As a company that owns and operates more than 100 Quick Serve restaurants across the country, Charter Foods knows the importance of efficient service at great value. Bob Jenkins, owner of Charter Foods, began Charter Foods’ tankless journey with a visit to Rinnai’s assembly facility at its headquarters in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Together, Charter Foods and Rinnai addressed the company’s needs for tankless units that will save space in its Taco Bell new construction and remodel projects where square footage is minimal. In response, Rinnai recommended its state-of-the-art, commercial Tankless Wall-Hanging Rack (TRW) systems, pre-assembled racks with multiple Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters. Charter Foods reaped the space saving benefits of this complete and fully modular tankless solution, plus the added benefits from the TRW’s easy installation, energy efficiency and lower utility costs.

Space Savings & Operational Redundancy

A significant benefit of Rinnai’s wall-hung tankless racks is space savings. Charter Foods’ restaurants have sites with limited space. When the large traditional tanks were replaced with the Tankless Rack System™ wall hung models, it created an open space, and could even eliminate the need for a mechanical room where large storage tanks typically sit. As a result, the area now has easier access for cleaning.

“Having these tankless rack systems on the wall and off the floors allows the crews to keep the floors and corners cleaner and more organized,” said Bob Rave, New Projects/Facilities Manager for Charter Foods. “It helps improve the culture of housekeeping within the team and restaurant where housekeeping and cleanliness is our top priority.”

In addition, having two redundant tankless units in the store provides the restaurant owner peace of mind in the event that one stops working because the second keeps the store operational while maintenance is performed.

Quick Installation Saves Time & Labor Costs

The Rinnai Tankless Rack Systems shipped fully assembled with two tankless water heaters already connected to each other and arrived at Taco Bell locations ready for installation. The installers experienced less time on-site for the job, as placing a TRW with multiple units takes 40 percent less time than installing individual water heaters one unit at a time. The key is the TRW’s specifically engineered and patent pending wall hanging bracket that makes it easy for installers to place the system, reducing the labor needed on the installation. “We love how easy the rack systems install.” says Rave.

Lower Energy Consumption = Lower Overhead

A nearly 40 percent reduction in gas consumption translated into big savings on each store’s energy bills - a perk that any business owner can appreciate. Because tankless water heaters only heat water when it’s needed, they don’t consume energy during off hours, store closures and slow periods.

With Rinnai TRW02iN Tankless Rack Systems, each of the company’s restaurants will experience the Rinnai tankless technology, featuring heat exchangers that provide hot water at the moment it’s needed with 399K BTU maximum efficiency.

To date, Charter Foods has taken delivery of 30 rack systems and have installed 4 that are functioning perfectly. An additional 17 systems are planned to be installed in 2016.