Chow Thai Remodel
Wilmington, NC
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A second-generation family restaurant in Wilmington, NC, wanted to update and modernize its operations, including a partial shift from traditional full-service dining to a more food-court style setup. The change was implemented to speed service and align more with modern diners’ preferences.
Owner Larry O’Connor envisioned a counter-service model in which diners could place an order, watch as their plate is assembled behind the glass and pay at the end of the line.
To make it work, though, he needed the counter that would be the centerpiece of his newly redesigned restaurant. That’s where Chris Brandenburg of Southern Food Equipment Reps came in and made a recommendation.
“If you’re looking for something that’s going to last, that’s where you want to use LTI.”
The Renovation
The transformation of the restaurant, which reopened in August 2020 after temporarily closing for renovations, included furniture and décor updates and a name change from Thai Spice to Chow Thai.
The key feature of the design changes, though, was the new counters.
LTI worked closely with the restaurant’s owner to design a custom solution to meet his functional and budgetary needs and one that would help him bring his vision to life.
A total of three LTI counters were installed. The first was the heart of the serving line, featuring seven ThermalWell hot wells, which offer more energy-efficient performance over standard hot wells.
Also included were an 11-quart drop-in soup well and two 36-inch frost-top shelves, which hold the restaurant’s handmade sushi and cold desserts. The final counter section houses the cashier stand.
The three counters lock together to look and function like one long counter. But at the end of the day, the pieces could be easily detached from each other and rolled to the side of the room on casters to allow for cleaning underneath the equipment.
Decorative touches like a vibrant red laminate front and LED lighting augmented the restaurant’s ambiance. Food protectors were finished off with a glass top to help showcase the food.
The Result
The new equipment allowed the restaurant to introduce ready-to-serve dishes, in addition to its traditional made-to-order menu. Particularly with increased takeout orders associated with the coronavirus pandemic, this capability allowed the restaurant to serve customers more efficiently.
These LTI counters also offered the kind of functionality and reliability that the restaurant owner needed.
“He liked that he could shut off the wells individually if they weren’t needed for certain times of day. And he liked that he could control the temperature to accommodate different menu items,” Brandenburg said.
In addition, the equipment accessibility made possible by the large panel doors ensured future service needs would be simpler and easier to manage.
“The weight, the workmanship — it’s all built to last,” Brandenburg said.
