Selected Work
Distinct concepts.
One point of view.
ZOO’s work spans different neighborhoods, service styles, and guest occasions. The common thread is an operating point of view built around clarity, care, and reasons to return.
Current work includes Allendale Social, Charlie’s Place, and Saku in Hoboken.
Allendale, NJ
Allendale Social
Contemporary neighborhood dining with polished energy and a strong food-and-beverage identity.
Waldwick, NJ
Charlie’s Place
A lively neighborhood bar and restaurant built around approachable hospitality, cocktails, music, and repeat regulars.
Hoboken, NJ
Saku
Japanese dining and guest experiences with sushi, events, classes, and hospitality-driven programming.
How ZOO Works
Adapt the concept. Keep the standards.
Know the occasion.A neighborhood dinner, a sports night, and a sushi class should not feel the same. The operating model should support what the guest came for.
Build repeatability.Strong systems should make consistency easier without flattening the personality of the concept.
Program reasons to return.Music, events, classes, seasonal menus, and recurring rituals can turn a restaurant into part of a guest’s routine.
Stay close to the room.Reports matter, but the floor tells you what is actually working. The operating view has to include both.