Bespoke Technology Group and 1 SOUND have collaborated to bring an impressive sound system to EVELYN.
It is a new steakhouse and lounge located in Dallas’ Design District. Inspired by Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this luxurious venue features seven unique rooms, each with its own distinct atmosphere. From the very beginning, sound was a central priority in the design. From the beginning, sound was a central priority in the design.
Instead of following the usual process of working first with an integrator, Reach Hospitality — the ownership group behind EVELYN — contacted 1 SOUND directly with a very clear idea of the audio experience they wanted to achieve. From there, 1 SOUND connected them with Bespoke Technology Group, who worked alongside the brand’s CEO and lead audio designer, Lou Mannarino, to bring the project to life.
From the very first meeting with the owners and with Lou, it was clear that every aspect of EVELYN was being built to achieve the best sound possible. The materials, the finishes, even the way the rooms were constructed—everything was done with acoustics in mind, said Phil Ayache, President of Bespoke Technology Group.
Each of the venue’s main spaces required a unique approach. The dining room, designed for live piano music, was outfitted with FSUB45 floor subwoofers and 1 SOUND’s Cannon C6 loudspeakers, creating a refined yet powerful sound environment without overwhelming the intimate space.
The main bar, in contrast, was designed for high energy and late-night crowds. To achieve this, Bespoke installed an array of C6 loudspeakers supported by eight SUB310 subwoofers, “one of my favorite products from 1 SOUND”, mentioned Ayache. The challenge arose when interior designers expressed concern about placing subwoofers near furniture or on the floor. The solution was to recess them into the ceiling—a decision Ayache described as both practical and visually seamless.
“We spent a long time making sure everything was perfectly plumb and level with the ceiling”, he explained. “The final result looks incredible and sounds even better”.
EVELYN’s interiors required audio equipment capable of matching the venue’s luxurious aesthetic. 1 SOUND’s Custom Shop, led by Julia Mannarino, worked hand-in-hand with designers to ensure every speaker blended seamlessly into its surroundings. The finishes included seven custom colors, fabric grilles matching the velvet wall coverings, and even bronze metal grilles for an extra touch of elegance.
There are very few companies like 1 SOUND. Their customization capabilities allowed us to get really creative. Nothing is impossible for Lou Mannarino, said Ayache.
In the lounge, which also functions as a nightclub and dance floor, Bespoke installed two Contour CT28 point-source speakers, as well as additional C6 units and SUB215 subwoofers to deliver the power and clarity needed for a nightlife environment. “It sounds phenomenal”, Ayache commented.
The system was powered by Powersoft Quattrocanali and Duecanali amplifiers, known for their reliability. Ayache noted that he has installed hundreds of Powersoft amplifiers, and only one has ever failed—after a direct lightning strike. Control was managed via the Crestron CP4, in line with Bespoke Technology Group’s long-standing commitment to Crestron for dependable venue automation.
The collaboration between Reach Hospitality, Bespoke Technology Group, and 1 SOUND resulted in a venue where sound is as essential to the experience as the design itself.
Reach Hospitality gave us tremendous creative freedom while always maintaining a clear vision. EVELYN is a perfect example of what happens when sound is treated as a top priority. We are already working with them on two more projects, which will of course feature 1 SOUND solutions, concluded Ayache.
With EVELYN now open to the public, visitors can enjoy a space where immersive design, custom finishes, and world-class audio come together to create an unforgettable environment.
