Clarity Matrix Video Walls Elevate Dining Experience at Browns Socialhouses
Browns Socialhouse is a restaurant and bar chain owned by Canadian-based franchiser Browns Restaurant Group, which also owns Scotty Browns, Browns Crafthouse, in addition to two more concepts that will be launching in 2018.
With a growing number of franchise locations across Canada, Browns Socialhouse—which strikes a balance between upscale casual dining and a neighborhood pub—continues to evolve in its aim to create the best experience for guests. As part of this effort and in the same style as its no limits approach to design and food styles, Browns began integrating display technology into its open-themed venues.
To support this initiative, Browns Socialhouse selected Planar's Clarity® Matrix® LCD Video Wall System as the restaurant group's standard display solution. Designed for superior visual performance and mission-critical reliability, Clarity Matrix is uniquely suited to the restaurant's dynamic environment. Numerous Clarity Matrix video walls have subsequently been installed at franchise locations.
Adaptable Solution Compliments Dynamic Atmosphere
Audio visual design integrator Automated AV has performed dozens of Clarity Matrix installations at Browns Socialhouse locations. According to Andrew Boschman, president of Automated AV, the design and versatility of the Clarity Matrix are instrumental to meeting the integration demands of Browns Socialhouse interiors.
Specifically, the thin profile achieved by the Planar® EasyAxis™ Mounting System—which provides an installed depth of just 3.6" (91mm)—in combination with Clarity Matrix's unique off-board electronics offers greater flexibility in terms of how the video walls can be installed, enabling for the most seamless integration with the restaurant space.
"We've completed several projects in which the video walls are mounted in interesting and unique ways—from ceiling-hung installations where the displays float in the restaurant to another that is recessed into a concrete wall," Boschman said.
"The thin depth of the display and the fact that the processing and power supplies can be off-boarded to an AV rack are essential to completing these more challenging types of installations."
One of the more compelling features of Clarity Matrix that makes it work so well with the restaurant's ambiance is the ambient light sensor, which triggers the display to slowly dim and adjust based on lighting changes in the restaurant. The crisp, bright displays are easily visible during daylight hours, but as the restaurants transition from day to night the built-in sensor ensures that the displays adjust accordingly, complementing rather than overpowering the restaurant's characteristically dark interiors. The ambient light sensor also helps lower power consumption, reducing total cost-of-ownership.
Expansive 36-foot installation drives excitement at new Winnipeg location
In the heart of downtown Winnipeg, a new franchise location that recently opened became the largest Browns Socialhouse to date. Located on Portage Avenue, the new restaurant and bar is situated directly across from the Bell MTS Place, home arena to the NHL's Winnipeg Jets.
With such a high-profile setting, franchise owner Kelly Burns felt it was important to include an installation that was not only fitting with the location but could captivate passersby. Kelly, who owns multiple Browns Socialhouse franchises, had already incorporated Clarity Matrix video walls at several of these locations, but at 36 feet wide and 7 feet tall (9x3), the new Clarity Matrix video wall at the Portage Avenue Socialhouse is by far the most impressive.
"The installation is eye-catching and simply dramatic," Burns said. "For people coming downtown to watch a game, we wanted to provide the absolute best viewing experience."
Burns said that the video wall has generated a buzz downtown and some people have even joked that the view of Jets games is better at the restaurant compared to the actual arena. But it's not far from the truth—the video wall is so large it can be seen by fans coming down the arena's escalator. "It literally takes up the entire wall behind the bar except for about a foot on each side," Burns said. "Clarity-wise, it couldn't be any better."
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
