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Wolgast Blog - Construction Trends, Tips and Information

Get commercial construction questions answered by a professional contractor sharing building trends, tips and information

2023 Franchised Restaurants Design and Construction Trends

For Quick Service and Fast Casual Concepts

Many industries have had to make changes following the pandemic as they sort out the new way to best serve their customers and their adapted routines. The Restaurant industry has definitely had to make adjustments not only from people dining differently, but also from the labor shortage. The design and remodel of Restaurant structures and parking areas play a role in how they are accommodating their new challenges.

All-Inclusive Vacation in Construction Land

 
Recently, while I was on my first all-inclusive vacation in the Caribbean, I realized how much more relaxing and enjoyable it was to know up front what the costs would be and all the activities that were available as part of the resort’s package.  I didn’t have to spend my time making separate plans for a hotel, meals, transportation, or entertainment because the package covered it all.  With all that was included, I had more than enough options to create an affordable and enjoyable vacation without the hassle of budgeting for my next meal or entertainment and I felt that I was getting way more for my travel budget.

Remodel Your Commercial Office to Be More Modern

Easy Ways to Update Your Look

Who doesn’t want to be known for always having the most modern looking office, comfortable staffers, or the ability to attract customers because their place of business is so fresh and enticing? The problem, we understand, it’s cost prohibitive and not a great investment to complete a remodel every year to keep up with new trends. However, there are some classic and cost effective changes that can help set you up well for the future.

Wolgast Corporation Marks 75th Anniversary

Wolgast Corporation Marks 75th Anniversary!

Saginaw, MI - For the first 52 years, the Wolgast family owned and operated Wolgast Corporation. Started by Gerald Wolgast as G.H. Wolgast Masonry in 1948, his motto of “Do it right the first time, every time” has been his legacy that still steers the company today. Gerald’s sons, Lynn and the late Patrick and Mark Wolgast left their own legacy on the general contracting company by diversifying to include Design-Build and Construction Management services, helping start the local Associated Builders and Contractors Association Chapter, and forging a relationship with McDonald’s Corporation in the 1980s. Since then, we have built close to 300 new or rebuilt McDonald’s restaurants and remodeled nearly twice that many. The Wolgast brothers also chose to succeed their business to the employees and started the process of becoming an Employee-Owned Company in 2000. Soon after, they named Brian Stadler as President, marking the first time that a non-family member held such a key position.

Entering Retail Space as a Non-Retailer

(Updated 2/20/23) Retail real estate has shrunk over the past three years according to CBRE’s report “US Real Estate Market Outlook 2023”. With less retail construction happening, there is less opportunity for businesses to move into this type of space. Malls and retail centers that have been struggling in recent years are now finding opportunities by converting to mixed use.

Strategies to Keep Your Restaurant Open during Construction

A restaurant owner may need to update their restaurant because it’s no longer functioning well, it’s required by their franchisor, or they are just seeking an updated look. Some owners believe that they have to shut down for a length of time and go without income, risking their staff leaving and being burdened by ongoing bills.

Wolgast’s 5 Types of Commercial Construction Services

Having five options for your construction delivery means you can use a builder that provides the most efficiency, value, expertise, and flexibility you need. You can build with speed, quality, and customer service support that best suits your project type.

Sharing Your Budget Streamlines the Pre-Construction Phase

Here is one secret of the trade to save significant time during pre-construction, by giving your contractor a ballpark budget before design and/or estimating starts, an owner can take a shortcut in the preliminary phase and get to construction sooner. When the timing matters, how much you’re willing to spend will make the process move along much faster.

Why is Wolgast Thankful?

 

Counting our blessings this Thanksgiving Holiday Season

First and foremost, our faithful customers—new and those who have repeatedly come back to us for each of their building projects.  We appreciate each and every one of you!!

We are thankful for our community within Saginaw, the Great Lakes Bay Region and Michigan as a whole.  We have been in Saginaw County for over 70 years and have built many of the area businesses that surround us as well as many throughout Michigan.  We couldn’t be more proud to drive around our community and be able to say “built it!”.

Your Business Plan and Your Building

A critical element of your business plan is a realistic budget for anticipated expenses, along with possible revenue streams. One of the biggest expenses of a business to factor into the budget is the building cost.

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