IHOP Restaurant at Kickapoo Casino
The IHOP project took an aging existing cafe and transformed the footprint into a known national brand in order to increase customer traffic to the property. The IHOP brand was chosen to provide the casino with a 24-hour cafe option that was instantly recognizable for their customers. Since opening, this location has exceeded expectations and consistently draws high customer counts.
Location: Eagle Pass, Texas
Duration: 8 Weeks
Project Size: 2,400 sf
Services: Comprehensive Design-Build
Our Approach
Design
Working with the casino team and the IHOP planning group, standard design finishes were upgraded throughout the project to create a unique standalone cafe. Elements including ceiling features which would typically be framed and completed onsite, were planned to be created offsite, in order to streamline the onsite project timeframe. An all-new kitchen was also designed as part of the project, providing the venue with a right-sized back-of-house to support operations rather than trying to ‘make it work’ with the existing undersized equipment.
Build & Install
Floor-to-ceiling construction walls with integrated power and data circuits were constructed at the old cafe, allowing 24-hour worksite access. Working with the slot director, this planning also added 30 additional games to the customer side of the wall while the project was under construction. These additional machines helped ensure that property revenues continued as planned throughout the construction phase. Digital plan sets were used across the onsite team to ensure that everyone had access to the latest plans and construction details.
Finished Project
The IHOP project was turned over to the casino ahead of schedule, allowing for the venue to open to the public 2 weeks early. The venue has created excellent results for the casino, and overall customer counts for the whole property have increased. The Tribe and casino management team are very happy with the way the restaurant looks, how the project was taken care of for them, and the excellent results they are seeing.
“The design and build process that I-5 has mastered is the best construction experience I have ever been associated with. To have the architects, designers, superintendents, and general contractors all under one roof creates an environment of communication and continual improvement of the project. Simply put, they make every effort to save you both time and money at every step in the process.”
Scott Eldredge, GM, Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino