Our Project

Mary Brown’s

Client

Mary Brown's

Occupency Type

Commercial Restaurant

Location

141 Spadina Ave, Toronto ON

Date

Aug 2023

Project Overview

In August 2023, Mary Brown's, a commercial restaurant located at 2151 St Clair Ave, York, ON, underwent a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade. The aim was to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with modern commercial kitchen standards. This case study highlights the technical execution, challenges encountered, and strategic solutions that allowed the restaurant to integrate critical systems seamlessly and operate with minimal disruption.

S.O.W: 

  • Installation of new commercial HVAC system including brand new make up air unit
  • Installation of new HVAC system with rooftop unit 
  • Installation of gas lines throughout building
  • Installation of refrigeration for heat pump units 
  • Installation of HEPA filters for fancoil units
  • Installation of pressure censoring monitors throughout compound rooms 

Challenges

  1. Complex Machenical Integration

    The project required integrating multiple systems, including the kitchen exhaust, HVAC, gas lines, and refrigeration, all of which needed to be installed without compromising restaurant operations or safety.



  2. Precise Gas Line Routing
    The gas line installation required careful planning to optimize space, ensure safety, and meet compliance standards without affecting restaurant operations.




  3. HVAC and Exhaust System Synchronization Construction
    Integrating the HVAC and kitchen exhaust systems posed challenges in balancing energy efficiency with performance, as both systems needed to work in tandem to ensure optimal climate control and air quality.

Solutions

  1. Complex Machenical Integration

    A phased installation approach was adopted to minimize downtime. Each system was installed sequentially, with scheduling that avoided overlap. Specialized teams worked in parallel to ensure smooth system integration, while off-peak hours were chosen to minimize operational disruption. This approach ensured seamless system installation with minimal downtime for the restaurant.

  2. Precise Gas Line Routing
    Pre-installation mapping was performed to ensure precise routing of the gas lines. The layout was strategically planned to minimize space usage while maintaining safety and efficiency. The installation was executed with minimal disruption, and strict adherence to safety protocols ensured the system met all necessary regulatory requirements.
  3. HVAC and Exhaust System Synchronization Construction

    Both systems were engineered to complement each other, with the rooftop HVAC unit strategically placed for maximum airflow. The kitchen exhaust was integrated into the HVAC system to ensure optimal performance. This synchronization led to improved energy efficiency, enhanced air quality, and a comfortable indoor environment, ensuring the systems operated efficiently while minimizing energy consumption.

Implimentation Process

  • Pre-Installation Planning:
    The process began with a thorough assessment of existing systems. Detailed plans were developed for each installation, with a focus on integration and minimizing disruption. The project timeline was designed to align with restaurant operations, ensuring minimal impact on daily activities.
  • Phased Installation:
    Installation was carried out in phases, starting with the kitchen exhaust, followed by the HVAC system, gas lines, and refrigeration. This approach ensured each system was tested and optimized before moving on to the next, maintaining quality control and efficiency at every stage.
  • Collaboration with Management:
    Close coordination with restaurant management ensured that work was scheduled around operational hours. Temporary solutions, such as portable ventilation, were provided to ensure the kitchen could continue functioning during the installation process.
  • System Testing and Validation:

After installation, each system underwent comprehensive testing to ensure it met all performance and regulatory standards. The systems were run at full capacity to verify functionality, and adjustments were made to optimize performance.

Results and Impact

  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency:
    The new HVAC, kitchen exhaust, and refrigeration systems significantly improved the restaurant’s efficiency. The modernized systems optimized energy use, improved air quality, and ensured better climate control, contributing to sustainability and long-term cost savings.
  • Safety and Compliance:
    The upgrades adhered to all relevant safety and building codes, particularly the gas line installation, which was executed with utmost care to ensure compliance. These improvements provide assurance to both management and customers regarding safety.
  • Minimal Disruption:
    The phased installation strategy allowed the restaurant to continue operating without significant interruptions. Work was carried out efficiently around the restaurant’s schedule, ensuring customer service was unaffected.
  • Modernized Infrastructure for Future Growth:
    The infrastructure upgrade has positioned the restaurant for future growth, with modern, efficient systems capable of supporting increasing demand. The upgrades ensure that the restaurant is well-equipped to scale operations and maintain performance as business needs grow.

Conclusion

The infrastructure upgrade at Mary Brown’s has successfully modernized its systems, improving operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with commercial kitchen standards. The strategic planning, phased implementation, and expert problem-solving ensured minimal disruption to restaurant operations. This case study illustrates the importance of precision engineering, collaboration, and adherence to safety standards in executing complex restaurant infrastructure upgrades.