Custom Stainless Steel Panel Fabrication for Gus’s Drive-In in East Troy, WI
A Small Update That Changed the Whole Look
Gus’s Drive-In in East Troy called us with a simple question. They wanted to know if it was possible to cover their front counter panel to give the space a more updated look.
We set up a time to meet with the owner and take a closer look. Once we were on-site, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a quick, straight-cut job. The front area included glass block sections that needed to stay exposed, which meant every measurement had to be exact. On top of that, we had a tight install window since the restaurant is only closed on Mondays.
Planning Around Real-World Constraints
This metal fabrication project came down to precision and timing. The layout required careful measuring around existing materials so everything would fit clean without covering key design elements.
The owner also wanted to incorporate their branding into the finished product. They sent over Gus’s logo, which we converted into a format suitable for direct cutting into metal. That added a custom touch, tying the whole front area together.
Custom Stainless Steel Panel Fabrication in Action
Once measurements and layout were finalized, we moved the custom fabrication back to our shop. The project involved:
- Cutting and shaping food-grade stainless steel panels
- Converting the logo into a CNC-cut design
- Fabricating trim pieces and end caps
- Building an additional panel near the soda machine to keep everything consistent
We used a combination of:
- CNC plasma cutting for precision design work
- Hydraulic shear and press brake for shaping
- TIG welding for clean, durable joints
- Hand tools for final fitting and detail work
Every piece was built to match the exact dimensions we captured on-site.
Installation and Final Fit
Once fabrication was complete, we returned to Gus’s Drive-In for installation. Because of their schedule, everything had to be completed within their closed hours.
The panels were installed cleanly around the glass block areas, with tight transitions and smooth edges. The custom-cut logo added a standout detail without overwhelming the space.
From start to finish, the project took about three days of work, with roughly three weeks from the initial call to final installation.
Why Custom Stainless Steel Panel Fabrication Was the Right Move
For a busy restaurant, appearance matters just as much as function. This upgrade gave Gus’s Drive-In:
- A cleaner, more modern front counter area
- Durable, easy-to-clean stainless steel surfaces
- A custom-branded feature with their logo built into the design
- A solution built specifically around their existing layout
A standard panel system would not have fit properly or delivered the same level of detail.
Final Result
When the job was complete, the owner was genuinely surprised by how it turned out. The updated front counter gave the space a refreshed look while preserving the building’s original character.
Thinking About Updating Your Space?
If you’re looking to upgrade your business with something built to fit your space, custom stainless steel panel fabrication is a strong option. At RC Portable Welding & Fabrication, we handle everything from layout and design to cutting, welding, and installation.
Reach out to us to talk through your project and see what’s possible.
