With over four decades of experience in the construction sector, Bruce Russo, founder of B. Russo Designs, is creating immaculate, exceptional, and top-of-the-range architectures for his clients

You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it requires people to make the dream a reality, quoted by Walt Disney, best suits Bruce Russo, founder of B. Russo Designs, is one such leader who is turning restaurant and retail owners' dreams into reality. With over 45 years' experience in the construction sector, Bruce founded B. Russo Designs with one goal in mind: to become the best design and build resource available to restaurant and retail owners. Bruce's results-driven reputation precedes him, along with his excellent business standards and principles. Bruce Russo has more than 400 completed design and development projects to his credit, including the Woodlands American Grill in Chicago, Denver, and Dallas; Mexico Cantina in Denver and Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Toulouse in Dallas, Houston and Austin; Taverna Dallas, Houston and Austin, Dee Lincoln Prime, Lombardis Cucina Italiana, Steve Fields Steak House to name a few.

Bruce Russo, Founder of B. Russo Designs, spoke exclusively to CIO Bulletin about how he and his team are on a mission to design and develop beautifully crafted spaces through innovative technology initiatives.

Interview highlights

Q. What made you start B. Russo Designs? How has the firm grown over the years?

Studying the product that was being built in the hospitality market, it was obvious that the function of the restaurants that were being designed and built was being totally ignored. This inspired me to create a design firm that focuses strictly on the function and design of each restaurant.

By staying true to our original goal, we have become one of the top award-winning design firms in the United States.

Q. When you started the firm, did you plan to primarily service the restaurant and retail industries? Are you satisfied and proud of what you have achieved over the years?

Yes. Our focus has stayed true to the commercial hospitality and retail markets. 95 percent of our business is in the hospitality market.

Of course yes; I am very proud of what we have achieved over the years. We have many repeat clients that have grown with us.

Q. In your over 45 years of experience in the design industry, how have you observed the industry evolve and transform?

Since the pandemic, we have seen a tremendous change in market demand. The QSR concepts are more powerful than ever before. The use of technology and delivery has exploded the market in that sector. Many concepts have become digital marketing firms that use food as a byproduct of their technology (Pizza Hut). The upscale market ($75 ticket average and higher) remains strong. This is the market where we do 99 percent of our business. It remains very strong, even with evidence of the recession lurking; the market is stronger now than pre-Covid.

Q. What have been a few of your most significant contributions to the industry over your career span?

My national reputation in the restaurant design industry is that I create great, unique designs with a serious focus on the details and a complete focus on labor costs and the function of operation by design. I design kitchens that work differently on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays than they do on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday because a restaurant is busier later in the week than it is at the beginning of the week. Hence, a kitchen design that functions with four people earlier in the week and eight people later in the week and on weekends is necessary.

Q. As the founder and leader of your design firm, how have you influenced the work culture at B. Russo Designs?

By thinking "out of the box," so to speak! Always ask the "what if" question and lead by example with great work ethics.

Q. What were some of the most challenging obstacles you and B. Russo Designs overcame over the years? Can you share some of your profound lessons learned along the way?

Market downturns and learning how to deal with clients demands.

Q. What is the approach to creating memorable interior designs?

It is to always deliver a unique, one-of-a-kind space. Stay focused on the client’s needs.

Q. If you had one critical piece of knowledge to impart to up-and-coming entrepreneurs on how to create a successful business, what would it be?

Be prepared to work hard and follow your passion! The key word is passion. If you have passion for what you are doing, you will never work a day in your life! Trust me, I know. Do not be a follower; always be a leader. And the most important thing of all: always treat people with respect. Don’t ever forget where you came from. We are all equal, and we all put our pants on the same way every day.

“Be prepared to work hard and follow your passion. The key word is passion. If you have passion for what you are doing, you will never work a day in your life!"