Charles Nguyen

Urban location · Renovation, design & a focus decision

BOME Studio Bremen

A modern urban location: renovation and conversion, a reduced design concept, terrace, service counter and a fully digital setup — opened in 2024, sold at a profit in 2026 as part of focusing on a single location.

Role
Concept, renovation, design, digitalisation
Operated
2024 – 2026 (sold at a profit)
Area
XX m² + terraceTODO
Special
Urban studio concept

01

Starting point

An existing space in Bremen with substance but in need of renovation — and an urban audience with different expectations than a small town: faster, more design-aware, more digital.

02

Challenge

Keeping renovation and conversion within budget while reaching a design level that holds up in urban competition. The brand had to become more urban without losing its identity.

03

Strategy

The studio concept: more compact, design-driven, focused on counter quality, the terrace as a second dining room, and digital systems that enable high throughput with a small team.

04

Planning

Interior design with a reduced material palette, a lighting concept for day and evening service, kitchen and service counter planned as one continuous production line, and technical infrastructure — from network to sound — considered from the start.

05

Implementation

Supporting the renovation, fitting out dining room and terrace, building the counter, installing the technology and introducing the digital setup — from ordering to internal organisation.

06

Result & decision

The studio proved that BOME works in an urban setting — design, systems and concept held up. I still sold it in 2026, at a profit: three parallel locations, without a second leadership level and with small children at home, could no longer be run honestly. The decision was for focus and family — and for a profitable exit at the right time.

Systems used

  • Digital ordering setup at the counter
  • Website with location page & local SEO
  • Digital menu boards
  • Network, sound & camera infrastructure
  • Digital checklists for daily operations

Key learnings

  1. 1Urban guests forgive weak design less readily than a short menu.
  2. 2Renovating existing buildings needs buffers — in budget and schedule.
  3. 3Even a working location can be the wrong decision if it doesn't fit the owner's life.
  4. 4Digital systems only deliver value when planned in from day one.
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