When local investors decided to bring Voodoo Brewing Company, an innovative and growing brewery franchise, to Oakland Park, Florida, they saw the potential in a promising space that needed some work. Recognizing the complexities of the project, they chose to partner with Danto Builders due to their extensive experience in the restaurant and bar space. Danto Builders meticulously put together a budget and managed the project, including value engineering to reduce costs and coordinating with a commercial kitchen consultant to ensure the design took into consideration field conditions and met all requirements. The project also involved addressing issues left by previous contractors, such as obtaining proper inspections and making necessary corrections.
Tackling a Complex History
The space leased for Voodoo Brewing was approximately 40% complete, but it came with a legacy of issues left by previous tenants. The mezzanine, footers, and critical components like grease traps hadn’t passed the necessary inspections. “This job was very unique,” explained Debbie Danto, co-owner of Danto Builders. “It had been through several failed attempts with previous tenants, and there were challenges to overcome.”
Before any new work could begin, our team had to re-engineer the space, ensuring all prior mistakes were corrected. This included uncovering concrete footers, checking for rebar, and rectifying several uninspected elements.
Adapting to New Codes and Unforeseen Changes
As Danto Builders worked through these obstacles, new building codes had come into effect, which further complicated the project. Although the space had been originally permitted under older regulations, everything had to be brought up to code. Our team adapted to several challenges as seamlessly as possible to ensure that the latest standards were met, including the installation of recirculation water lines.
Another hurdle was Voodoo Brewing’s desire to move the bar from the front to the back of the building, which required significant reconfiguration of plumbing and electrical systems. What seemed like a simple request led to more adjustments in the design and construction, but Danto kept the project on track.
Navigating Franchise and Local Contractor Relationships
Franchise’s corporate team architects and designers were located out of state. Without local oversight, there were discrepancies between their plans and the actual conditions onsite. Danto Builders recommended hiring their trusted commercial kitchen consultant to create a functional and compliant kitchen design, merging both new and existing equipment within the existing conditions. This collaborative effort helped keep the project aligned with the franchisee’s vision while ensuring it met Florida’s construction requirements.
“The plans didn’t account for a lot of what we saw in the field,” Debbie Danto shared. “We knew that if we didn’t make the necessary changes, it would cost them more in the long run.”
Communication and Coordination: Keys to Success
Throughout the project, effective communication was essential. The Danto team worked closely with the franchisee, landlord, and building officials to ensure that all inspections were passed and that everyone remained informed about the project’s progress. This transparent approach helped mitigate delays caused by the unanticipated issues from the previous build-out.
One major focus was balancing the needs of both the franchisee and the landlord. The schedule and costs were communicated to the franchisee, but new to the restaurant industry, he had his own expectations about the project timeline. Unfortunately, moving the bar, procuring major equipment and correcting existing conditions delayed progress and added costs, which ultimately made this franchisee walk away from this investment. Fortunately another more experienced restaurant owner and franchisee took the project over. The landlord was eager to get the project completed after years of unsuccessful tenancy. “He’s been through so much with this space,” Debbie noted. “We wanted to do right by him and the tenant, ensuring everything was finally done correctly.”
Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Successful Launch
With the project expected to wrap up in the next six months, the Danto team is confident that Voodoo Brewing’s Oakland Park location will become a popular destination. Despite the challenges along the way, we stayed committed to delivering a high-quality buildout that aligns with Voodoo Brewing’s vision.
“This is going to be a great concept for Oakland Park,” Debbie shared. “It’s been a challenge, but we’re excited to see it come to life.”
The Voodoo Brewing project is just another example of our team’s ability to navigate complex renovations, adapt to evolving design needs, and keep communication flowing smoothly between all parties involved. We’re thrilled to set the stage for another successful brewery in Florida.
Danto Builders is an experienced commercial general contractor and has been building in the South Florida area for over 40 years. If you are looking for quality and reliable work, contact Danto Builders at 954-229-2006 or debbie@dantobuilders.com.