Supporting a High-Volume, High-Precision Grocery Concept

Tokyo Central’s second Torrance location marks an important milestone for Marukai Corporation as the brand continues its expansion across the United States. Located along Pacific Coast Highway, the 22,150-square-foot store serves as the company’s 12th U.S. location, offering an extensive selection of imported Japanese groceries, ready-to-eat meals, specialty goods, and an in-store restaurant experience.

To support this complex retail environment, Tokyo Central partnered with Classic Refrigeration to design and install a refrigeration system capable of maintaining strict temperature consistency across a diverse mix of product categories while supporting the operational demands of a high-traffic specialty grocery store.

Engineering for Product Integrity and Operational Consistency

Japanese specialty retail places a premium on freshness, presentation, and reliability. From imported produce and packaged goods to prepared food trays and refrigerated displays, temperature stability is essential to preserving product quality and meeting customer expectations.

Classic engineered a CO₂ refrigeration system tailored to Tokyo Central’s operational needs, balancing energy efficiency with precise temperature control across multiple display zones. The system was designed to support long operating hours and high customer volume while maintaining consistent performance throughout the sales floor and back-of-house spaces.

Careful coordination with the general contractor ensured that refrigeration infrastructure integrated seamlessly into the store layout, preserving clean sightlines and maximizing usable retail space.

A System Designed for Scale and Growth

As Tokyo Central continues to expand nationally, consistency across locations is key. The Torrance PCH store reflects a scalable approach to refrigeration design that supports current operations while aligning with the brand’s future growth plans.

EMS start-up and controls allow for centralized monitoring and efficient system management, helping store operators maintain performance standards while reducing operational strain. Rooftop equipment placement and system layout were optimized to support both reliability and long-term serviceability.

Key Considerations That Shaped the Project

• Support a wide range of imported and specialty refrigerated products
  
• Maintain precise temperature control across multiple display types
  
• Design a CO₂ system suited for high-traffic, extended operating hours
  
• Ensure reliability and consistency aligned with Tokyo Central brand standards
  
• Provide a scalable solution for future store expansion
  
  

Products & Systems Installed

• Güntner gas cooler
  
• KPS walk-in boxes
  
• Hussman reach-in cases
  
• Hussman produce racks
  
  

A Refrigeration System That Matches the Brand Experience

From day one, the Torrance PCH location operates with a refrigeration system designed to handle the pace, complexity, and product diversity of a flagship specialty market. Every component works in concert to maintain consistent conditions across imported goods, prepared foods, and fresh displays.

Through a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of grocery operations, Classic Refrigeration delivered an installation that aligns with Tokyo Central’s standards and supports the brand’s continued expansion in the U.S. The result is a scalable system built to perform reliably today while accommodating the demands of tomorrow.

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