Custom Shelving and Cabinetry for Cousins BBQ, Crowley, TX
Client: Cousins BBQ
Location: Crowley, Texas
Scope: Fabrication of custom shelving and cabinetry with steel expanded metal inserts and powder coating
Project Overview:
Cousins BBQ, a popular BBQ chain, was opening a new location in Crowley, Texas and needed custom-designed shelving and cabinetry to enhance the functionality and aesthetic of the space. The challenge was creating pieces that fit the restaurant’s unique layout and reflected the brand’s rugged, industrial style. Working from the drawings provided by the customer, Astro Sheet Metal was tasked with fabricating the shelving units, incorporating steel expanded metal inserts for a distinctive, durable look. The final assembled units were then powder-coated black for a sleek, polished finish that would complement the rustic vibe of the restaurant.
Design and Collaboration:
1. Concept and Design:
Cousins BBQ provided Astro with detailed drawings and specifications for the custom shelving and cabinetry. The restaurant’s aesthetic called for a combination of industrial and modern design elements, allowing the units to function efficiently in a high-traffic restaurant environment while adding to the visual appeal. The custom shelving was intended to serve both as storage and display units, contributing to the overall functionality of the space without compromising on style.
- Steel Expanded Metal Inserts: One of the key design features was the incorporation of steel expanded metal inserts into the shelving units. The expanded metal added both a practical and visual component to the design. Not only does it provide an open, airy aesthetic, but it also offers durability, allowing air to flow through the units and providing additional strength to support heavier items.
- Cabinetry Design: In addition to the shelving, the cabinetry was designed to accommodate various restaurant essentials while maintaining a streamlined, cohesive appearance in the dining area.
2. Materials and Fabrication:
Astro began the fabrication process after reviewing the designs and selecting the right materials to meet the customer’s durability and aesthetic appeal requirements.
- Steel Construction: The shelving and cabinetry were fabricated from high-quality steel, which provided the strength and durability needed for a restaurant setting. Steel is also versatile and complements the industrial feel that Cousins BBQ was aiming for.
- Expanded Metal Inserts: The expanded metal inserts were precision-cut and welded into the shelves, ensuring a snug fit that was both functional and visually appealing. The expanded metal allowed the shelving to have an open design, reducing visual clutter while offering strength and support.
3. Powder Coating for Finish:
Once the shelving and cabinetry were fabricated, the units were sent for powder coating to achieve a durable, sleek black finish. Powder coating is ideal for restaurant furniture because it provides:
- Durability: The powder coating process offers a challenging, long-lasting finish resistant to scratches, chips, and fading, making it perfect for high-use environments like restaurants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The rich black color helped the custom units seamlessly integrate into the restaurant’s industrial theme. The sleek, matte finish also gave the units a refined, modern look that elevated the space’s overall design.
Fabrication Process:
1. Precision Cutting and Welding:
Astro’s team began by cutting the steel to the specifications outlined in the customer’s drawings. Each shelf and cabinetry unit was carefully welded to ensure a strong, seamless structure. The expanded metal inserts were cut precisely and expertly welded into the steel frames, ensuring the final product met functional and aesthetic standards.
2. Powder Coating:
The shelves and cabinets were sent to our powder coating facility after welding. The units were coated in a high-quality black powder finish, providing a sleek look and enhancing the pieces’ durability. This finish is perfect for commercial spaces as it is resistant to abrasion, stains, and corrosion, which is especially important in a busy restaurant environment.
3. Final Inspection:
Before delivery, each shelving unit and cabinetry piece underwent a thorough quality control inspection to ensure every component’s fit, finish, and structural integrity. Once the units were confirmed to meet our high standards, they were carefully prepared for delivery.
Delivery and Installation:
Astro delivered the custom shelving and cabinetry to the Cousins BBQ in Crowley, TX. The units were carefully packaged and transported to ensure they arrived perfectly. Upon arrival, the pieces were installed by the customer’s team. The shelving and cabinetry fit seamlessly into the restaurant’s design, offering both functional storage and an industrial aesthetic that complemented the restaurant’s overall theme.
Challenges and Solutions:
- Custom Design Specifications: One challenge in the project was ensuring that the custom shelving and cabinetry would fit the restaurant’s specific layout while maintaining the desired industrial aesthetic. Astro’s team worked closely with the customer to ensure that every design detail was accurate and that the finished units would meet functional and aesthetic needs.
- Expanded Metal Inserts: Incorporating expanded metal into the design posed a challenge regarding precision cutting and ensuring a smooth fit into the steel frames. Astro’s experienced fabricators carefully handled the cutting, welding, and finishing of the expanded metal to ensure that each unit was structurally sound and visually cohesive with the rest of the design.
- Durability for a High-Traffic Environment: Given that the shelving and cabinetry would be used in a high-traffic food service environment, ensuring that the finished units would be durable and easy to maintain was essential. The powder-coated black finish provided a sleek, professional look and ensured that the pieces could withstand the wear and tear of daily use, including spills, heat, and constant handling.
Final Outcome:
The final result was a set of custom shelving and cabinetry that perfectly suited the needs of Cousins BBQ’s new Crowley location. The units were highly functional, providing ample storage space for kitchen essentials and decorative items and adding a stylish, industrial edge to the restaurant’s interior. The steel expanded metal inserts offered a unique visual appeal while maintaining the durability needed for a busy restaurant environment, and the black powder coating gave the shelving and cabinetry a sleek, modern finish.
The finished products were delivered on time and installed seamlessly, providing Cousins BBQ with functional, custom-built furniture that enhanced their customers’ overall dining experience. The units’ sturdy construction and contemporary design now stand as a testament to the high-quality craftsmanship that Astro Sheet Metal brings to every project.
Conclusion:
This project exemplifies Astro’s ability to collaborate closely with clients to create custom solutions that meet specific design requirements while ensuring the final product is functional and aesthetically pleasing. The shelving and cabinetry fabricated for Cousins BBQ were a perfect blend of form and function, elevating the restaurant’s interior design and providing essential storage that meets the demands of a high-traffic commercial environment. With a careful focus on durability, aesthetics, and attention to detail, Astro helped Cousins BBQ create a memorable and practical space for staff and customers.
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Cousins BBQ Crowley
