Hotel and Restaurant Construction in Florida
We deliver hospitality projects built to enhance guest comfort and maximize operational efficiency. From concept to completion, our team ensures every detail supports your brand experience.
Quality-Driven Construction for Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants
GK Development Group builds and renovates hospitality properties throughout Florida. Dennis Gunter brings 40 years of construction experience to hotel and restaurant projects, understanding that hospitality construction directly impacts revenue. Every day of construction affects bookings, occupancy, and guest experience.
Whether you are planning a new elementary school in Tampa, a gymnasium in Orlando, or a childcare center in Palm Beach County, GK Development Group provides the construction management and general contracting expertise that institutional projects require.
Hospitality Construction Services
GK Development Group provides comprehensive construction services for the hospitality industry:
Hotel Renovation and PIP Compliance
Property Improvement Plan (PIP) execution, brand standard compliance, and hotel renovations that meet franchisor requirements while minimizing revenue disruption.
Guest Room Renovations
Guest room renovations, corridor upgrades, and room reconfiguration projects executed in phased approaches that keep properties operational.
Restaurant and Kitchen Construction
Restaurant buildouts, commercial kitchen construction, dining room renovations, and bar installations for standalone restaurants and hotel food service operations.
Lobby and Common Area Renovations
Lobby renovations, meeting space upgrades, fitness center improvements, and common area enhancements that refresh property presentation.
Ground-Up Hospitality Construction
New hotel construction, resort development, and restaurant buildings for developers and operators entering Florida hospitality markets.
Understanding Hospitality Construction Challenges
Hospitality construction involves unique challenges that require experienced contractors:
Revenue Impact Management
Hotel renovations directly affect room inventory and revenue. GK Development Group develops phasing strategies that minimize the number of rooms offline at any given time, protecting cash flow during construction.
Guest Experience Protection
Construction in operating hotels must protect guest experience. We schedule noisy and disruptive activities during low-occupancy periods and maintain appearance standards in areas adjacent to guest spaces.
PIP Compliance Coordination
Property Improvement Plans have specific requirements and deadlines. GK Development Group coordinates with brand representatives, reviews PIP documents, and ensures renovations meet franchisor standards.
Commercial Kitchen Complexity
Restaurant and kitchen construction involves specialized systems including Type I and Type II exhaust hoods, fire suppression, grease management, refrigeration, and health department requirements. GK Development Group coordinates these specialty trades for code-compliant installations.
Hospitality Construction Process
GK Development Group guides hospitality projects through a structured process:
Pre-Construction Planning
We review PIP requirements, develop renovation scopes, and create phasing plans that balance construction progress with revenue protection. Budget development accounts for soft costs, FF&E coordination, and franchise compliance requirements.
Permitting and Approvals
Hotel and restaurant construction requires building permits, health department approvals, fire marshal sign-off, and potentially alcohol licensing coordination. GK Development Group manages these regulatory requirements.
Phased Construction
During construction, we execute work in phases that minimize guest impact. Floor-by-floor guest room renovations, weekend lobby work, and overnight kitchen installations allow properties to continue operations.
Punch List and Turnover
GK Development Group coordinates final inspections, franchise walkthroughs, and punch list completion to ensure properties are ready for guests and brand approval.
Florida Hospitality Markets Served
GK Development Group serves hospitality properties throughout Florida’s major tourism markets:
- Gulf Coast
Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers, Marco Island
- Southeast Florida
Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Jupiter
- Central Florida
Orlando, International Drive, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, Daytona Beach
- North Florida
Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Amelia Island
- Florida Keys
Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel and Restaurant Construction
Can hotels remain open during renovation?
Yes. GK Development Group specializes in phased renovations that keep hotels operational during construction. We develop floor-by-floor or zone-by-zone strategies that minimize rooms offline while maintaining guest experience in operating areas.
What is a PIP and how does construction relate to it?
A Property Improvement Plan (PIP) is a franchisor’s list of required upgrades for branded hotels. PIPs typically have compliance deadlines and specific brand standards. GK Development Group reviews PIP documents, coordinates with brand representatives, and ensures renovations meet franchisor requirements within required timeframes.
How long do hotel renovations typically take?
Hotel renovation timelines depend on scope. A soft goods refresh might take 2-4 months, while a comprehensive PIP renovation could require 6-12 months. GK Development Group develops phased schedules that account for occupancy patterns and revenue protection.
What permits are required for restaurant construction?
Restaurant construction requires building permits, and commercial kitchen work requires health department plan review and approval. Fire suppression systems require fire marshal approval. Establishments serving alcohol may require additional licensing coordination. GK Development Group manages these regulatory requirements.
How do you minimize disruption to restaurant operations during construction?
Restaurant renovation strategies include overnight and early-morning construction before opening hours, phased approaches that keep portions of the restaurant operating, and weekend intensive work periods. We develop construction schedules around restaurant operating hours and peak business periods.