KFC Lichfield

Retrofit Refurbishment

Gastronomy Restaurants UK contacted us in 2023 as they were about to start a refit programme of KFC restaurants across the country. Stores had small, recessed matwells, but the open-construction Entrance Mats were filled with dirt and greasy food spills. They had become unsafe and unfit for purpose.

With KFC's new strategic focus on quality and carbon reduction, they wanted a cost-effective, sustainable retail Entrance Matting product. It needed to cope with heavy footfall in a greasy environment and be easy to clean daily.

INTRAlink² is the ideal system for heavy, multi-directional traffic, with the wide fibre insert squares in INTRAlux Elite for maximum absorption. The team at INTRAsystems supported at every stage, providing expert insight, including test data and real-life case studies from other nationwide retail customers.

Fixing Old, Small & Unsafe Mats

With limited space and an average of only 3-4m² recessed Entrance Matting, KFC was struggling to limit slip incidents in wet weather. Cooking oil, which is in the air and cooking areas, settles around the store and is ultimately soaked up by the Entrance Mats. In addition, bits of spilled food and drink were getting stuck in drainage channels. This was limiting the performance of the small, recessed mats and providing little to no absorption or protection from the rain.

Food technicians do most of the cleaning at the end of service, so the mats needed to be easy to clean with simple hoovering and brushing. A deeper clean every few months would then help ensure longevity.

Heavy-Duty and High-Performance

INTRAlink² is a modular tile offering high durability and cost-effectiveness for retail entrance matting. The high-performance, 100% recycled PVC system has outstanding sustainability. And importantly, its closed construction keeps dirt and debris sitting on the surface instead of falling into drainage channels. So, it's much easier to vacuum and spot clean daily.

With a cost-effective PVC structure, it's quick and easy to cut to shape than install, as each tile clicks into the next. Available with a choice of three fibre insert ranges with multiple colourways, it will enhance any retail interior.

Gastronomy Restaurants chose INTRAlux Elite Anthracity 607 to match the new grey floor tiles being fitted, and complementing the 'more inviting...rustic, farmhouse décor' used in the refurbished KFC stores.

Preventing Slips with Recycled Ocean Plastics

INTRAlux Elite is a high-density pile made from Econyl - 100% recycled nylon created from recovered ocean and landfill plastics. The fibre's density and coarseness deliver excellent moisture absorption and can cope with heavy and consistent traffic. Plus, it boasts impressive fire resistance and sound absorption.

Green credentials abound with the fact that INTRAlink² is manufactured from 100% recycled PVC. Being more sustainable in this way doesn't mean a compromise in quality. We're so confident in the product's hard-wearing performance, it comes with a 5-year warranty.

"A Superior Product"

Following successful trial installations by Jephsons Shopfitters at New Milton and Lichfield restaurant refurbishments, they have now confirmed the INTRAlink2 specification for the national brand rollout across 40 stores.

“We’re going to be using your lovely matting on all the new builds and store refurbs from now on. It’s early days and we’ll see how it looks in 3 years, but it definitely seems a far superior product to the old system.”

Facilities Manager, Gastronomy Restaurants.

Gastronomy join the ranks of other satisfied retail customers with INTRAlink2, such as Waitrose, The Howard Centre and Co-Op. With a wide range of products to meet the retail challenge, high stock levels, short lead times and efficient installation, we’re the supplier of choice for this demanding sector.