Customer: Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill
“The XLT Radiant Grills have been a blessing for our circumstances. They’ve cut our ticket times in half and have made it possible to deliver high-quality food, even during the busiest times. Without them, we couldn’t have kept up with the demand.”
Case Study: Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill – XLT Radiant Grill to the Rescue
Location: Mears, MI
Owners: Mary and Brian Lowing
Background
Val Du Lakes Resort in Mears, Michigan, has a storied history dating back to the 1920s when Moses and Lila Davis established the property as a scenic retreat in the heart of Michigan’s Oceana County. Over the decades, Val Du Lakes has evolved from a family farm to a vibrant entertainment venue, renowned for its panoramic views, lively events, and welcoming campground. Under the current ownership of Mary and Brian Lowing, Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill continues to captivate visitors with a blend of historical charm and modern dining experiences. Central to this culinary experience are XLT Radiant Grills, which have revolutionized the kitchen’s efficiency and service.
Mary and Brian Lowing purchased Val Du Lakes Resort in 2006, reopening it as a seasonal hotspot in 2007. The venue's strategic location near Michigan's only rideable sand dunes attracts large crowds during the summer months, with hundreds of guests seeking a dining experience as memorable as the scenic surroundings. However, the influx of diners often led to operational challenges, especially within the kitchen’s limited space, which initially struggled to keep up with demand.
Challenges
As the resort’s popularity grew, so did the volume of customers at Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill. With a seating capacity of approximately 220, including a spacious dining room, pool room, and outdoor deck, the kitchen faced pressure to serve large groups promptly. Previously reliant on a small 36-inch flat top, the kitchen struggled to keep up, especially during peak hours when hundreds of patrons could arrive within minutes.
- High Volume, Small Kitchen: During peak hours, the kitchen was inundated with orders, causing extended ticket times and high employee stress levels.
- Customer and Employee Frustration: Long wait times led to frustrated customers, affecting overall satisfaction and repeat business.
- Need for Increased Efficiency: A critical need arose for a high-capacity, reliable solution to help the kitchen handle sudden rushes and maintain food quality.
Solution: XLT Radiant Grill
After discovering XLT and XLT’s automated grilling system at a restaurant show in Orlando, Mary and Brian recognized the potential of this technology to transform their kitchen operations. In the spring of 2023, they invested in XLT Radiant Grills to address their kitchen’s capacity and efficiency issues. The impact was immediate and transformative.
- Reduced Ticket Times: The XLT conveyor grill cut ticket times in half, even during high-traffic moments, allowing the kitchen to manage sudden inflows of guests seamlessly.
- Consistent Food Quality: With the Radiant Grills’ advanced technology, the team could serve high-quality dishes like sirloin steaks and grilled vegetables quickly, meeting and exceeding guest expectations.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: The kitchen staff appreciated the faster and more manageable workflow, which allowed them to focus on delivering quality food without excessive pressure.
Results
The adoption of XLT conveyorized grilling system brought immediate and lasting improvements to Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill:
- Increased Efficiency: The XLT’s Radiant Grills significantly reduced preparation times. For example, ticket times on busy nights dropped from two hours to 45 minutes or less, enabling faster table turnover and improving customer satisfaction.
- Customer Retention and Satisfaction: Patrons, many of whom commented on the speed and quality of the food, were notably impressed by the consistently short wait times and high-quality meals, particularly during peak hours when the dining room was packed.
- Operational Stability: In times of unexpected demand, such as a sudden rainstorm that brought in over 200 guests from the dunes, the grills proved essential. Mary recounted how the team managed this surge efficiently, ensuring every customer received their meals promptly.
The implementation of XLT Radiant Grills at Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill showcases how the right technology can redefine a business’s operational success. By investing in XLT’s automated grilling system, Mary and Brian Lowing not only optimized their kitchen’s productivity but also enhanced the overall dining experience for their guests.
Today, Val Du Lakes continues to thrive as a premier destination in Mears, Michigan, blending historical charm with modern efficiency—a true testament to how innovative solutions can help traditional venues reach new heights.
For other high-volume restaurants, the experience of Val Du Lakes underscores the value of investing in technology like XLT conveyorized grills to ensure both efficiency and quality in service.
