Senior Living Commercial Grills Give Investors & Developers a Competitive Edge

As the demand for senior living facilities continues to grow, developers are facing intense competition for residents. By 2050, more than 20% of the U.S. population is expected to be over retirement age. This demographic shift hasn't gone unnoticed by investors looking to create modern, easy-living retirement communities. New developments are popping up every year to meet this growing demand, and the facilities that offer top-tier amenities are the ones that stand out.

For senior living environments catering to those aged 65 and above, expanding their offerings is key to attracting residents with significant retirement savings. Senior living commercial grills remain one of the most desired amenities among retirees. Whether it's installing a commercial grill in shared BBQ areas or adding a semi-private patio grill outside individual living units, seniors want to maintain their quality of life and enjoy the finer things.

Why Senior Living Commercial Grills are a Must-Have

Many developers of senior living and multi-family housing tend to rely on generic lists of amenities like fitness centers, swimming pools, and game rooms. However, these common features often fail to foster a true sense of community. One thing that is frequently overlooked, especially in retirement communities, is providing ways for residents to connect.

Many Baby Boomers have moved away from their familiar circles of friends and are searching for that sense of community they once had. Preparing meals together in communal BBQ areas is a fantastic way to socialize and form new friendships. It’s the timeless tradition of sharing food, but with a modern twist.

Incorporating Natural Gas or Propane Grills to Foster Community

It’s not uncommon to see older retirement complexes with outdated cast iron charcoal grills installed decades ago. While these might have seemed appealing at the time, they are often inconvenient and produce uneven heat. Seniors prefer the convenience and reliability of natural gas or propane grills in their communal BBQ areas.

Fortunately, properties with outdated grills can easily replace them with new stainless steel or heavy-duty cast aluminum commercial grills. Such upgrades are usually seen as a gesture of goodwill from property managers to residents. For developments lacking large gathering spaces, adding a few smaller patio grills near individual units can make a big difference. These strategically placed grills encourage interaction among nearby neighbors and promote a stronger sense of community.

Managers often find that implementing this approach leads to more frequent gatherings and celebrations. A well-designed patio grill encourages outdoor chefs to experiment with new recipes and share them with others. Additionally, there are ways to transform spaces without traditional hardscaping into functional outdoor kitchens. The PGS commercial grill line now offers prefabricated islands. The Modano series BBQ island can be set up in any safe, flat area. Since it doesn’t require outsourcing to a contractor, DIY enthusiasts or maintenance staff can assemble it in less than a day.

Designed for individuals with basic tool skills, it follows clear, step-by-step instructions. Once completed, it dramatically changes the dynamics of an outdoor space. Previously underutilized areas can now serve as inviting communal BBQ zones where new friendships flourish.

Essential Safety Features for Senior Communal BBQ Areas

When redesigning or creating new outdoor grilling spaces for retirees, it’s important to include added-value items. The cutting-edge technology and innovations in industry-leading commercial grills provide enhanced safety and expand culinary possibilities. These are some of the smart and popular safety enhancements offered through the PGS commercial grill line.

• Lift Assist Grill Handle: This extended handle reduces the effort needed to raise and lower a patio grill hood, making it easier to do so safely from a seated position. It’s especially beneficial for residents using wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges. It also ensures that grill chefs don’t have to lean over a hot grill to open and close it.
• E-Stop: An emergency gas shutoff timer (E-Stop) is a critical safety feature. Installing this in a natural gas or propane grill stops the flow of gas instantly with the push of a button. It can also help reduce insurance premiums.
• 60-Minute Shut Off Timer: Top-of-the-line PGS commercial grills come with a one-hour shutoff timer. This standard safety measure prevents accidents from unattended grills and avoids unnecessary fuel wastage if someone forgets to turn it off.
• Matchless Ignition: A PGS commercial grill includes battery-powered matchless ignition. This safety feature eliminates open flames and potential burns during lighting.
• Heat Indicator: A side-mounted heat indicator serves two important functions. It shows the internal grilling temperature to ensure food is cooked properly, whether it’s thick cuts of beef, chicken, fish, or vegetables. It also warns users when the grill is hot and not to touch the lid.
• Laser-Etched Instruction Panels: Many inferior grills come with stick-on instructions, which can lead to user errors and injuries. Once they peel off or become unreadable due to weather exposure, new grill users are left confused. Developers can feel confident knowing the PGS T-Series patio grills feature laser-etched instructions that never fade.
• Anti-Theft Knobs: Lost knobs are both a logistical hassle for property managers and a waste of revenue. High-quality commercial PGS grills are equipped with anti-theft knobs.

Safety remains a top priority for residents and guests alike. What the PGS commercial grill line excels at is delivering models with excellent safety features while offering extensive grilling capabilities. The T-Series PGS commercial grill line is an ideal choice for retirement community living.

PGS T-Series Commercial Grills Provide Retirement Facilities with an Edge

The extensive options available through the PGS commercial grill line provide unique solutions for updating outdated gathering spaces. The natural gas and propane grill opportunities are also perfect for retirement communities still in the planning stages.

These commercial grills range from cast aluminum to stainless steel construction. Sizes vary from 330 square inches of direct cooking surface to as much as 960 square inches. Models like the T30s and T40 can be fitted with side shelves. They can also be mounted on carts or fixed securely onto space-saving posts. Heat ratings easily surpass 30,000 BTU and can reach up to 40,000 BTU.

Larger models, such as the S27T and S48T, provide 540 to 960 square inches of grate space, depending on the model. These stainless steel commercial grills also generate 45,000 to 90,000 BTU, depending on the product. This makes them ideal for communal BBQ areas designed to host birthday parties and large celebrations.

Developers and investors in retirement communities are on the brink of a major demographic shift. The influx of older Americans seeking easy community lifestyles and quality amenities has already begun. To stay competitive, property managers will need to invest in ways that naturally foster a sense of community among these new neighbors. There’s nothing quite like enjoying delicious food prepared on a patio grill from AEI Corporation to bring people together.