CASSIS
Inspired by the timeless aesthetic of neighborhood French bistros, Kuchar looked to evoke a cozy and casual sensibility with the interiors of CASSIS, a French brasserie in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The interior was intentionally curated to feel as though it’s been serving the neighborhood for years. Kuchar infused nostalgia and charm into the Parisian-inspired design concept by paying homage to bistros once traveled, while placing emphasis on furnishings and fixtures that felt warm and inviting. From the custom banquettes in the dining room to the detailed millwork, saturated paint selections, antique mirrors and vintage signage throughout, every detail is reminiscent of an intimate and elegant French bistro.
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A French Bistro That Feels Like It Has Always Been Here
Cassis is a French bistro on Milwaukee's Water Street, opened by chef Kyle Knall and Meghan Knall — Union Square Hospitality alumni behind the acclaimed Birch — to bring world-class dining to the heart of the Midwest. Kuchar, working alongside Dan Beyer Architects, drew on the timeless aesthetic of a neighborhood French bistro, designing a room that feels as though it has been serving the Third Ward for years. Custom banquettes, detailed millwork, and saturated paint set a warm, lived-in backdrop, while antique mirrors, vintage signage, and glossy tiled walls lend the nostalgia and charm of a Parisian bistro once traveled. Soft sconces and ceiling pendants cast the dining room in a gentle glow. The result is intimate and elegant without a trace of stuffiness — a space with genuine joie de vivre.
Restaurant interior design shapes the experience before a single plate arrives. A well-designed dining room sets the pace of a meal, guides how guests move and gather, and gives a concept its sense of place — whether that is a Parisian bistro or a modern chophouse. As a restaurant design firm, Kuchar approaches hospitality spaces as immersive environments, layering lighting, materials, millwork, and seating into a room that feels intentional from the entry to the back bar. The atmosphere is as much a draw as the menu. The strongest restaurant interiors do more than look good in photos; they make guests want to stay longer, order another course, and come back.
A Restaurant Design Partner Who Sets the Scene
Designing restaurants that feel like somewhere is our craft, and our team brings over 90 years of combined industry experience to every project. Kuchar blends architectural detail with each concept's story, creating hospitality spaces as memorable as the meals served inside them.