Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), commonly known as fast food restaurants, attract customers primarily with their access convenience and the ability to serve food quickly. These restaurants often deploy several unique features such as bespoke modular building layouts, standardised and efficient processes and streamlined ordering technology. When implemented correctly, these elements typically help minimise food preparation time while maximising serviceability.
Guzman Y Gomez, fondly known as GYG, is a leading fast-food favourite among those who crave delicious Mexican food. From its first restaurant in 2006, GYG has now expanded to over 200 restaurants worldwide.
WGA’s work with GYG started in 2021 with preparing design advice and town planning documentation for their proposed pad site development in Roxburgh Park, Victoria. Our partnership has since thrived, with WGA having provided a range of technical engineering consulting services across 100 planned locations throughout Victoria, NSW, Queensland, and Western Australia.
“It’s never a tick-box attitude with us. In the early stages of our involvement we often find ourselves challenging code compliance and thinking about how sometimes meeting a standard is simply not enough to ensure a client’s aspirations regarding site functionality are met. It’s one of many reasons why our partnership with GYG has thrived. Since our first project we have optimised approximately 100 existing/planned GYG locations across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. With passing trade often forming the majority of patron trips for these types of development, it’s no secret that the drive-thru features of a QSR attribute to a significant portion of revenue generation for these businesses. We understand the importance of getting this right at the early stages of development.” says Manuel Vezzaro, Senior Traffic Engineer who acts as the client relationship manager for GYG and other QSR operator clients of WGA.
Powered by efficiency
According to Manuel, a solution-focused mindset is the most unique feature that filters through each aspect of WGA’s work to deliver functionally efficient, well-planned outcomes that empower QSRs to operate without a hitch.
“Let’s take an example of our traffic engineering input for our GYG projects. The experience we’ve built over time in terms of the sheer volume of sites we’ve contributed to, means that the real value add comes from a deep understanding of their operations. We think about the end user experience and the contributions we can make that are likely to encourage them to want to come back to the site.
We know where the pinch points are, what elements impact efficient traffic flow the most, and how we can provide input on drive-through designs that will influence aspects like serviceability, queuing capacity, pedestrian segregation, appropriate clearances to their buildings/structures and managing the general traffic flow with minimal risks.”
But our work doesn’t stop with Traffic engineering. WGA provides a multitude of engineering services to QSR operators including:
Civil and Structural: Detailed design documentation, conceptual layout, plans detailing proposed site drainage, pavement and grading, Design, optimising earthworks and site-specific requirements to benefit the constructability.
Waste Management: Operational Waste Management Policies and Guidelines, Waste Management Audits
Geotechnical: Preliminary environmental assessments, Geotechnical investigation, and reporting.
While WGA looks after the traffic solutions for GYG locations across Australia, the focus in Queensland is more on Civil and Structural solutions.
“Our team finds joy in the unique quirks of each site, all thanks to their different geographical spots. It’s like a puzzle, figuring out the constraints and making things work” explains Shayne Burns, WGA’s Principal Civil Designer and Civil Team Lead of Queensland.
“Some of the unique challenges with QSR developments are the various locations that are targeted for development. We dive deep into understanding the nitty-gritty of development conditions and recognise how the local climate throws us curveballs. It’s not just about building; we provide critical support in developing meaningful and strong connections with the Councils” he adds.
According to Shayne, internal multi-disciplinary skills and tight-knit inter-office bonds make WGA a powerhouse for delivering QSR projects all over the country.
“Having the opportunity to work with this iconic chain is a real treat for the Brisbane team. We’re growing right alongside our client, facing challenges hand in hand, and turning obstacles into wins. It’s teamwork at its finest, and we’re loving every moment of it!”
QSR – the convenient indulgence
Global research firm, IBISWorld reports that the fast food and takeaway industry in Australia was estimated to record a revenue of 23 billion in 2022 – 23. WGA’s unwavering commitment to cultivating and nurturing robust client relationships in the QSR space aims to contribute to the growth of this booming industry.
If you want to tap into our hunger for smart engineering solutions, please contact Manuel Vezzaro.