Case Study: Transforming A Greenfield Site into A 1,200-Seater Sustainable Journey
OVERVIEW
In 2024 we supported our pharma client in developing layout and designs for a new workplace dining facility. What began as a small on-site café serving around 400 employees evolved into a large-scale, high-quality dining and hospitality operation — including a 1,200-seater restaurant, coffee dock, and event space.
From day one, we worked closely with the pharma client to transform a greenfield site into a multifunctional food and hospitality destination, aligning every element of the project with their sustainability goals, operational expectations, and company culture.
Over the course of 18 months, we supported all aspects of the development — from initial site evaluations and layout planning, through operational strategy, training, and testing, right up to the grand opening. Key milestones along the way included:
- Designing high-efficiency, multifunctional spaces to accommodate round-the-clock dining, meetings, and events.
- Planning sustainability strategies that could be implemented from day one.
- Delivering tailored training that focused on service, sustainability, and the integration of new technologies.
- Final testing and implementation across kitchen operations, front-of-house workflows, and service delivery.
WHAT WAS DONE
Sustainability and innovation sat at the core of every decision we made throughout this project.
We embedded zero-waste culinary practices from the start, introducing kitchen workflows that repurposed food by-products into creative new menu items. All bread and scones are baked in-house daily, helping reduce packaging and transport-related waste.
We also supported the implementation of a fully electric kitchen, enhancing energy efficiency, improving safety, and lowering the site’s overall emissions. These changes made a significant impact, both environmentally and operationally.
Technology played a major role in redefining the dining experience — the introduction of an AI-powered till system transformed transaction times and customer flow. Capable of processing over 650 transactions per hour, it drastically reduced queues while enabling seamless payment through multiple methods. Live sales data also supported more efficient inventory and forecasting processes.
CONSIDERATIONS
Ongoing and open communication was essential to the success of this project. Weekly virtual meetings and bi-weekly site visits kept everyone aligned — from our culinary and operations leads to the client’s internal teams and project stakeholders.
Our partnership with the client was rooted in trust, transparency, and a shared ambition to deliver something exceptional. That strong relationship allowed us to move quickly on decisions, resolve issues proactively, and maintain a high standard of execution across every phase.
RESULTS
Scaling from a 400-capacity café to a 1,200-seater operation required a complete rethink of how we trained, staffed, and managed service.
We took a phased approach to onboarding, ensuring every team member was fully engaged in the service culture, sustainability practices, and tech systems before launch. We were also able to recruit a skilled, passionate team that aligned with the values of both FoodSpace and our client.
Adapting supply chains to suit the larger scale while maintaining flexibility for seasonal changes was also key. Working closely with our trusted network, we ensured consistency in quality and availability from day one.
CONCLUSION
This project delivered more than just a dining facility — it created a space where sustainability, innovation, and community come together to enhance the everyday experience of employees.
We’re proud to have played a leading role in bringing our client’s vision to life, helping set a new benchmark for what modern workplace dining can be. Through careful planning, meaningful collaboration, and a strong focus on values, this project stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when purpose meets execution.
