Integrated approach ensured restaurant opened on-time during pandemic

CHALLENGE

The largest global restaurant chain in the world, McDonald’s, embarked on a first-of-its-kind project with the goal to open a net-zero energy flagship location. Located near Disney’s All-Star Resorts in Orlando, Florida, the restaurant was designed to create enough renewable energy on-site to cover 100% of its energy needs annually. The eco-friendly building would help McDonald’s reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 36% in restaurants and offices by 2030 compared to a 2015 base year.

Set to open mid-2020, McDonald’s needed a reliable FF&E logistics partner to manage the preparation, vendor coordination and project management for this premier restaurant within a tight timeframe.

SOLUTION

After successfully helping to manage nationwide technology roll outs and the new construction of a restaurant in Times-Square, McDonald’s knew Suddath^® had the resources, capacity and experience to handle this prominent project, as well as the flexibility to overcome any challenges that may arise.

Suddath used an integrated approach, delivering services though its asset-based warehouse and its extended network partners to provide a complete solution. Our dedicated furniture, fixtures and equipment logistics team managed communications between McDonald’s and vendors to streamline the process. Our team managed over 100 items, including oversized crates of solar panels, digital kiosks, menu boards, décor pieces and signage, and coordinated 16 deliveries from our Orlando warehouse.

Our cutting-edge warehouse management system, Körber, offered real-time visibility and control over inventory to ensure everything was tightly managed. Our team handled each item with the highest level of care, including cumbersome pieces such as heavy outdoor concrete furniture and oversized solar panels.

The project was complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic impacting Florida in March 2020 until the July opening of the restaurant. Throughout the pandemic, Suddath’s experts kept vendors and their own contributions to the project on time to ensure the 8,024 square foot restaurant could open on time, including an soft opening in May of its drive through and open air seating so patrons could have a safer option to dine at the quick-serve restaurant during the pandemic.

RESULTS

• Managed vendors, warehousing and final-mile delivery for 8,024 square foot restaurant
• Tightly managed project with real-time visibility and control through cutting-edge technology
• Opened on-time and on budget during global pandemic

To find out how we can keep your supply chain strong, contact us today.