As first-time surveillance system users, the owners of this popular shellfish restaurant were guided by their integrator to deploy 14 Avigilon 1 MP and 2 MP cameras to guard the restaurant’s interior and exterior.

Seven of those cameras are used to watch the exterior of the premise including the front doors, the alley behind the building and the dumpster. Additional cameras cover areas such as the dining room, bar and kitchen, with focus on areas housing cash registers. Working from a single work station, the restaurant’s managers use the Avigilon Control Center (ACC) software with high- definition stream management (HDSM) to monitor the entire restaurant.

Mama’s on the Half Shell uses Avigilon HD network video recorders (NVRs) to store up to 30 days of surveillance footage. To address surveillance after dark, the restaurant uses Avigilon cameras with adaptive infrared (IR) technology to acquire optimal image detail in complete darkness. The owners also deployed identical setups in their two other establishments: Nacho Mamas, and The Pizza and Wing Factory.

Since deploying the Avigilon high-definition surveillance solution, Mama’s on the Half Shell has been able to gain control of their past security issues. There has been a significant decrease in inventory loss and the presence of the cameras has acted as a deterrent for crimes. When incidents do occur in the restaurant, management can retrieve the HD footage instantaneously and accurately assess the situation instead of relying on hearsay. In addition to the invaluable security benefits, Mama’s on the Half Shell uses the Avigilon system to monitor food quality and employee health and safety practices. When management is away from the restaurant, they use the ACC Mobile app on their smart phones to oversee activity.

Despite being open for nearly a decade, prior to deploying Avigilon Mama’s on the Half Shell had not implemented a video surveillance system, leaving the restaurant in a vulnerable state from a security standpoint. “There were several drivers for us to bring in a security system,” said Kallie Amentas, manager at Mama’s on the Half Shell. “The leader would have to be safety. Times do change, so does the need to be secure. Our employees’ safety and our customers’ safety lead our decisions.” The restaurant’s ownership approached Unilux Ltd, the Maryland-based video surveillance distributor to help design an HD surveillance system for the three restaurants. The company recommended the Avigilon high-definition surveillance solution because of the unparalleled image quality the system provides, the ease-of-use of the ACC software and the efficient storage solutions. The Avigilon system was soon installed in all three restaurants.