How Partnering with a Core and Shell Contractor for Tenant Improvement Saves Time and Money
When Salty Dog Bar & Grill planned its second location in Omaha, Nebraska, the goal was clear: get the restaurant open as efficiently as possible. So, they started looking and found a not-yet-constructed building at MH Landing off 72nd and Grover Streets that was the perfect fit. Ronco Construction was contracted as the construction partner to build the core and shell building already. And with the in-depth knowledge and onsite presence, the team was in a prime position to transition straight into the tenant improvement phase for Salty Dog — eliminating downtime, streamlining communication, and maximizing cost savings.
“Jimmy and Keith have been great, and Ronco has done a fantastic job,” said Brian Cadwallader, Salty Bar & Grill owner. “I plan on using Ronco for all of our future builds moving forward.”
A Head Start: Eliminating Downtime
One of the biggest advantages of keeping Ronco on board for both the core and shell and tenant improvement phases was momentum. The project team was already mobilized, familiar with the site, and fully engaged with the project’s schedule and needs. That meant instead of waiting for the core and shell to be fully completed before starting interior work, construction on the restaurant could begin immediately.
For Salty Dog, that meant critical work — like plumbing and electrical rough-ins — were completed before the concrete slab was poured. In contrast, a separate contractor would have had to cut into an already finished slab from the original core and shell project to install underground utilities, adding unnecessary time and cost to the project. By keeping the team consistent, Salty Dog’s build-out moved forward without this kind of delay.
A Trusted Partnership: Seamless Execution
This wasn’t the first time Ronco had partnered with the developer, MH Hospitality. In fact, it was the fourth successful project together. That existing relationship meant processes were already established, communication was second nature, and expectations were clear from day one.
With a shared history of delivering quality projects, there was no learning curve or disconnect between stakeholders. Everyone knew how to work together efficiently, making decisions faster and keeping construction on track.
“When you work with the same team over multiple projects, everything becomes smoother — fewer RFIs, faster approvals. And there’s a shared commitment to getting things done right,” explains Jimmy Esola, the project manager for both projects. “That kind of trust and familiarity is a game-changer.”
Cost-Effective from Start to Finish
Beyond saving time, keeping Ronco on board for both phases was also a smart financial move. Combining core and shell with tenant improvement helped reduce duplicate costs, including:
- Builder’s insurance: No need for an additional policy, since the project remained under the same general contractor
- MEP work: Integrate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins early, avoiding costly rework.
- Mobilization costs: No extra fees for setting up a new team — Ronco was already on-site and ready to go.
By streamlining resources and minimizing redundancy, Salty Dog’s project maximized efficiency. Plus, they kept expenses in check — ensuring they could invest more in what mattered most: delivering a great experience for their customers.
