Modular Restaurants are a Perfect Fit for New Quick Service Formats, Says Ikoniq

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Sep 10, 2020, 08:33 ET

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Quick service restaurants have been reconsidering their formats for some time reflecting the demand for drive-thru and the increasing desire for home delivery services, but when COVID-19 struck, the need for many of the proposed changes became more pressing. Technology integration has been part of the impetus for change, with Chipotle taking the lead with their Chipotlane concept, an app-based system that expedite drive-thru service at their new locations. Wendy's introduced a smaller format without indoor dining, offering drive through and walk-up service. And recently Taco Bell and Burger King have released designs for smaller-scale multi-lane drive-thru formats decreasing indoor and expanding outdoor seating and technology-based services. Designs are circulating for reduced-scale KFC, Shake Shack, Sonic, and Starbuck's locations with others soon to follow. These new formats provide a great opportunity for chains to employ modular construction to quickly deploy these new projects.

Smaller formats with engaging outdoor dining provide opportunities to support the brand while offering safe dining experiences. Integrated signage and equipment screening meet jurisdictional ordinances while bolstering brand identity and provide 360-degree views that are ideal for urban environments.

Providing full kitchens and limited seating, many of these new formats can fit on 1/2 acres or less sites, opening up may new locations to restaurants. Multiple drive-thru lanes and walk-up service provide quicker service and can expedite online ordering. Many chains are offering technology integration to connect with patrons, with some employing location data to ensure orders are tracking with arrival times.

Ikoniq, a manufacturer of steel modular buildings, has been working on the solution as well. Recognizing that revised formats are ideal for modular construction, Ikoniq's in-house design team has developed concepts to support this market. "The indoor dining model has taken a hiatus," Robert Cox, SVP of Ikoniq's Modular Division explains. "Chains and independent operators are responding to current conditions with major format changes, providing reduced footprint locations with an emphasis on speed of delivery, signature design elements and engaging outdoor accommodations."

The pandemic has resulted in a major shift in revenue, with restaurants that are dependent upon indoor dining suffering great losses, but those offering curbside and drive-thru receiving a major uptick in business. "Customers are looking at alternatives to the indoor dining experience to seek safer ways to enjoy their favorite meals," Cox continues, "but that doesn't mean they are foregoing experience. Brands are responding with designs that focus on open-air dining, online ordering and expedited drive-thru service."

Ikoniq delivers the entire package, from buildings complete with finishes and equipment installations to signage and graphics. Buildings arrive on-site with all elements in place, taking only a few weeks to become operational. While sitework is performed, Ikoniq constructs building modules in their factory in Western New York, delivering nationwide. This decreases project timelines and improves the bottom line with reduced construction costs, greater consistency and construction quality, while supporting corporate sustainability goals with reduced waste and better performing buildings.

Email [email protected] or visit www.ikoniq.com. Download the Ikoniq QSR brochure at: http://www.ikoniq.com/media/uploads/ikoniq_quick_service_restaurants.pdf?v=1599669153. Contact Robert Cox at [email protected] or phone 813.966.0825.

SOURCE Ikoniq, Inc.