🤕 Symptoms:

-A completely empty shell of a space — no interior walls, no infrastructure, no systems in place
-Franchise expectations for two branded environments to seamlessly coexist: Red Mango’s modern sleekness and Toll House’s cozy charm
-Missing leadership after the original site supervisor stepped away early in the project
-Compressed timelines requiring precise sequencing and strong coordination
-High-end finish expectations across all visible surfaces, framing, fixtures, and function zones

🩺 Diagnosis:

This wasn’t just a build — it was a recovery. The bones were bare, and halfway through, the team lost their lead. At a moment where direction was most needed, I stepped in. From layout lines to final touch-ups, the integrity of this space depended on delivering detail-driven results under pressure.

The space had to feel open but purposeful. Modern but warm. Clean but full of life. This meant integrating HVAC, plumbing, and electrical while staying on spec for two national brands — and making sure it all lined up, flushed out, and felt right.

🛠️ Treatment Plan:

-Groundbreaking + Prep:
-Concrete demo and excavation to install new underground utilities
-Cut and trenched concrete slab for all new plumbing lines
-Re-poured slab around new pipes with precision flatwork and curing

Framing & Infrastructure:

-Metal stud framing throughout: walls, soffits, bulkheads, and dropped ceiling transitions
-Custom-fabricated architectural features to define zones (ordering, prep, dining, and walkways)
-Electrical rough-in and conduit layout coordinated with drop ceiling grid for tight alignment

Ceilings:

-Full install of commercial drop ceiling grid — square, flush, and built to spec
-Integrated lighting fixtures, duct boots, return vents, and ceiling tiles for clean layout execution
-Created soffit features over counter and seating areas for zone definition

Drywall & Finish Work:

-Hung and finished drywall to flawless levels — skimmed, sanded, and detailed at transitions
-Painted walls and ceilings per brand guidelines — bold yellow tones mixed with neutral grounding
-Installed door frames, trim, and detailed all penetrations to fire-rated specs where needed

Final Build-Out:

-Oversaw millwork install: café counter systems, sneeze guards, POS stations
-Ensured proper layout and anchoring of equipment and cabinetry in back-of-house
-Supervised install of finishes: tile, vinyl, FRP, lighting, trim, and signage
-Verified every system — plumbing, electric, HVAC — was up and running before final inspection

💡 Prognosis:

From slab cuts to ceiling tiles, every step of this project had my fingerprints on it. When the leadership changed, I didn’t just keep things moving — I elevated the outcome. The final space? Bright, balanced, and branded — a dual café experience that’s both welcoming and built to franchise standards. The clients walked into a polished, functional space that was turn-key and guest-ready.

No punch list, no delays — just a job done right, the first time.