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“Every single pizza is the same. Every single sub that comes out is the same.”

— 'JG' Gorham, Co-Owner, Shady Gators & Shady Gators
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Case Study: Shady Gators & XLT Ovens – A Recipe for Success

Customer: Shady Gators & Lazy Gators

Location: Lake Ozark, Missouri

Owners: ‘JG’ Gorham & Troy Wormsley

Background

Shady Gators, co-owned by ‘JG’ Gorham and Troy Wormsley, is a vibrant restaurant and swim-up pool bar located in Lake Ozark, Missouri. Renowned for its dynamic offerings and picturesque location, Shady Gators faced the challenge of maintaining consistent quality while expanding its menu to meet growing demand. The solution? Partnering with XLT Ovens, whose reliability and versatility revolutionized their kitchen operations.

‘JG’ and Troy both individually bring a wealth of experience to Shady Gators. JG, with 24 years in the Lake Ozark culinary scene, reconnected with his former mentor Troy, with 35+ years of restaurant operations experience, a pizza pioneer in the area. Their combined expertise led to the resurrection of Troy’s beloved “Big Easy Pizza” recipe and the establishment of a second kitchen at Shady Gators’ sister property, Lazy Gators.

The Challenge

In a fast-paced, high-volume environment, Shady Gators needed equipment that could:

  • Deliver consistent quality.
  • Streamline operations.
  • Support a diverse and expanding menu.
  • Be user-friendly for a varied workforce, including international summer staff.
The XLT Solution

XLT’s state-of-the-art conveyor ovens emerged as the ideal solution. A chance meeting between JG and Jarus Henning of XLT sparked the collaboration. The oven’s promise of consistency, efficiency, and ease of use exceeded the owners’ expectations.

Why XLT?

  • Consistency
    • Every pizza, sub, wing, or appetizer is cooked to perfection, ensuring uniform quality.
    • Troy highlights, “The food is 100% consistent every time it comes out, and that’s amazing.”
  • Versatility
    • The oven supports an expanded menu that includes mac and cheese bites, spinach artichoke dip, and even ravioli.
    • “We’ve been able to open up our menu to a wide variety, not just pizzas,” says JG.
  • Efficiency
    • With cooking times under six minutes, Shady Gators maintains average ticket times of 8–10 minutes, even during peak hours.
    • Troy emphasizes, “We’ve never seen the volume we’ve been able to do with this oven.”
  • User-Friendly Design
    • International summer staff quickly adapted to the streamlined processes.
    • Color-coded systems and conveyor technology reduced training time and minimized errors.
  • Reliability
    • Over four years, the oven required only a minor adjustment, demonstrating exceptional durability.
Results
  • Operational Excellence
    • Shady Gators’ two kitchens now rival each other in output, feeding thousands of guests seamlessly. “This oven is the best piece of machinery I’ve ever owned,” JG asserts.
  • Business Growth
    • The integration of XLT Ovens has driven exponential business growth, allowing Shady Gators to cater to both on-site diners and large take-out orders efficiently.
  • Customer Satisfaction
    • Guests enjoy consistently high-quality food, from classic pizzas to innovative menu additions like mac and cheese pizza. The dependable output has earned Shady Gators a reputation for excellence.

Shady Gators’ partnership with XLT Ovens exemplifies how innovative technology can transform restaurant operations. The oven’s performance has not only enhanced their menu but also elevated their customer experience and business outcomes.

For JG and Troy, the XLT Oven is more than a tool—it’s a key ingredient in their recipe for success.

Ready to elevate your kitchen operations?  Discover how XLT Ovens can transform your business just like they did for Shady Gators. Email or Contact Us Today!

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