In Episode 12 of Surroundscapes Season 6, host Craig Cooper is joined by Zach Brown, General Manager of Expat BBQ in St. Louis, Missouri. Together, they explore how Bluesound Professional audio systems are helping the Niche Food Group create dining spaces that sound as good as they taste.
Zach shares insights from managing some of the group’s most dynamic venues, including Expat BBQ and Bowood by Niche, both known for their distinctive atmosphere and attention to detail. When Expat BBQ opened inside the city’s landmark City Foundry development, the team faced the challenge of outfitting a massive, multi-level space that could shift seamlessly between daytime dining, private events, and lively rooftop evenings.
With help from Craig and the Bluesound Professional team, the venue now benefits from a flexible, multi-zone audio setup that ensures consistent, high-quality sound across every floor. From intimate mezzanine dining to the industrial-style rooftop patio, staff can easily manage and customize the audio experience through BluOS—whether they’re balancing volume levels or coordinating music for private buyouts.
Zach explains how the right audio setup is essential to hospitality, shaping mood and atmosphere as much as lighting or décor. “It’s right up there with food and service,” he notes. “If the sound isn’t right, guests feel it immediately.”
Through its partnership with Bluesound Professional, Expat BBQ exemplifies how thoughtful AV integration can help restaurants deliver experiences that are as immersive as they are memorable.
Visit surroundscapes.bluesoundprofessional.com to follow every episode of the Surroundscapes podcast and dive deeper into the world of commercial AV.
