A new outpost of the Texas-based OMG! Burger chain has opened in Houston's Galleria shopping center, featuring a bold interior design that elevates the fast-casual dining experience through sophisticated modernist principles. Created by locally-based Studio Danel, the 2,000-square-foot restaurant challenges conventional burger joint aesthetics by merging stainless steel precision, expressive color blocking, and thoughtful spatial planning. The design transforms what could be a generic chain location into a distinctive architectural statement about how everyday spaces can transcend their utilitarian functions.
The centerpiece of the restaurant is a striking orange-lacquered communal table that runs through the heart of the dining room, immediately capturing visitors' attention upon entry. This custom-designed feature, supported by massive cuboid blocks at either end, accommodates multiple parties and encourages social interaction among strangers. Studio Danel founder Danel Zharmenova deliberately positioned this vibrant table to create what she calls a "modernist social hub where design and dining converge." Matching cube-shaped stools with cushioned tops line the table, while burgundy dining chairs provide contrasting seating options that offset the tangerine hue and add depth to the color palette.
Material contrast defines the spatial experience, with stainless steel surfaces playing against warm stained plywood to create visual tension and textural interest. The back wall features circular stainless steel tables positioned along a built-in plywood bench that transforms into a merchandising display at one end. Above this seating area, steel wall panels incorporate porthole-like apertures inspired by French architect Jean Prouvé, offering what the studio describes as a contemporary nod to post-war modernism. The ceiling grid of reflective panels amplifies natural and artificial light, while a custom lozenge-shaped light fixture featuring the restaurant's logo hangs directly above the central orange table, reinforcing brand identity through integrated design.
Brand expression extends throughout the space in subtle and overt ways. The OMG! Burger wordmark glows within a mirrored panel above the service counter, creating a luminous focal point that guides customers through the ordering process. The exclamation point from the logo appears as a standalone sculptural element mounted on the wall behind the registers, while blue tiles provide a vibrant backdrop for the self-service station. These graphic elements work in harmony with the architectural features to create what Zharmenova calls "a democratic yet refined environment" where architecture and everyday culture intersect meaningfully.
The design reflects a growing trend in fast-casual dining where restaurants invest in distinctive interiors to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. OMG! Burger joins other burger establishments worldwide that have embraced modernist aesthetics, including a Geneva location that preserved its original fit-out and a Reims restaurant designed as an ode to modernist California architecture. This approach recognizes that memorable dining experiences depend as much on atmosphere as on food quality, particularly for younger consumers who value Instagram-worthy environments and authentic design narratives.
Project credits highlight the collaborative nature of the work, with Aria Signs responsible for the custom signage and chandelier that complement Studio Danel's architectural vision. Photography by Shaider Divina captures how the space functions during service, showing customers interacting with the design elements in ways that validate the studio's social stage concept. As chain restaurants increasingly compete with independent eateries for market share, OMG! Burger's Galleria location demonstrates how thoughtful design can create a unique sense of place while maintaining brand consistency across multiple locations.
