National Chain Restaurant Rollout Projects (Starbucks, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Panda Express, BBQ etc.)

Project Description

This program includes MEP design services for both new construction and tenant improvement (TI) projects of single-story retail spaces for national restaurant chains. Each site involves either the build-out of a new core-and-shell space or renovation of an existing building to accommodate the operational, code, and equipment needs of a new food service tenant. The design work is fast-tracked, standardized yet adaptable to regional code requirements, and optimized for plan check submittal in multiple jurisdictions.

Mechanical Engineering Scope

• System Evaluation & Design: Assess existing HVAC systems for possible reuse in renovation projects or design new systems for shell spaces. Recommendations are based on capacity, efficiency, and code compliance.
• Ventilation Compliance: Ensure outside air and exhaust ventilation are provided per California Mechanical Code (CMC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and state amendments or applicable local codes based on state.
• Kitchen Hood Systems:
  • Design Type I and Type II commercial kitchen hood systems with exhaust and makeup air units.
  • Layout includes grease exhaust ducting with slope requirements and clearances to combustible materials per NFPA 96 and local fire codes.
• Make-Up Air Systems: Coordinate with exhaust to maintain indoor air balance and meet hood operation requirements.
• Air Balance & Documentation: Provide detailed air balance calculations, HVAC equipment schedules, and layout drawings.
• HVAC Controls: Incorporate time-based, occupancy, and temperature reset controls for packaged rooftop units and split systems.
• Energy Compliance: Demonstrate compliance with Title 24 (California) or IECC (Florida, Texas, NC) via HVAC performance calculations using EnergyPro or equivalent tools.

Electrical Engineering Scope

• System Review: Assess the existing power system capacity and condition for TI projects; identify required upgrades for new tenant loads.
• Load Calculations: Calculate connected and demand loads using kitchen equipment layouts and food service consultant drawings.
• Power Distribution: Design complete power layouts including branch circuits, feeders, panels, and equipment connections.
• Lighting Systems: Provide efficient lighting layouts that comply with Title 24 or IECC, including emergency and egress lighting.
• Panel Schedules & Diagrams: Deliver updated panel schedules, one-line diagrams, and short circuit/load summaries.
• Kitchen Equipment Coordination: Prepare utility coordination tables detailing voltage, phase, and power loads for each major kitchen appliance.
• Specifications: Include division-level specifications for lighting, power distribution, wiring methods, and controls.

Plumbing Engineering Scope

• Site Utilities & POC Evaluation:
  • Verify points of connection (POCs) and determine incoming pipe sizes for domestic water, sanitary, and gas.
  • Field survey data is reviewed to assess feasibility of reuse or upsizing.
• Fixture Unit (FU) Load Calculations:
  • Perform domestic water and sanitary load calculations per UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) or IPC (International Plumbing Code) depending on jurisdiction.
• Grease Interceptor Design:
  • Assess existing grease interceptor for capacity based on kitchen fixtures.
  • For new installations, size interceptor based on local health department and plumbing code requirements.
• Utility Table & Equipment Coordination: Develop detailed utility matrix listing water, waste, vent, and gas needs for all kitchen equipment.
• Water & Gas Distribution: Provide cold and hot water piping layouts, gas piping layout, and water heater sizing based on demand and fuel type.
• Drainage & Vent Systems: Design waste and vent systems, including special drainage for condensate from HVAC and refrigeration systems.
• Riser Diagrams: Create riser diagrams for domestic water, sanitary sewer, and gas systems.

Schedules & Specifications: Deliver fixture schedules, piping specifications, and detailed installation notes.