Val Du Lake’s Mary & Brian sit down to talk with XLT’s Chuck Freer about the innovative XLT Radiant Grill.
Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill, a beloved spot near Michigan’s scenic sand dunes, regularly hosts both locals and tourists looking for a great meal and a welcoming atmosphere. With seating for over 200 guests, the restaurant often experiences sudden surges in customer volume—especially when unpredictable Michigan weather sends crowds indoors. To keep up with demand, Val Du Lakes turned to XLT and their automated grilling system, the innovative XLT Radiant Grill, to boost their kitchen efficiency and ensure top-notch service.
The Impact of XLT’s Conveyorized Grilling System on High-Volume Days
Recently, Val Du Lakes encountered a classic Michigan weather challenge: a sudden rainstorm that brought a crowd of 200+ people off the sand dunes and into the restaurant within minutes. The team quickly called in extra staff, but the ability to serve so many customers in a short timeframe came down to the kitchen’s high-performing XLT grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill.
Here’s how XLT’s equipment has made a difference for Val Du Lakes:
- Reduced Ticket Times: The addition of XLT’s conveyorized grilling system cut ticket times in half, allowing the kitchen to keep up with even the largest, last-minute crowds. According to the owners, they couldn’t have handled the influx without the XLT equipment; otherwise, they would have faced significant delays and frustrated customers.
- Consistent Quality, Even Under Pressure: The XLT Radiant Grill provides uniform heating across all food items, ensuring consistent, high-quality dishes—even during high-volume service. The Val Du Lakes’ team is confident in their ability to maintain food standards, no matter how many guests walk through the door.
- Enhanced Employee Morale: The reliable performance of the XLT Radiant Grill has been a game-changer for the kitchen staff, who are now better equipped to handle rushes without feeling overwhelmed. Employees appreciate the improved workflow and know they can rely on the equipment to meet the restaurant’s high standards.
- A Worthwhile Investment: The owners consider the XLT Automated Grilling System— the XLT Radiant Grill — their best investment to date. Since integrating XLT’s equipment into their kitchen, Val Du Lakes has experienced faster service, higher customer satisfaction, and an overall boost to their business.
Why XLT is the Ideal Choice for Busy Restaurants
Val Du Lakes’ success story with XLT and the Radiant Grill showcases how the right equipment can transform a restaurant’s operations. For busy dining spots that experience unpredictable customer surges, XLT’s conveyorized grilling system offers the efficiency, consistency, and reliability needed to keep customers happy and business booming.
If you’re near Michigan’s dunes, visit Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill to experience the exceptional quality of dishes prepared with XLT and the XLT Radiant Grill—a taste of innovation that meets tradition.
