SmartLever proves a smart choice for Creams’ first Dark Kitchen
C
reams was founded in 2008 and is the UK’s number
half the space which was no easy task. We need to be really
one dessert parlour with locations stretching
organised to work efficiently to maximise our productivity
from Glasgow to Brighton. With a tempting menu
- we needed more order.
that includes a variety of indulgent sweet treats
“We got in touch with a national dealer, General Catering
including Waffles, Sundaes, Cookie Doughs, Crepes and
who we have worked with previously and they helped us
Freak Shakes, Creams has quickly become a dessert
to come up with the design and concept for the kitchen.
devotees dream. A wide selection of 24 Gelato and Sorbet
As part of this, General Catering introduced us to Jestic
flavours, plus a range of special toppings and sauces also
Foodservice Solutions who recommended we try the Metro
means that customers can customise and create their
SmartLever system.”
own unique desserts with whatever flavour combinations they so wish.
SmartLever’s cantilevered design provides unobstructed access to shelves which can mean 30-50% more storage
At the height of the 2020 lockdown, franchisee, AA Food
capacity versus traditional four post shelving. SmartLever
Concepts, took the brave decision to open a new Creams in
allows operators like Creams to configure workstations for
the heart of Doncaster, focusing purely on click and collect
maximum productivity, as Nisar explains:
and home delivery orders. Not only was this a gamble for
“The SmartLever system is a simple and effective storage
AA Food Concepts, it also signified what would be the first
and workstation solution consisting of a back grid, a work
dark kitchen in the Creams estate.
surface, shelves plus baskets and a variety of storage and
As Nisar Hussain, Operations Director at AA Food
organisation accessories which can be put where you need
Concepts explains, such a concept meant a new way of
to suit the height of each staff member and whatever the
working both front, as well as back of house:
preparation task. The flexibility it brings is just amazing.”
“In comparison to a typical Creams restaurant, space is
“Thanks to the SmartLever system we have been better
at even more of a premium in our Doncaster kitchen and
able to define the areas for each menu product type – so
we ended up having to fit the same amount equipment in
we have a section for beverages, one for waffles and the
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Fastfood Professional • June and July 2022
June and July 2022 • Fastfood Professional
44
