Revitalizing a Church’s Commercial Kitchen into a Multifunctional Hub
Revitalizing a Church’s Commercial Kitchen into a Multifunctional Hub
Client Background: Christ Church of Greenwich is an episcopal church in Greenwich, CT with a historic, ten-acre campus offering facility rentals for special events, meetings, and concerts. They sought our expertise to modernize their commercial kitchen, last renovated in 1958, and turn it into a multifunctional space.
Client Objectives
Equipment Upgrade and Engineering Enhancement: The primary goal was to modernize the kitchen’s equipment and improve its engineering to meet contemporary
Creation of a Multi-Functional Space: The client expressed a need for a large table/space dedicated to cooking demonstrations, gatherings, and a community table. Additionally, they wanted to incorporate a coffee service area.
Auditorium Utilization: The church desired the integration of the kitchen with the adjacent auditorium for community gatherings, classes, and events. The space should be versatile, accommodating different activities seamlessly.
Profitable Space for Lease: The client aimed to make the kitchen a revenue-generating asset by upgrading the space and making it more user-friendly. This required strategic planning to ensure the space could be easily adapted for different purposes.
Layout Optimization: The existing layout needed a significant overhaul to enhance efficiency and user-friendliness. This involved a comprehensive review of the current setup and a redesign to maximize space utility.
Consulting Approach
Assessment Phase: We conducted an extensive evaluation of the existing kitchen, taking note of the original equipment, its condition, and overall layout. Interviews with kitchen staff and church representatives provided valuable insights into their specific requirements.
Specification and Design: Utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) tools, we created a revised layout that optimized the space for efficiency and functionality. This included specifying new equipment to align with modern standards and the client’s objectives.
Multi-Functional Space Planning: We developed a plan for the designated cooking demonstration area, community table, and coffee service station. Special attention was given to ensuring flexibility in the space to accommodate various events and gatherings.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Comprehensive SOPs were developed for cleaning and day-to-day operations. This included guidelines for equipment use, maintenance, and safety protocols to ensure smooth kitchen functioning.
Strategic Use of Space: We provided recommendations on how the space could be used efficiently, taking into account the church’s desire for community engagement, classes, and events. This involved creating a seamless connection between the kitchen and the adjacent auditorium.
Results
Modernized Kitchen: The upgraded equipment and improved engineering brought the kitchen up to contemporary standards, enhancing its overall functionality and efficiency.
Multi-Functional Space: The implemented design allowed for the creation of a versatile space, catering to cooking demonstrations, community gatherings, and coffee services. The layout facilitated seamless transitions between different activities.
Auditorium Integration: The integration of the kitchen with the auditorium enhanced the church’s ability to host diverse events, classes, and community gatherings, fostering increased engagement.
Profitable Leasing Opportunities: The revamped kitchen space proved to be an attractive option for leasing, generating additional revenue for the church through various events and activities.
Optimized Layout and SOPs: The revised layout and well-defined SOPs contributed to a more efficient and user-friendly kitchen environment, making day-to-day operations smoother for the staff.
We successfully transformed the church’s commercial kitchen into a modern, versatile, and profitable space, aligning with the client’s vision for community engagement and revenue generation.