ZALIM
CHICKEN & BURGERS
Project Overview
The goal of this project was to revitalize the brand identity of Zalim Chicken & Burger through a comprehensive interior and exterior renovation. The design focuses on enhancing the "fast-casual" dining experience, optimizing customer flow during peak hours, and creating a modern, high-energy environment that reflects the bold flavors of the menu.
Scope of Work
Interior Shell
Full demolition of outdated fixtures and installation of new flooring, wall treatments, bathroom, kitchen, & basement mop room.
Service Area
Custom fabrication of the POS counter and integrated menu board systems.
Dining Room
Sourcing and installation of custom booth seating and heavy-duty community tables.
Basement / Storage
Surface remediation and application of high-durability, industrial-grade floor coating.
Structural
Relocation and reconstruction of basement access stairs to optimize main floor layout.
Kitchen Build-Up
Full commercial kitchen installation: stainless steel wall cladding, heavy-duty line equipment, and custom extraction integration.
Design Strategy & Objectives
Brand Alignment: Incorporating a color palette and industrial-modern textures to resonate with a younger, urban demographic.
Operational Efficiency: Redesigning the counter service area to reduce bottlenecking and improve the transition between ordering and pickup.
Material Durability: Utilizing commercial-grade, easy-to-clean surfaces (such as antimicrobial quartz or polished concrete) to maintain high hygiene standards in a high-grease environment.
Lighting & Atmosphere: Implementing a layered lighting scheme—combining neon accents for brand personality with warm overhead LEDs to make the food look its best.
Technical Challenges & Solutions
1. Infrastructure Modernization (Plumbing & Electrical)
The Challenge: The existing plumbing and electrical systems were outdated and did not meet modern commercial codes or the increased load requirements of high-output kitchen equipment.
The Solution: Rather than a full gut-rehab, we performed a targeted system upgrade. We prioritized the replacement of galvanized piping with durable copper and PEX systems to ensure long-term pressure stability and hygiene.
Electrical Integration: We leveraged (with the help of our licensed and experienced partner) the existing functional recessed ceiling lighting to save on overhead costs, redirecting those funds toward upgrading the sub-panels and dedicated circuits required for high-draw appliances like industrial fryers and commercial grills.
2. Strategic Preservation
The Approach: By identifying that the primary lighting grid was still viable, we integrated new, energy-efficient LED retrofits into the existing housing. This allowed for a "modern feel" without the structural cost of re-trenching the ceiling.