Bam Bam: A Theatrical Vietnamese-Cajun Beer Garden

Rockwell Group's Award-Winning Design at IAH Airport

The design of Bam Bam is a testament to the creative genius of the Rockwell Group. The 70-seat beer garden features a long, continuous bar that wraps through the space, punctuated by sculptural, fluted bamboo columns and pops of red. The menu offers a fusion of Vietnamese and Cajun cuisine, with dishes like grilled and raw oysters, Po Boys, crawfish, and a large selection of rotating local and regional beer.

One of the unique features of Bam Bam is its corrugated aluminum bar die, a nod to the Cajun influences in the restaurant's cuisine. The back bar is comprised of gold mirror panels with red lacquer framework, creating a striking visual contrast. Guests can choose to sit at a central cluster of banquettes or at custom communal tables, reminiscent of traditional beer gardens. The retail area features custom rickshaw-style carts covered in Vietnamese newspaper print graphics, adding to the restaurant's unique aesthetic.

Bam Bam also offers a first-rate technology experience. Each table is equipped with an iPad featuring OTG’s award-winning customer experience platform, flo. The platform provides a visual menu, entertainment options, flight information, and even the option to purchase magazines, gifts, and other sundries that are delivered to the table. Customers can also pay for their purchases through the United MileagePlus program.

The design and construction of Bam Bam presented several challenges, including coordinating construction efforts with the base building construction. However, the Rockwell Group successfully overcame these hurdles, resulting in a design that has been successful from a visual, media, and sales revenue perspective.

Bam Bam is a testament to the innovative design approach of the Rockwell Group. The restaurant's unique blend of Vietnamese and Cajun influences, combined with its theatrical design and cutting-edge technology, make it a standout feature in IAH's C North terminal. The design's success is further underscored by its Silver A' Design Award, a testament to the creativity, technical expertise, and innovation that went into its creation.