The Friede Team was excited to return to Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in 2021 for the renovation of the Double Cut Steak House—a 6,900-square-foot contemporary restaurant that functions as a casual dining spot and watering hole.

The scope of the project included demolition of the existing bar, removal of the flooring, and relocation of some of the walls. A new bar was installed, a signature wine walkway was added and a completely new space was created for Redd’s Piano Bar—a piano bar and lounge where musicians entertain guests with high-energy performances while mixologists serve up craft cocktails.

Redd’s Piano Bar features a “speakeasy” theme with red leather booths and an entry library with vintage books and records. The main entry to Double Cut features a 35-foot-long corridor with wine casework on both sides of the hallway with wine bottles from the floor to the ceiling. The wine hallway also features horn pendant lights. Double Cut Steak House features a renovated private dining room complete with vines and soft lighting.

The project had numerous challenges. Since the extensive renovation and addition meant the restaurant had to be temporarily closed, the construction timeline needed to be aggressive so the owner could reopen the new space in time for the holidays. During construction, some of the existing mechanical systems were discovered to be in different locations than what was shown on the as-built drawings. This caused a conflict with the new systems being installed. Adjustments to soffits, as well as raising and lowering ductwork helped to alleviate some of the conflicts. There were also significant material delays from the casework and countertop supplier that caused shifting in the construction schedule to keep the project on schedule.

“This project is an outstanding example of what pre-construction planning, flexibility during construction, and good communication with the entire team can produce,” said Morgan Tribbey, Project Manager for Friede & Associates. “Redd’s Piano Bar and the renovated Double Cut Steak House are a very unique experience in the Wisconsin Dells and I am honored to have assisted with the project.”

Back in 2013, Friede & Associates completed the original Double Cut Charcoal Grill & Liquor Bar for Kalahari Resorts.

Redd’s Piano Bar and the newly-renovated Double Cut both opened to the public in mid-December of 2021, just in time for the holiday break.