AEI Corporation

Challenge

As with many Southern California businesses, Porta Via quickly discovered that available dining space is often limited. Maximizing guest experience became Peter’s priority. With the 900 square feet interior, Peter states, “outside seating is where we’re able to accommodate our guests.” Los Angeles is widely known for its warm and sunny climate, however the Spring and Fall evenings are no surprise to chilly weather. Simply adding tables to the patio wasn’t enough. To expand the seating capacity, Peter had to not only bring his experience into the patio but had to ensure his guest could dine comfortably outdoors. That’s when the idea sparked for Peter - providing warmth to elevate the outdoor experience. 

When Porta Via opened its doors in Beverly Hills, Peter came across the SunPak Gas Infrared Heaters. Instantly, he knew these heaters were going to expand his restaurant capacity while providing a seamless experience for his outdoor guests. 

Peter searched for a solution that would not only fit the aesthetic of Porta Via but also be able to withstand the high demand of daily use. The decision was easy. Peter decided on the SunPak S34 TSH. This heater is simple to operate and uses energy efficient infrared radiant heat just like the sun’s warming rays with an output of 25,000 - 34,000 BTUs/ The TSH (Two Stage Hardwired) is the ideal model for commercial settings with its duplex switch providing high and low capability. 

Solution

Managing a restaurant with multiple locations leaves little time for day-to-day operations. That’s the reason Peter relies on AEI Corporation to help with ensuring his heaters are serviced regularly while he focuses on running his restaurants. That’s when having dependable partners matter. 

“Thirty-one years later, I can still call them for advice, sales help and even service. They’re awesome!”
 

Year after year, Peter connects with our team to not only purchase matching SunPaks for his restaurants but to also ensure the service is up to date with his existing heaters. Although AEI Corporation is not a service center, we are committed to our relationships by always providing exceptional service. Our team remains committed to supporting customers beyond the initial sale offering product knowledge, troubleshooting guidance and helping coordinate solutions when needed. 

In the recent winter season, Peter wanted to ensure his heaters were fully prepared for his guests in the cooler temperatures and increased dining demand. AEI partnered with Heaterz Inc., a Southern California heating service expert for the the project. Together we went out to multiple Porta Via locations in the Los Angeles region to service and prepare them for the winter season. The objective was the ensure the heaters operated at peak performance during the holiday season. Dedicated to their expertise, Heaterz Inc. dispatched a certified technician that arrives in a well stocked service truck with all the parts needed to finish any job. 

Results

What started in 1994 to extend the dining experience in Beverly Hills has transformed into an essential part of the Porta Via guest experience today. Porta Via now operates four successful locations - Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Palm Desert and Pacific Palisades. All offering an elegant outdoor dining experience for their guests. An investment that was worth the money from the beginning. Today each of the locations have extended their outdoor dining by a number of additional seatings:

Beverly Hills - 20 additional tables
Calabasas - 20 additional tables
Palm Desert - 20 additional tables
Pacific Palisades - 16 additional tables

Using the AEI Revenue Booster Calculator, we can see that a patio with 70 additional seats with a 70% occupancy rate, 3 nightly turnover, $46 average spend per person for an extra 90 nights per year will generate an additional $625,968 for the one Beverly Hills location.

Calculate your revenue boost here: https://www.aeicorporation.com/industries/hospitality
 

Conclusion

“Without SunPak heaters, we wouldn’t be in business today,” stated Peter. Built on a relationship of trust and commitment over thirty-one years, AEI Corporation would not be here today without customers like Peter and Porta Via. At AEI, the experience goes beyond the sale of the product. We not only provide premium products but also provide the best service to our customers year after year. Porta Via’s continued success is a testament of committed hospitality, long-term relationships and creating outdoor spaces for guests to feel comfortable.