Case Studies Hospitality

When Jeff Hansen first entered the construction industry, hospitality development was nowhere on his radar. He envisioned a future in commercial projects, either as a general contractor or on the ownership side of major developments. But like many careers shaped by timing and opportunity, his took a turn he hadn’t anticipated. After eight years with […]

When Mike Wahrer thinks about the future of Jack in the Box and Del Taco, he does not imagine it as a series of isolated construction projects or one-off redesigns. He sees a coordinated, data-driven system, one built on disciplined prototype development, cross-functional alignment, and a clear vision for what makes a brand scalable. As […]

When Jeffrey Bennett joined Dutch Bros Coffee in September 2020, the company was already beloved in the western United States for its handcrafted drinks, vibrant culture, and energetic drive-thru model. But Dutch Bros had ambitious plans: expand east of Texas, grow consistently year after year, and do it without losing the heart of what made […]

When guests walk into a Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs, they’re immediately immersed in an experience that’s part sub shop, part stoner sanctuary, and entirely authentic. Walls are adorned with hand-painted murals, and hip-hop or punk music blares through the speakers—even in the bathrooms—and the air buzzes with a relaxed energy. It’s a cannabis-themed sandwich joint […]

In a fast-moving hospitality industry defined by tight timelines, evolving guest expectations, and unpredictable supply chain dynamics, Raj Patel keeps one goal top of mind: making hotel development easier, smarter, and more efficient—for everyone. As director of architectural design and construction for Choice Hotels International, Patel leads a small but impactful team that works with […]

In luxury hospitality, five-star ratings, guest reviews, and impeccable service often measure success. But behind every perfectly fluffed pillow and climate-controlled room is a team of engineers quietly making it all possible. At Hyatt Regency Chicago—one of the largest Hyatt-branded hotels in the world with over 2,000 guest rooms—that effort is led by Jonathan Golem, […]

It all started with a sign in a mall food court. Mark Raymond was a 15-year-old high school student looking for a summer job to fill the gap between track and cross-country season when he spotted a “Now Hiring” sign at Taco Bell. Twelve minutes after walking through the door, he was employed. “I didn’t […]

Some people fall into their careers by chance. Gene Woodruff builds his. As director of construction, design, and facilities for Papa Murphy’s, Woodruff doesn’t just manage projects—he engineers systems to help the company scale smarter and serve customers better. After more than 21 years with Papa Murphy’s, including just four months in his current leadership […]

For those who haven’t yet discovered Pür & Simple, the rapidly growing breakfast and lunch chain, it’s more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience. With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, beautifully plated dishes, and warm hospitality, Pür & Simple has quickly become a beloved brand in Canada and is now making […]

Rukesh Patel, the director of construction for Parx Casino, has built a career grounded in design, problem-solving and teamwork. Originally from the United Kingdom, Patel earned an engineering degree from the University of Bradford before venturing into the construction and development industry. His early career took him to the United States, where he started designing […]