Bar Nohm Renovation: Electrical Excellence in Restaurant Design

Bar Nohm

A Shining Addition to Salt Lake City's 9th and 9th / Maven District

Welcome to part 2 of our Building Excellence series!  Today, we’d like to highlight one of our favorite builds, Bar Nohm.  Bar Nohm has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the 9th and 9th / Maven district, a neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of local businesses and vibrant community spirit. The Asian-inspired eatery occupies a space that feels both modern and timeless, with its carefully considered design elements complementing the neighborhood's artistic flair. What visitors might not realize as they enjoy their meals is the extensive electrical work that went into transforming this space into one of Salt Lake City's most talked-about dining destinations.

Behind the Scenes: The Electrical Transformation

Starting from Scratch

Restaurant renovations present unique challenges from an electrical standpoint, and Bar Nohm was no exception. The space required a complete electrical overhaul to support the sophisticated kitchen equipment needed for their innovative menu offerings.

Our team began by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the existing electrical infrastructure. This revealed the need for a significant upgrade to the building's electrical capacity. We engineered and carefully planned for the power demands of commercial kitchen equipment, advanced lighting systems, and climate control technology.

Kitchen Power Solutions

The heart of any restaurant is its kitchen, and Bar Nohm's required specialized electrical solutions to support its unique culinary approach.

We installed:

• Dedicated 220V circuits for high-powered cooking equipment

• Custom-designed power distribution for the open kitchen concept

• Surge protection systems to safeguard sensitive electronic equipment

• Powered a fire suppression system to adhere to safety guidelines

• Emergency backup systems to protect food inventory during power outages

Each circuit was carefully planned to maximize efficiency while maintaining the flexibility needed in a dynamic restaurant environment. The open kitchen concept presented an additional challenge, requiring us to balance functional requirements with aesthetic considerations.

Lighting: Where Function Meets Artistry

Bar Nohm, custom lighting

Perhaps the most visible aspect of our electrical work at Bar Nohm is the lighting design. Working closely with the designer,  Ryan Manning, we implemented a sophisticated lighting system that enhances the dining experience while showcasing the restaurant's architectural features.

The custom light fixtures throughout Bar Nohm deserve special mention. Each fixture was carefully selected to complement the restaurant's design aesthetic while providing optimal illumination. From the moment guests enter, they're greeted by statement pendant lights that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The bar area features custom-designed LED lighting that highlights the impressive spirits collection while creating a moody, sophisticated ambiance. In the dining areas, adjustable recessed lighting allows staff to create the perfect atmosphere for any time of day.

Smart Systems Integration

To bring Bar Nohm firmly into the modern era, we integrated smart electrical systems throughout the space:

• Programmable lighting controls that adjust automatically throughout the day

• Energy management systems that optimize power consumption

• Integrated audio systems with zone-specific controls

• Smart climate control to maintain ideal temperatures for guest comfort

These systems not only enhance the dining experience but also contribute to the restaurant's sustainability goals by reducing energy waste.

A Testament to Attention to Detail

What sets Bar Nohm apart—and what made this project particularly rewarding—was the unwavering commitment to quality and detail shown by everyone involved. The owners' vision for a space that would honor their culinary philosophy while creating a unique dining environment challenged us to think creatively about every aspect of the electrical design.

The custom light fixtures serve as a perfect example of this attention to detail. Each fixture was selected not just for its aesthetic appeal but for how it would interact with the space, the food, and the overall dining experience. The warm, ambient lighting creates a perfect backdrop for Bar Nohm's visually stunning dishes.

Even the electrical outlets were considered design elements, with custom plates and strategic placement ensuring they remained functional but unobtrusive. The back-of-house electrical systems were designed with the same level of care, creating an efficient workspace that supports the culinary team's creativity.

Contributing to Community

Bar Nohm has quickly become more than just a restaurant—it's a gathering place that contributes to the unique character of the 9th and 9th and Maven District neighborhoods. The thoughtful electrical design supports this community-centered approach:

• Exterior lighting enhances safety and visibility for pedestrians in the neighborhood

• Energy-efficient systems reduce the restaurant's environmental footprint

• Flexible electrical infrastructure allows the space to adapt for community events

By creating a space that balances sophisticated design with welcoming warmth, Bar Nohm exemplifies the spirit of the 9th and 9th / Maven community—creative, inclusive, and committed to excellence.

Lessons in Restaurant Renovation

For those considering similar projects, the Bar Nohm renovation offers valuable insights into successful restaurant electrical design:

1. Begin with a comprehensive assessment of existing infrastructure

2. Plan for capacity that exceeds current needs to accommodate future growth

3. Balance functional requirements with aesthetic considerations

4. Invest in quality fixtures and systems that enhance the dining experience

5. Consider how electrical elements contribute to the overall brand and atmosphere

The success of Bar Nohm demonstrates that when technical expertise meets creative vision, the result is a space that not only functions flawlessly but also creates memorable experiences for everyone who visits. 

The next time you enjoy a meal at Bar Nohm, take a moment to appreciate not just the exceptional food and service, but also the invisible systems that make it all possible—a testament to the power of thoughtful electrical design in creating extraordinary spaces.

If you are looking to update the electrical in your commercial or residential space, we can help.  Give us a call at 801-449-1877, or fill out our contact form here: https://www.epicelectric.co/get-a-quote.