Shady Gators uses their XLT ovens to bake their very diverse menu.
At Shady Gators, a popular restaurant and entertainment complex in Lake Ozark, MO, efficiency and consistency are key to serving their vast customer base. Co-owner Troy Wormsley knows this firsthand, crediting XLT Ovens as the backbone of their kitchen operation. Describing XLT as the “Cadillac of pizza ovens,” Troy explains how the conveyorized impingement oven has allowed Shady Gators to meet increasing demand while maintaining exceptional food quality.
XLT: The Cornerstone of Shady Gators’ Kitchen
With over 35 years in the restaurant business, Troy has used nearly every type of oven on the market, from deck ovens to Lincoln and Middleby Marshall conveyor ovens. However, the XLT conveyor pizza oven stands out as a game-changer for his operation.
Here’s why:
- Versatile Cooking for a Diverse Menu: Shady Gators’ menu is built entirely around their XLT conveyor ovens. From pizzas and subs to wings and appetizers, the oven handles it all. Its impingement oven technology ensures even cooking across a variety of items, allowing the restaurant to execute a large and diverse menu seamlessly.
- Unmatched Efficiency: During peak hours, Shady Gators achieves ticket times as low as 8 to 10 minutes, with most menu items cooking in just 5.5 minutes. The speed and reliability of the conveyorized impingement oven allow the team to serve seated, unseated, and to-go orders efficiently, even during high-volume weekends.
- Reliability and ROI: After four years of continuous use, Troy highlights that the XLT conveyor ovens have never failed, making it a dependable investment. Its performance has exceeded expectations, enabling the restaurant to grow exponentially without requiring additional cooking equipment.
Supporting Growth and Volume with XLT
Shady Gators operates two kitchens within their complex, but the one powered by the XLT oven has grown to rival the main kitchen in output. Despite working out of a modest 24×24 square foot space, Troy and his team manage to serve large volumes of food, meeting the demands of seated diners and takeout customers alike. With an XLT conveyor pizza oven, Shady Gators has not only expanded its menu but also increased its capacity to feed a growing clientele.
A Worthwhile Investment for Any Restaurant
Troy emphasizes that for restaurants looking to handle serious volume with efficiency, the XLT conveyor oven is the ultimate solution. From its ability to handle a full menu to its rapid cook times, the XLT impingement oven consistently delivers. For Shady Gators, it’s more than just an oven—it’s the foundation of their success.
