Background

Catalyst Kitchen is not just a place to eat. It’s a space where people gather, unwind, and spend time. From casual daytime visits to lively evening hours, the environment keeps changing. Lighting plays a big role in shaping that experience.

During the day, the space needs to feel open and comfortable. As the evening sets in, the atmosphere shifts toward a more relaxed and social setting. The team wanted lighting that could adapt naturally to these changes without requiring constant adjustments.

Objectives

• Create a consistent and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day
• Allow staff to switch between lighting moods quickly
• Keep controls simple and intuitive during peak hours
• Support different zones such as dining, bar, and service areas

Challenges:

In a restaurant and taproom, lighting is closely tied to the customer experience. Even small inconsistencies can change how the space feels. Bright lighting may work during lunch but feel out of place in the evening.

At the same time, staff cannot spend time adjusting multiple switches during busy service hours. The system needed to respond quickly, stay reliable, and remain easy to use without requiring attention.

Solutions

Radiar AF10 – 2 channel AC powered 0-10V fixture controller with inbuilt relay
Radiar AF10 handled lighting across multiple zones, allowing smooth dimming and control for both dining and bar areas. It helped maintain the right balance between functional lighting and ambience.

0-10V dimmable room controller (PSC-WCM-450-BLE-WS)
This controller provided stable control for specific sections of the space. It ensured consistent lighting behavior in areas that required predictable performance throughout the day.

Omni TED – trailing edge dimmer
Omni TED was used for fixtures that required trailing edge dimming, allowing fine control over light intensity. This helped create softer lighting levels during evening hours without flicker or harsh transitions.

1-button Bluetooth mesh wall controller (PSC-DM-WS-100-BLE-WS)
This simple wall controller allowed staff to trigger preset lighting scenes with a single press. It made quick adjustments easy without interrupting service.

4-button Bluetooth mesh wall controller (PSC-DM-WS-400-BLE-WS)
The 4-button controller added flexibility by allowing multiple scenes to be configured. Staff could switch between different lighting moods based on time of day or type of service.

Cyrus AP – AC powered wireless PIR motion and light sensor
Cyrus AP sensors were used in supporting areas such as storage and back-of-house spaces. Lights turned on only when needed, helping keep operations smooth without manual switching.

Result

Lighting at Catalyst Kitchen now adjusts to the rhythm of the space. The transition from daytime brightness to evening ambience feels natural. Staff can control lighting quickly without stepping away from their work.

Customers experience a space that feels consistent and comfortable at all times. Behind the scenes, the system runs quietly, supporting operations without drawing attention.

About JRA

JRA represents Lumos Controls in the Nebraska and Iowa territory and brings more than 20 years of experience in the electrical industry. Their team has strong knowledge of lighting and controls applications, helping deliver reliable solutions and smooth project execution across the region.

About Lumos Controls

Lumos Controls delivers smart control solutions that go beyond lighting. By connecting devices, sensors, and control systems into one platform, we help create spaces that respond to how people use them.

From restaurants to commercial buildings, Lumos Controls supports better experiences, simpler operations, and intelligent environments.

Looking to improve lighting in your hospitality space? Connect with Lumos Controls.