A rapid, store-ready program replaced incompatible dispensers, resolved recessed-wall conditions, and protected ADA compliance across nearly 700 casual dining locations.
Executive Snapshot
Client: A national casual dining and sports-bar franchise known for its high-energy “stadium” atmosphere, craveable wings, and cold beverages. The brand operates hundreds of restaurants with diverse back-of-house and guest-area configurations, many of which present complex retrofit conditions.
Challenge: Transition to a new paper towel product to capture systemwide cost savings. The new SKU required a dispenser incompatible with many existing units—especially recessed dispensers embedded into walls throughout kitchens, bars, and restrooms. The work needed to be completed quickly, without disrupting service, and with ADA compliance verified at every site.
Solution: Footprint Solutions led a nationwide deployment, engineering a universal cover plate to resolve recessed conditions, surveying each location to determine optimal placement, and verifying ADA standards across all sites. Crews executed the work in tight windows to protect restaurant operations.
Key Result: Nearly 700 locations completed in four weeks, with 10–15 dispensers replaced per site, meeting brand standards and enabling the new towel product to roll out systemwide.
Solving a Brand-Wide Change on the Clock
The client selected a new paper towel product designed to reduce operating costs across its restaurant network. But the shift required a large-scale dispenser swap, and compatibility challenges surfaced immediately. Some restaurants used surface-mounted units, while many others relied on recessed, architecturally integrated dispensers that were too small to house the replacement model.
To realize the savings tied to the new product, the brand needed a partner who could take full program ownership—designing a fit-for-purpose mounting solution, conducting surveys, sequencing national labor, and verifying ADA compliance. The work needed to move fast and avoid disruptions during peak dining periods.
Footprint built a structured rollout with clear standards, engineered components, and a disciplined execution cadence. The program resolved variable field conditions while keeping restaurants operating normally.
Footprint’s Solution in Action
Footprint translated the change to a new paper towel product into actionable, field-ready scopes across the entire network.
Engineering a universal mounting solution
Field conditions varied significantly, especially in locations with recessed dispensers. Footprint sourced and engineered custom stainless-steel cover plates that secured the new units while covering recessed openings. This eliminated patch-and-paint work, ensured a uniform appearance, and enabled same-visit installation.
Site-specific placement and ADA checks
Technicians surveyed each restroom and back-of-house area to determine the safest and most functional placement. They verified reach ranges, clearances, and mounting heights to meet ADA requirements. This reduced risk for the brand and ensured consistency across the network.
Fast, low-disruption execution cadence
Crews replaced 10–15 dispensers per restaurant over a focused four-week program, coordinating access to avoid peak dining periods. This accelerated the client’s timeline for realizing cost savings and restored consistency across the network.
At-a-glance controls included:
- Documented before/after conditions and final placement
- A single program lead for approvals, status updates, and field escalations
Results & Impact
- ~700 restaurants completed nationwide in four weeks
- 7,000–10,500 dispensers replaced across the network
- Custom cover plates resolved recessed-wall conditions and delivered a consistent look
- ADA-compliant placement verified at every site
- Cost-savings initiative enabled through rapid SKU transition
Why It Worked
- Engineered mounting solutions turned variable site conditions into predictable, ready-to-execute scopes
- Total program ownership aligned sourcing, surveys, and field teams
- Standardized playbooks and verification maintained brand standards
- Fast, low-disruption scheduling protected daily restaurant operations
Let’s Talk About Your Next Deployment
If you’re planning a multi-location equipment or fixture replacement and need a partner that brings speed, scale, and accountability, we can help. Connect with our team.