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S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 • R E S T A U R A N T D E V E L O P M E N T + D E S I G N • 4 3 development, says today it takes only 135 days from the start of construc- tion to open a new 6,800-square-foot Firebirds — that's 15 days fewer than in the past. The reduced timeline is due largely, he adds, to a site investiga- tion report (or SIR) done by one of two architectural frms the company hires. The report includes "parameters" that management requires for each new site. These new-store parameters have been carefully documented since the frst Firebirds opened 14 years ago. "We kept building on the parameters, and they just became a checklist you either add to or take away from. All the tools are there with the dates and everything," Eason explains. "We put the best practices together from our previous lives," adds Pulsinelli, who grew up in the restaurant business and has since worked for several chains, including Morton's. Management, which uses two general contractors, divides the 135-day construc- tion process into thirds. "First, you've got your frst round of inspections, the walls are up with wiring and the ceilings are roughed in. In the second third, there are MEP inspec- tions and the kitchen equip- ment is put in," Pulsinelli explains. "The fnal third is the fnishing work." Receiving the right materials from vendors, on time, is critical to maintain- ing schedules, and that's all about the submittals, Eason says. Vendors send images and samples to Firebirds' architects and its director of construc- tion, who make sure the colors and fnishes match the spec. And, despite its small size, the company attempts to buy directly from manufacturers to save both time and money. Eason recently discovered a chair maker in Ohio, for example, not far from where the company was opening a restaurant. "We bypass the vendor now," he says, "and buy our chairs directly from that manufacturer." + Royale Your partner for bringing concepts to reality With more than 25 years of furniture manufacturing experience, our consultative process ensures unique designs are engineered to exceed durability standards, are delivered on time, and within budget. Begin today! 800-837-1456 | MityLite.com To ensure the chain receives the right materials from vendors, Firebirds requires vendors to send images and samples to Firebirds' architects and its director of construction, who make sure the colors and fnishes match the spec.