furniture are very prevalent. We worked with Scholz Architects and Mint Construction and they really did a fantastic job of managing expectations and working through each of the delays, always coming up with quick solutions.
THE FURNITURE INSTALL
Installing the furniture was a breeze on this project. We selected chairs that had a pop of color to match the palette and curvilinear lines. The tabletops are commercial grade laminate for easy cleanup but still have the desired wood look. We added a few plants and accessories and the space was ready to go!
The Construction!
