ITSU
Itsu is a Japanese retail and restaurant concept. It’s a unique concept in that it specialises in ultra fresh ingredients with all production done on site and delivered in a modern and innovative format. The Itsu brand is also very distinctive within the market.
“We have used CCS for the refrigeration on the last six projects for cold rooms purely due to the timings of our relationship with them. We also turned to them recently for the main retail chilled display; this had been causing us some problems to source.”
“We have the relationship now with CCS where we are able to go to them with a problem and due to their experience and knowledge of the market they were able to solve the problem for us immediately. That’s important for us with the projects we work on; there is no time for delays.” Graham Bean, Managing Director of Lockhart Catering the company responsible for the catering facility design, planning and installation for all the Itsu Sushi shops
Case Study
Graham Bean is the Managing Director of Lockhart catering the company responsible for the catering facility design, planning and installation for all the Itsu Sushi shops and restaurants in London, a unique Japanese concept.
Can you explain the Itsu Concept?
Itsu is a Japanese retail and restaurant concept. It’s a unique concept in that it specialises in ultra fresh ingredients withall production done on site and delivered in a modern and innovative format. The Itsu brand is also very distinctive within the market.
Sounds like an interesting project. How successful have the bars been?
The Itsu shops have been very successful; it is a really interesting project to work on and something different for us to get involved with. The sushi concept is very popular and the convenience of the shops combined with the freshness and the uniqueness of the concept seems to be working well.
How many have you been involved with opening so far?
We have opened all the restaurants except one as this was a refurbished site not a new build. All in all we have opened 12 sites in total with more proposed for the future.
Have CCS done all the kitchen refrigeration work?
We have used CCS for the refrigeration on the last six projects for cold rooms purely due to the timings of our relationship with them. We also turned to them recently for the main retail chilled display; this had been causing us some problems to source. We have the relationship now with CCS where we are able to go to them with a problem and due to their experience and knowledge of the market they were able to solve the problem for us immediately. That’s important for us with the projects we work on; there is no time for delays.
“We have to continually look at the market as our customers expect that of us but CCS have become part of the team now.”
Graham Bean, Lockhart
What are your thoughts on the level of service CCS provide you with?
We deal mainly with Paul Thomas at CCS and he looks after our business personally, we like that personal touch. As a company we require that level of commitment from our suppliers. What impresses me about CCS is that they are a company with the skills to work on large projects but at the same time they offer that personal touch. I have built up a good relationship with Paul and I know I can go to him with any problems.
Do they continue to support you?
Yes, CCS are involved throughout the project and at every step of the design process which we feel is critical to the success of any project. They are a flexible company and we respect the way that they are very quick to respond to our needs.
“For us the fact that they get involved at every level of the design process is critical as they are on hand to help us solve any problems that may arise.”
Graham Bean, Lockhart
What are your plans going forward?
As things stand we currently have plans for two more Itsu openings; the first one at the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow, which will be another interesting project.
Will you go back to the market or continue to use CCS?
We have to continually look at the market as our customers expect that of us but CCS have become part of the team now. If they continue to provide us with such a high level of service and their prices remain competitive then I can’t see any reason for us to change.
How did you come across CCS?
Initially they approached us for the whole Lockhart business and subsequently now work mainly for the design and project side of our company. So it sounds like you are very happy working with CCS? Yes – we have a good working relationship and those take time to build up. For us the fact that they get involved at every level of the design process is critical as they are on hand to help us solve any problems that may arise. As a company that contracts work out we have to be sure for our own reputation that we are working with companies we can rely on and I feel we have that with CCS.
