09th June 2014
Project: Custom catering vehicle
Client: Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group
Delivery Date: 6th June 2014
Brands Involved: Barbecoa
Project summary:
The Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group were looking for a be-spoke mobile event catering vehicle for Barbecoa, their high-end barbecue style restaurant in London. They planned to use it at events such as Grillstock and The Big Feastival at weekends with the possibility of using it at a permanent city based location during the week.
We collaborated with the Barbecoa project team to develop the whole design concept around an iconic 1972 GMC Value Van, using full scale 3d modelling to perfect the internal layout and to experiment with a number of branding permutations. This gave the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group complete visibility of exactly how different variations would look on the finished vehicle, before committing the final designs to production.
Once initial design stages were complete we began a full refurbishment of the GMC 7.2 litre V8 vehicle, and converted it to a mobile Barbecoa unit with full catering kitchen. The conversion and fit out involved extensive work including a roof extension, the fabrication of rear bumper and gas bottle cupboards, creation of a side serving hatch and a complete bodywork strip back and repair. We also installed a side wind-out awning with Barbecoa branding, to provide variable footprint options when on site at different sized events.
The interior of the Barbecoa van was equipped with a professional quality full cook line counter, including two combination ovens, gas burner, hot water boiler, sink with a removable preparation surface, hot plate and extraction system.
GORILLA role summary:
Vehicle design, build and brand. Ongoing event logistics support & vehicle operations.
GORILLA role detail:
• Design and budgeting
• 3D modeling and CAD
• Kitchen and catering equipment plans
• Branding design for vehicle and awning
• Licensing and MOT arrangements
Hands on design and build:
• Body works and renovation
• Custom internal fit out and furnishings
• Power and electrical install – interior and exterior
• Kitchen install
• Gas / Electrical sign off
• Branding application
Customised Vehicle Features:
• Branded awning 3.5m x 3m
• External gas tank storage
• Serving hatch and exterior condiments shelf
• Exterior menu boards
• Pop up branded vehicle signage
• Cab area seating
• Kitchen with full cook line counter
• Roof extension
Fitted Equipment:
• Combination ovens x 2
• 4 burner gas stove
• Hot plate
• Extraction system
• Fridge and freezer units
• Equipment and food storage units
• Hot water boiler and hand wash
• Sink with removable preparation surface
Timescales involved:
4 weeks planning, design and budgeting period. 10 weeks vehicle works and customisation.
Result / Outcome:
Unique branded catering vehicle that will turn heads, run efficiently and effectively serve event or street consumers on mass.
Client Testimonial:
“We were looking for a mobile kitchen in which we could recreate the Barbecoa experience we are delivering through the Jamie Oliver Barbecoa restaurant in the City of London. Gorilla designed and built the perfect vehicle to do this and we are already planning to attend a summer of events.”
“The attention to detail and craftsmanship that has gone into producing the Barbecoa van is of the highest standard and fully reflects the values of our own brand. It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Gorilla from concept to completion.”
– Jacques Dejardin, operations director for the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group