Fuego Restaurant

ABOUT FUEGO

FUEGO is an Argentine-inspired steakhouse located in central Copenhagen, near the picturesque Nyhavn harbor. Housed in a historic 1874 building that once served as a bank, the restaurant occupies two wings in an L-shaped, tunnel-like layout within Copenhagen's Gammelholm district.

Since 2003, FUEGO has been delighting diners with premium Argentinian steak and Mexican-inspired dishes, complemented by an extensive selection of Argentine wines, all within a warm and inviting contemporary atmosphere.

background

Over time, the restaurant's original sound system had begun to negatively impact the restaurant’s dining experience. A mix of 20-year-old surface-mounted loudspeakers created multiple problems. Uneven sound distribution meant guests struggled to carry conversations in some areas while being overwhelmed by volume in others and the system lacked zoning capabilities, making it impossible to adjust sound levels between private rooms and the main dining area.

The aesthetic impact was equally problematic. Blue surface-mounted speakers clashed with the restaurant's warm, earthy wood and beige interior, detracting from the intimate atmosphere the owners wanted to cultivate.

The owners, Juan and Hans Alvarez, wanted more than just an audio upgrade.

They envisioned an atmosphere where background music supported conversations, a system that could easily be adapted for private dining rooms or large gatherings, and solutions that would respect the architectural beauty of the historic space.

challenges & considerations

The historic nature of the building presented significant installation challenges. Originally constructed in 1874 as a bank, the structure retained walls that concealed old pipes and lines from previous eras, creating limited working space for installers.

The uneven wall surfaces, characteristic of 19th-century construction, required careful planning and additional time to ensure proper speaker mounting and system integration.

Adding complexity was the need for sound level compliance. The building houses residential apartments above the restaurant, requiring the new system to include sound level capping capabilities to meet local noise regulations while still providing flexibility for events and gatherings.

the solution

To solve these challenges, installer MEGASOUND worked closely with the Alvarez family and Sonance to walk through the process, architectural possibilities, and eventually align on a solution that worked well for FUEGO.

"The initial service meeting with both the installer Søren and Sonance Professional representative, Anders Wisbol, created trust in the project," said Hans Alvarez.

The focus was on delivering an improved atmosphere with simplified usage. Ci Series loudspeakers were chosen to blend into the historic architecture. In most areas, they nearly disappeared into the background, while in select spots, like the entrance, a 270-degree Ci5-V installation serves as an interesting focal point. Subwoofers, including the C12S and C8S, added low-end throughout the space without overwhelming guests.

To control the system, Wall-M and Wall-S1 controllers gave staff effortless zone management.

The system is powered by Dante-enabled PowerZone Connect amplifiers with PoE, simplifying control and connectivity. By daisy-chaining DSP settings between amplifiers using S/PDIF connections, the design ensured consistent audio across all areas, from the main dining wings to the wine cellar.

The installation created eight distinct zones within FUEGO; each tailored to its specific acoustic and functional requirements.

The private dining area features four CiX6-V loudspeakers with coaxial drivers delivering wide 100° x 100° dispersion, supported by a hidden C12S subwoofer. This zone transforms into a dance floor for weddings and events, with sound level capping ensuring regulatory compliance.

Private rooms feature individual Wall-S1 controllers allowing guests to adjust sound levels locally, and the Ci2 loudspeakers in combination with the C8S subwoofers, while the main restaurant areas use carefully positioned Ci5-V to create even coverage throughout the challenging L-shaped architecture.

installation Process

Working within the 1874 structure required significant adaptation and problem-solving as the installation team encountered hidden structural elements and infrastructure from the building's banking era.

"The old building created time-sinks for the installer due to uneven walls for speaker mounting and hidden 'treasures' from the history of being a bank," noted the installation team.

Rather than fighting against these architectural characteristics, the installation approach embraced the building's natural lines and character.

Throughout the installation process, emphasis remained on creating a user-friendly system. The Ci series of loudspeakers integrated seamlessly into the historic architecture, while the PowerZone Connect amplifiers and PowerZone Control software made it straightforward to configure, even within the complex architectural environment.

RESULTS

The difference was immediate.

Even sound distribution now creates clarity and balance throughout the restaurant, enhancing the ambience without drowning out conversation.

"It's impressive how even the sound is throughout the areas," co-owner Hans said. "Walking through the restaurant is a completely different feeling."

Guests now experience music as an integral part of the dining environment rather than as an intrusive element.

"A regular has asked me if we had been changing the playlist. But the answer is no. He is simply able to hear it as ambient music instead of noise to be filtered out."

For staff, the system delivers operational excellence through intuitive controls.

"I am amazed with the simplicity," Hans noted. "everything starts with the click of a button."

"It is an easy system to work with," explained Søren Hansen. "Both the amplifiers and the DSP software are simple to set up and easily understood. Good for commercial installs versus that of open DSPs, which take longer to configure."

The installation has opened significant new business opportunities. With flexible zoning and higher-quality sound reproduction, the restaurant now confidently supports weddings, private parties, DJ sets, and corporate meetings. The sound level capping capabilities ensure compliance with local noise regulations while maintaining flexibility for various event types.

"This system has presented opportunities for more use-cases in the daily operations of the restaurant," Hans reflected.

Aesthetically, the transformation exceeded expectations. "It looks 'correct' and feels like it belongs," Søren said. "There is an atmosphere for dining and talking pleasantly now."

conclusion

By replacing its outdated sound system with a thoughtfully designed Sonance solution, FUEGO has redefined its guest experience. The restaurant now enjoys seamless integration of design and technology, improved communication between staff and guests, and the flexibility to adapt to new opportunities.

The successful navigation of historic building challenges demonstrates how proper planning and quality products can overcome even the most complex installation environments, transforming what was once a weakness into one of the restaurant's greatest operational strengths.