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.

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Shady Gators serves up favorites at their lakeside location in Lake of the Ozarks

In the fast-paced restaurant environment of Shady Gators and Lazy Gators in Lake Ozark, Missouri, JG and his team face a unique challenge: delivering a wide range of consistent, high-quality dishes while minimizing mistakes. When JG discovered XLT Ovens, a game-changer emerged. In a recent discussion, JG shared the journey that led him to the XLT conveyor pizza oven, shedding light on why it’s now their oven of choice.

The XLT Advantage: Consistent Quality Without the Guesswork

Shady Gators initially faced issues with traditional ovens that require careful monitoring—something difficult to manage during peak times. JG highlights that “consistency” was the primary reason they switched to the XLT conveyor oven. Traditional deck ovens might produce authentic flavors, but they come with a risk of human error: pizzas left unattended can easily burn, leading to waste and lost time. With the conveyorized impingement oven from XLT, every pizza is cooked evenly, creating a reliable and efficient process that produces the same results every time. As JG notes, this feature allows Shady Gators to avoid “backups and burnt pizzas.”

Expanding the Menu with Confidence

While pizzas are central to their menu, Shady Gators has expanded its offerings thanks to the versatility of XLT ovens. This conveyorized impingement oven isn’t limited to pizzas alone—it’s perfect for sandwiches, wings, pasta, and even appetizers like spinach artichoke dip and mac and cheese bites. With XLT’s oven, JG and his team confidently add new items to the menu, knowing they’ll come out just right. According to JG, this ability to expand their offerings without sacrificing quality has been crucial to the restaurant’s growth.

Reliability and Durability: Built to Last

In over four years of use, Shady Gators has only had to call XLT once for a minor adjustment. JG emphasizes that XLT ovens are low-maintenance, describing them as the “best piece of machinery” he’s ever owned. Unlike other equipment prone to frequent repairs, XLT’s conveyor ovens have proven highly reliable, requiring minimal upkeep and delivering consistent results every day.

Enhancing Creativity in the Kitchen

One of the unexpected advantages of the XLT impingement oven has been the creativity it has inspired in the kitchen. Troy, one of the chefs at Shady Gators, experiments with new recipes using the oven, from unique pizzas to fun appetizers. JG describes Troy as a “mad scientist,” always looking for new ways to leverage the capabilities of their XLT oven to wow customers.

Why XLT Conveyor Ovens Stand Out for Restaurant Owners

For restaurant owners seeking a dependable, consistent, and flexible oven, XLT conveyor ovens are an ideal choice. With XLT, Shady Gators can manage a high-volume kitchen efficiently, delivering consistent results across their menu. As JG puts it, he would “recommend them [XLT ovens] to anybody” for their quality, reliability, and ability to support a diverse menu.

Conclusion

For restaurants like Shady Gators, where consistency, quality, and speed are paramount, XLT ovens are the ultimate solution. Whether for conveyor pizza ovens or expanding menu items with confidence, XLT has proven itself an invaluable asset in Shady Gators’ kitchen. By using an XLT oven, JG and his team have the freedom to create, expand, and serve with confidence, knowing every dish will meet their high standards.

Watch the Full Episode Here:

Learn about more customers that choose XLT here.

Check out more of the story on YouTube here.

If you’re familiar with the Lake of the Ozarks scene, then you’ve likely heard of Shady Gators and Lazy Gators – two of the hottest spots for good food, cold drinks, and all-around fun. But have you ever wondered about the mastermind behind it all? Let us introduce you to JG, one of the co-owners of Shady Gators, and your go-to guy for everything from epic parties to – wait for it – pizza!

JG and his team have been serving up good times at Shady Gators for over two decades. Located on prime real estate at the lake (seriously, the views are incredible), Shady Gators has always been the place to go for great food and even better company. Lazy Gators, its laid-back neighbor, offers the ultimate pool bar experience. Perfect for those who want to sip a cocktail while taking in the Ozarks’ charm.

But here’s the kicker: JG wasn’t always slinging drinks by the pool or managing live music mayhem. His journey began with something a bit…cheesier. Before owning Shady Gators, JG worked at a local joint called The Big Easy. There, he honed his craft, whipping up the best pizza on the lake – a claim that still stands, according to JG and anyone lucky enough to try a slice.

Inspired by his pizza-making roots, JG decided to bring the iconic pizza back to Lazy Gators. He even convinced his mentor, the legendary pizza guru Troy Wormsley, to share all the top-secret recipes. So now, alongside your poolside margarita, you can also enjoy a slice of pizza perfection at Lazy Gators.

Want to see JG in action? Check out the video below and get a behind-the-scenes look at how he’s making waves at the lake.

So, next time you’re at the lake, pop by Shady Gators or Lazy Gators. Whether you’re there for the food, the drinks, or just the view, remember there’s a slice of pizza history waiting for you too. Cheers!