XLT Ovens

Val Du Lakes’ customers discuss with XLT’s Chuck Freer on how much they enjoy the food and service.

Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill, a favorite stop near Michigan’s scenic dunes, is known for serving up hearty, high-quality meals to locals and visitors alike.  With peak season bringing in large crowds, quick and efficient service is essential.  The XLT automated grilling system, featuring the XLT Radiant Grill, has helped the restaurant reduce ticket times, increase consistency, and keep customers satisfied.

How XLT Grills Transformed Val Du Lakes’ Kitchen

Before switching to XLT and the XLT Grill, ticket times at Val Du Lakes could reach up to an hour and a half or more on busy nights.  Since introducing the conveyorized grilling system, however, the restaurant has cut wait times significantly, down to 45 minutes at the peak and as low as 15-20 minutes on regular busy nights.  This drastic reduction has made a noticeable difference in service speed and customer satisfaction.

Here’s how XLT’s grilling system is making an impact:

• Faster Ticket Times: The XLT Radiant Grill and conveyorized grilling system have more than halved the wait time for meals, with many dishes now coming out in as little as 10 minutes. High-quality entrees like sirloin steak with grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes are now served up fast, keeping patrons happy.
• Consistent, Quality Results: The XLT Grill produces evenly cooked dishes every time. The new grilling system has turned even the most basic sirloin steak into a fan favorite. Customers have raved about the quality, some even comparing it to Michelin-starred meals. The grill consistently delivers tender, perfectly cooked steaks and burgers.
• Customer Satisfaction: Val Du Lakes’ customers appreciate both the speed and quality brought by the XLT Automated Grilling System. According to one diner, the 8-ounce sirloin with bourbon sauce was among their “top five favorite steaks,” and many patrons are impressed with the speed at which the kitchen is able to serve up quality meals this season.
• Efficient Kitchen Management: The reduced ticket times and consistent results have also relieved stress on the kitchen team. Chef Rob and his staff can handle the high-volume demands of peak season without sacrificing quality or speed, all thanks to the reliable performance of XLT equipment.

Elevating the Val Du Lakes Dining Experience with XLT

For Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill, the XLT automated grill has proven to be a worthwhile investment, transforming the kitchen’s efficiency and the overall dining experience.  With reduced wait times, consistent quality, and outstanding customer satisfaction, the XLT Radiant Grill has helped positioned Val Du Lakes as a must-visit destination for high-quality, quickly served meals near Michigan’s dunes.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Learn more about XLT’s automated grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill here.  See more videos here.

XLT’s Chuck Freer talks with Chef Rob about traditional flat-top grills versus the innovative XLT Radiant Grill.

Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill, a popular destination near Michigan’s dunes, has found a solution to its kitchen challenges with XLT’s automated grilling system – the Radiant Grill.  Chef Rob, an experienced cook at Val Du Lakes, has witnessed the transformation firsthand.  With the addition of the XLT Radiant Grill conveyorized grilling system, the restaurant has cut ticket times dramatically and streamlined its operations, especially during busy event nights.

How XLT Radiant Grills Have Improved Efficiency at Val Du Lakes

Before switching to the XLT Grill, Chef Rob managed orders on a traditional flat-top grill.  During high-traffic evenings, ticket times could reach up to two hours.  Now, thanks to XLT’s automated grilling system, that’s been reduced dramatically.  The automated setup has made the kitchen more manageable and efficient, with faster table turnover and happier customers.

Here’s what makes XLT equipment invaluable for Val Du Lakes:

• Reduced Ticket Times: The XLT conveyorized grilling system has allowed Val Du Lakes to cut ticket times by more than half, creating a smoother workflow and faster service on busy nights.
• Reliable Customer Support: XLT’s customer service stands out.  When Chef Rob had a minor technical issue late one night, XLT’s tech support provided immediate assistance over the phone.  The following morning, a technician checked in to ensure everything was still running smoothly—a level of care that’s hard to find in the industry.
• Consistent Quality and Speed: With the XLT Radiant Grill, every meal is cooked evenly, regardless of volume.  This consistency has helped Val Du Lakes deliver quality food while meeting high demand, giving customers a reliably great experience.
• Enhanced Kitchen Management: For Chef Rob and the kitchen team, the XLT Radiant Grill has made managing large events much easier, allowing them to keep up with high orders without sacrificing quality.

XLT Grills: A Game-Changer for Busy Kitchens

With the XLT Radiant Grill, Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill has drastically improved its ability to serve high volumes quickly and efficiently. XLT’s combination of cutting-edge equipment and exceptional customer service has empowered Val Du Lakes to deliver top-quality meals every time, ensuring both staff and guests enjoy a smooth, satisfying dining experience.

Visit Val Du Lakes near Michigan’s dunes to experience the quality and efficiency brought to you by XLT and the XLT Radiant Grill.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Learn more about XLT’s automated grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill here.  See more videos here.

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.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Learn more about XLT’s automated grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill here.  See more videos here.

Val Du Lake’s Bar & Grill uses a double stack XLT Radiant Grill with split belts to optimize their kitchen efficiencies.

Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill is a favorite spot in Michigan, offering diners an inviting atmosphere near the scenic sand dunes. With a capacity to seat over 200 guests, including a spacious dining room, pool room, and outdoor deck, Val Du Lakes needed a kitchen setup that could handle high demand. When traditional kitchen equipment couldn’t keep up, they turned to XLT’s Automated Grilling System, the XLT Radiant Grill, to transform their food service.

Meeting Demand with XLT’s Automated Grilling System – The Radiant Grill

As Val Du Lakes’ popularity has grown, so did the challenges of meeting customer demand, especially during peak times.  Their small kitchen was once powered by a single flat-top grill, which wasn’t enough to serve large groups efficiently.  With the addition of the XLT Radiant Grilling System, the team found a solution that not only increased production but also improved the quality and consistency of each dish.

Here’s how XLT has positively impacted Val Du Lakes’ operations:

• Enhanced Efficiency: The XLT grilling system allows Val Du Lakes to keep up with large dinner rushes.  Food can be placed on the conveyor, grilled perfectly, and ready to serve on the other side, significantly reducing wait times.
• Consistent Quality: With the XLT Radiant Grill, every dish—whether it’s a burger, sandwich, or steak—comes out evenly grilled.  The radiant heating technology ensures each meal meets the same high standard, giving customers a reliable dining experience with every visit.
• Improved Customer Satisfaction: Faster ticket times and quality meals mean happier guests and quicker table turnover.  With the streamlined kitchen operations provided by XLT Radiant Grills, Val Du Lakes can serve large parties without sacrificing quality or speed.
• Return on Investment: Investing in the XLT Automated Grilling System has paid off for Val Du Lakes.  The initial costs were quickly recouped through increased efficiency, allowing the restaurant to serve more customers and grow their business.

Why XLT is the Ideal Solution for Busy Restaurants

Val Du Lakes first encountered XLT at a restaurant show in Orlando, where a live demonstration showcased the equipment’s potential.  They immediately saw how XLT’s technology could meet their needs for a compact but highly efficient kitchen setup.  Today, with XLT Radiant Grills, Val Du Lakes is better equipped to handle peak hours and large groups, creating a more satisfying experience for both guests and staff.

If you’re near Michigan’s dunes, visit Val Du Lakes Bar & Grill to experience their high-quality meals, made possible by the power of XLT’s automated grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Learn more about XLT’s automated grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill here.  See more videos here.

Val Du Lake’s Bar & Grill is a vibrant seasonal gem offering food, concerts, and a welcoming campground atmosphere.

Nestled near Michigan’s beautiful sand dunes, Val Du Lake’s Bar & Grill is a vibrant seasonal gem offering food, concerts, and a welcoming campground atmosphere. For owners Mary and Brian, the goal has always been to provide excellent food and service to locals and tourists alike. With the addition of the XLT Radiant Grill (an automated grilling system), they’ve taken their kitchen efficiency and food quality to the next level.

A Legacy of Good Food and Better Service

Val Du Lake’s has been a beloved destination since 2006, offering not just delicious meals but an entire experience for visitors looking to relax after a day on Michigan’s dunes. With a high volume of customers during the peak season, maintaining consistent quality while keeping up with demand has always been a top priority.  The introduction of XLT’s automated grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill, has given Mary and Brian’s team the tools they need to serve even more guests efficiently.

How the XLT Radiant Grill and XLT Automated Grilling System Are Changing the Game

The XLT Radiant Grill offers innovative radiant cooking technology that enhances flavor and speeds up the grilling process.  Unlike traditional grills, the XLT Grill maintains even temperatures across the cooking surface, ensuring that every burger, steak, and grilled item is cooked to perfection.  This uniformity has allowed the team at Val Du Lake’s to serve consistently high-quality dishes even during their busiest hours.

For a seasonal restaurant that sees a high influx of visitors between April and October, the XLT’s automated grilling system has been a game-changer. Here’s how:

• Increased Efficiency: With the conveyorized grilling system, the staff no longer has to manually monitor each item, freeing up time to focus on other kitchen tasks. Food is placed on one end, cooked consistently, and comes out ready on the other end, simplifying workflow.
• Consistent Quality: The XLT Radiant Grill ensures each item is grilled evenly, which means customers receive the same delicious meal every time. This consistency builds trust and keeps patrons returning for more.
• Ease of Use: The automated grilling system is easy for staff to learn and operate, making it ideal for a seasonal restaurant with changing staff.  This streamlined process allows Val Du Lake’s team to handle high volumes without compromising on quality.

Why XLT Ovens and Grills Make a Difference

The addition of the XLT Grill at Val Du Lake’s has not only improved kitchen efficiency but has also elevated the overall dining experience. With the XLT conveyorized grilling system, Val Du Lake’s can keep up with the summer crowds, ensuring that every meal is as memorable as the scenery. Whether it’s a juicy burger, a tender steak, or a perfectly grilled veggie platter, XLT’s grilling  technology guarantees an exceptional dining experience every time.

Visit Val Du Lake’s Bar & Grill to Taste the Difference

Val Du Lake’s Bar & Grill has become a must-visit destination for dune-side adventurers and locals alike. With the XLT automated grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill, Val Du Lake’s is ready to serve up delicious, high-quality meals quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re visiting Michigan’s only sand dunes or simply looking for a fantastic meal, Val Du Lake’s and XLT are here to make your experience unforgettable.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

Learn more about XLT’s automated grilling system, the XLT Radiant Grill here.  See more videos here.