Fast-Paced Food Court Renovation: Completing a Kinton Ramen Fit-Out in Just Two Months

Project Location: 9855 Austin Road, Burnaby, BC
Project Area: Approximately 600 sq. ft.
Construction Duration: 2 Months
Project Type: Restaurant Renovation & Commercial Tenant Improvement

A successful restaurant renovation involves much more than updating the interior appearance. Behind every finished restaurant is a carefully coordinated process involving demolition, mechanical and electrical work, plumbing, kitchen equipment installation, fire protection, and detailed finishing.

Y&Y Construction undertook the renovation of Kinton Ramen at 9855 Austin Road, completing approximately 600 square feet of restaurant space within a two-month construction schedule.

The project involved a comprehensive restaurant fit-out, including demolition, new partitions and ceilings, plumbing and electrical modifications, gas line upgrades, kitchen equipment and exhaust system installation, fire protection coordination, tile work, millwork, service counter construction, and storefront signage.

Despite the relatively compact floor area, the project required extensive coordination between different trades to ensure that the kitchen operated efficiently, building requirements were addressed, and the finished space reflected the Kinton Ramen brand.

The renovation required multiple construction trades to work in a coordinated sequence.

Following demolition, the team proceeded with new partitions and ceiling construction, followed by plumbing, electrical, and gas modifications. Kitchen equipment and the exhaust system were then coordinated with the mechanical and utility requirements.

At the same time, the team managed fire protection coordination, tile installation, millwork, service counter construction, and storefront signage.

One of the key considerations was ensuring that different trades could complete their work without creating unnecessary conflicts. For example, kitchen equipment locations had to be coordinated with plumbing connections, electrical outlets, gas lines, and exhaust requirements before the final installation.

The two-month schedule required careful planning, timely material coordination, and continuous communication between contractors, suppliers, and other project stakeholders.

One of the most challenging aspects of this project was accommodating a new grease interceptor within the limited kitchen space.

Grease interceptors are an essential component of many commercial kitchens, helping separate fats, oils, and grease from wastewater before it enters the drainage system. However, installing one in a compact kitchen can be challenging, particularly when the space is already occupied by sinks, equipment, storage, and plumbing infrastructure.

Rather than simply placing the grease interceptor wherever space was available, our team reviewed the existing drainage layout and adjusted the plumbing configuration to create a more practical arrangement.

The solution involved modifying the drainage piping, adjusting the sink configuration, and redesigning its supporting structure. The sink was positioned above the grease interceptor, making better use of the available vertical space.

This arrangement helped preserve valuable kitchen floor area while maintaining practical access for daily staff operations, future cleaning, and maintenance.

The key was to balance space efficiency with long-term functionality. A compact installation should never compromise accessibility or make routine maintenance unnecessarily difficult.

Renovating a restaurant inside an operating shopping centre introduces additional challenges beyond the construction work itself.

Unlike a standalone commercial building, shopping centre renovations must follow property management requirements regarding construction hours, noise levels, material deliveries, contractor access, and site logistics.

For this project, construction activities had to be carefully coordinated around the shopping centre's operating schedule. Material transportation, equipment deliveries, and contractor access all required advance planning.

Trade coordination was equally important. Kitchen equipment, plumbing, electrical systems, gas connections, fire protection, and interior finishes needed to be reviewed together to minimize conflicts between different scopes of work.

Front-of-house detailing also required close attention. The storefront signage, digital menu screens, wall tiles, and service counter had to align with the intended design dimensions and overall brand presentation.

These details may appear straightforward once the restaurant is complete, but achieving a clean and consistent result requires careful measurement, installation sequencing, and coordination on site.

Completing the physical construction is only one part of delivering a restaurant renovation.

Before the space can be handed over, installed equipment and building systems need to be checked, tested, and coordinated for operation. This includes kitchen equipment commissioning, plumbing and drainage checks, electrical verification, exhaust system testing, and coordination of applicable fire and building inspections.

For a restaurant, these final steps are particularly important because the performance of individual systems directly affects daily operations.

A properly coordinated handover helps ensure that the kitchen is ready for use, equipment connections are functional, and outstanding inspection or commissioning requirements are addressed.

The Kinton Ramen renovation demonstrates how a relatively small food court space can involve complex construction requirements.

From accommodating a grease interceptor in a compact kitchen to coordinating multiple trades within an operating shopping centre, every stage required practical problem-solving and attention to detail.

At Y&Y Construction, we understand that successful restaurant renovations are built on more than construction workmanship. They require thoughtful planning, technical coordination, and a clear understanding of how a restaurant operates.

Whether you are planning a new food court restaurant, renovating an existing dining space, or undertaking a commercial tenant improvement in Greater Vancouver, our team works to deliver functional, well-coordinated spaces that are ready for business.

Y&Y Construction Ltd.
Integrity in character, excellence in execution.