At Dacaj Construction, we take pride in delivering renovations that redefine spaces. Our recent collaboration with AMPOPS Architecture transformed a former 10,000 sq. ft. seafood shack into Spring Shabu Shabu, an upscale, contemporary dining experience in Westbury, NY.
The Vision
This project started with a bold idea: turn a casual seafood eatery into modern cozy restaurant designed for interactive hot pot dining. Every detail, from the kitchen layout to the wall finishes, was carefully planned for function, flow, and style from the AMPOPS architecture firm.
What We Delivered
We worked hand-in-hand with AMPOPS Architecture to execute a design that matched the restaurant’s modern concepts:
- Custom Millwork & Cabinetry for a sleek, functional service area.
- Commercial Kitchen Installation with top-grade equipment for high-volume service.
- Luxury Wall Finishes to elevate the atmosphere.
- LED Lighting & Architectural Details that highlight each dining station.
- Flooring & Seating Layout optimized for comfort and efficiency.
Craftsmanship in Every Detail
Our team focused on blending functionality with design aesthetics, ensuring durability and style. This meant precise installations, perfect alignment, and flawless finishes that stand up to the demands of a busy restaurant.
Collaboration at its Best
Projects like this prove that collaboration between contractors, architects, and designers is key to success. By combining our construction expertise with AMPOPS Architecture’s creative vision, we delivered a restaurant that’s not just functional—it’s an experience.
Project Scope & Timeline
Converting a former seafood restaurant into a fully operational hot pot destination meant more than cosmetic updates. We managed the full commercial buildout across the 10,000 square foot space, including new commercial kitchen infrastructure, updated MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems, custom millwork, and a complete interior finish-out. The project ran on a phased schedule coordinated closely with AMPOPS Architecture, from initial demolition through final inspection, so Spring Shabu-Shabu could open on a firm target date.
From Seafood Shack to Hot Pot Restaurant: The Challenge
A seafood restaurant and a shabu-shabu hot pot concept have very different infrastructure needs. Hot pot dining relies on individual tabletop cooking stations at nearly every seat, which meant reworking the electrical distribution throughout the entire dining room to support high-demand induction cooktops at scale. We also reconfigured the kitchen to handle a completely different food prep and ventilation flow, and upgraded plumbing to support the new equipment layout. None of this was visible to guests on opening day — but it’s the reason the space actually functions as a modern hot pot restaurant instead of a seafood shack with new paint.
Permits, Health Department & Inspections
A commercial restaurant conversion of this scale required permit filing and coordination with local building and health authorities before a single tabletop burner could be installed. We handled permit submissions, scheduled inspections around the construction timeline, and coordinated with AMPOPS Architecture to make sure the final build matched the approved drawings. That upfront coordination is what kept the project moving instead of stalling on inspection delays.
Planning a restaurant buildout or conversion of your own? See our full restaurant renovation contractor services, including our work on KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot and coffee and bagel shops across NYC and Westchester, or schedule a consultation to discuss your project.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Whether it’s a commercial fit-out or a residential renovation, Dacaj Construction brings the same level of precision, creativity, and dedication to every project.
Contact us today to start your transformation.