For more than two decades, Thai Bamboo has served its community a fusion of Thai food and a fun atmosphere. The owners, who have direct Thai lineage, opened multiple locations in Spokane, Washington and parts of Northern Idaho and are now known for dishing up award-winning, authentic Thai cuisine and themed décor to enrich the ambience.  

Large dining rooms, authentic Thai souvenirs, dome ceilings and a “sky” with fiber-optic stars are among the decorative details that adorn the restaurant specifically for guests to enjoy.  But at some point, Thai Bamboo’s owners recognized they may need something more – amazing AV.  

Certified Security and Integration took on a full plate by not only installing AV systems, security, cameras, door access control, a fire system and phone system. Thai Bamboo has four locations, and Certified Security and Integration has done AV for two of them. Jeff Hanley, the company’s president, went with Nice/ELAN® Control Systems to get the job done. 

Serving More Than a Meal 

Aside from its grand Thai décor and incredible restaurant theming, Thai Bamboo has its own dedicated AV room featuring two large racks, its own TV and own touchscreens. With twelve TVs, more than six audio-zones and five touch panels – consolidating all these systems was necessary. With it being a brand-new build, Hanley said he was given the freedom to design and install however he wanted. 

“It’s not very often you get to go so advanced in a commercial space like a restaurant,” said Hanley. “Restaurants are usually a rather basic system. But Thai Bamboo was a dream restaurant job.”  

 What makes it a dream, he adds, is how easy it is to service. 

A Full Menu of Control Customizations 

Certified Security and Integration has been loyal to Nice/ELAN Control Systems for four years, and one of the reasons, Hanley said, is because of its limitless customizations. 

“I like the interface and the ease of installing with the programming,” Hanley said. “You can customize the design of anything. It works well and is easy for our clients to use – especially because it’s the same look and system on the phone as it is on the touch panels.” 

He added, business owners love the ability to control everything from the touch of a button on their mobile device. Hanley candidly compared the Nice/ELAN Control Systems to the complete customization of an Android coupled with the simplicities of an iPhone. 

“It’s easy to train the clients because Nice/ELAN Control Products has a great, simple design,” he said. “You don’t have to build everything from the ground up to make it work.” 

Overcoming Obstacles 

As with anything, there are also obstacles to overcome. Certified Security and Integration faced some issues with the Samsung drivers on the TVs but were able to work them out with a system update. 

 At one point, he said some of the TVs would work, while others would not. After overcoming the issue with AV over IP adaptors, all was in good working order once again. 

But even with little issues, Hanley believes servicing Nice/ELAN is quick and simple.  

“Our Nice/ELAN product partners have always been good to work with,” he said. “Even when there’s an issue, the Nice/ELAN service team is quick to solve it.” 

After completing a job of a dozen TVs, multiple audio zones and more – Hanley is happy to see his client drawing in new guests to feast on the special surroundings and experience Thai Bamboo has to offer. Thai Bamboo’s owners, he said, are very pleased. 

 “We talk frequently about it,” Hanley said. “He loves the system, and once he has the budget – he plans to upgrade the systems at his other locations.” 

To see more about our partners’ Nice/ELAN Control commercial projects, visit our gallery.