Client Overview
Hickory’s Smokehouse is a growing hospitality operator with an expanding national footprint. Over the past ten years, Cirrus Technology Solutions has worked alongside Hickory’s to manage day-to-day IT operations while delivering the full technology scope for every new restaurant opening.
Each new site is delivered against a fixed 16-week programme from concept to launch. Openings require coordinated infrastructure deployment, integration of multiple specialist systems, and readiness across digital and financial platforms. With no tolerance for delay, technology must be operational, stable, and aligned to trading requirements from day one.
Challenge
As Hickory’s estate expanded, the complexity of each opening increased.
Every site required:
- Full network and connectivity design tailored to the building layout.
- Server deployment and complete infrastructure installation.
- Structured cabling delivered by M&E contractors within wider construction timelines.
- Integration of EPOS and Kitchen Management Systems (KMS).
- Technical inputs for website configuration and financial system integration.
Multiple partners were operating in parallel, each dependent on shared milestones. Without clear governance and ownership, there was risk of misalignment, late-stage integration issues, and operational disruption at launch.
The 16-week delivery window left limited room for correction if dependencies slipped. A structured, repeatable model was required to ensure predictability and control.
Solution
Cirrus assumed full responsibility for the end-to-end IT delivery associated with each new opening.
Our model was built around three core controls:
1. Defined Requirements and Architecture
We engaged Hickory’s leadership, operations, and IT stakeholders early to validate site layouts, system requirements, and launch dependencies. Detailed architecture was produced covering network topology, server configuration, Wi-Fi design, and vendor integrations.
2. Pre-Build and Risk Mitigation
All hardware was built, configured, and tested off-site prior to installation. This reduced on-site configuration time, minimised installation risk, and ensured systems arrived validated and ready for deployment.
3. Partner Governance and Critical Path Oversight
We managed timelines and deliverables across EPOS providers, KMS vendors, and M&E contractors. Structured coordination ensured that cabling, connectivity, and system integration aligned with construction milestones and launch planning.
On site, Cirrus managed installation, Wi-Fi deployment and tuning, cabling validation, and full end-to-end testing across vendors. We also worked directly with Hickory’s internal digital and finance teams to ensure website functionality and financial system linkages were fully operational ahead of go-live.
Throughout delivery, we maintained oversight of risks, dependencies, and readiness criteria to protect the opening date.
Outcome
Each site has been delivered to timeline and full scope, enabling Hickory’s to open its doors without technology-related disruption.
The programme has delivered:
Operational readiness from day one
EPOS, KMS, networking, and Wi-Fi systems are fully integrated and stable at launch, supporting both guest experience and back-of-house operations.
Reduced on-site risk through pre-build methodology
Off-site configuration and validation shorten installation windows and improve reliability during final deployment.
Simplified vendor management
Cirrus acts as the single accountable party for infrastructure and third-party coordination, reducing complexity for Hickory’s leadership and operations teams.
A scalable, repeatable opening model
Standardised designs and structured governance provide consistency across the estate while supporting continued growth.
This approach provides Hickory’s with confidence that each new restaurant will open on schedule, supported by infrastructure that is stable, integrated, and designed to sustain long-term operations.