Three award winning companies have combined skills to help Ibstock Brick open its new on-site staff restaurant.
Called ‘Food Factory,’ the new restaurant was completed in April and was recently officially opened at a gathering of the project team that involved interior fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors, CHR Food Service Equipment, who designed and installed the commercial kitchen, and catering equipment and independent contract catering company, Olive Catering Services who provide the catering solution.
The refurbishment and fit out of the onsite cafe at Ibstock Brick’s headquarters and distribution facility in Ibstock represents a £250,000 for the company which employs more than 2000 nationwide.
John Lovatt, Marketing Manager from Ibstock Brick Limited said, “Our previous on-site staff canteen facilities lacked appeal and needed a complete facelift. We are delighted with ‘Food Factory’ and feedback from staff has been really amazing. People are definitely using the space as we intended and are now opting to get away from their desks or the production line to enjoy a nutritious meal and find it a great place to meet and get to know colleagues and suppliers better.”
The café had originally been designed as a ‘works canteen’, serving basic breakfasts and lunches with an average usage of 40 covers. Despite its downfalls, the building was ideally located right in the centre of the site. Food Factory now features light and airy decor created by a combination of ceiling lights and window blinds, cool booths and bespoke wall art. All furniture and décor is hardwearing and durable and includes seating arrangements and designs that ensure people can meet and eat in large or small groups.
Integrating a ‘Costa Coffee’ offer has given the space a whole new function as a more informal meeting spot outside of peak times. Charging sockets and wall-mounted LED TV’s means everyone can keep up with the latest news and sport and re-charge their devices, providing another reason for staff to visit Food Factory.
Commenting on behalf of Blueprint Interiors, Creative & Commercial Director, Chloe Sproston said, “Having worked with Ibstock Brick for over 14 years, our ongoing discussions highlighted that their existing onsite café needed a complete fit out and refurbishment. The main aim was to create a new image that would encourage more people to use the space regardless of their shift pattern.”
Neil Wightman, Sales Manager , Olive Catering Services said, “We’re justifiably proud to have helped provide an exciting and innovative approach to employee and visitor dining. ‘Food Factory’ now serves over 150 covers per day and is a welcoming space where all customers can meet, enjoy fresh healthy food and have opportunities to socialise with colleagues from across the business.”
CHR Food Service Equipment is based in Preston and is a second generation family business founded in 1993. Olive Catering Services is based on Warwickshire and was founded by Sally-Ann Bradley, Damon Brown and Andrew Norrie in 2004.
