High-Demand Kitchen Solves Hot Water Challenges with Cyclone Flex
Key Highlights
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Cyclone® Flex keeps up with nonstop dishwashing and peak dining demand at Bringle’s Smoking Oasis.
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One unit delivers 98% thermal efficiency, ENERGY STAR® performance, and DOE 2026 compliance.
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Built-in leak detection, touchscreen controls, and contractor-friendly design ensure reliable daily operation.
NASHVILLE, TN — When restaurateur Carey Bringle opened Bringle’s Smoking Oasis in 2021, he knew the operation would need a high-performance hot water system to keep up. The 2,800-square-foot Southwest-style barbecue spot has indoor seating for 40, outdoor seating for 300, and a dish pit that runs nonstop throughout operating hours. In a restaurant where hot water can’t run out, Bringle turned to the A. O. Smith Cyclone® Flex commercial water heater.
Solving Hot Water Challenges in Foodservice
Bringle is no stranger to Nashville’s competitive restaurant scene. His Peg Leg Porker barbecue joint has been featured by The Food Network, GQ, and Southern Living, but behind the scenes, his kitchens have battled with inconsistent hot water in the past. For the Smoking Oasis, he worked with A. O. Smith representative Larry Summers with Armstrong Building Group to find a compact, efficient solution that could meet heavy daily demand while fitting within limited mechanical space.
The Cyclone Flex proved to be the right fit—delivering large volumes of hot water through peak hours while minimizing footprint and complexity.
High Efficiency and DOE Compliance Built In
The Cyclone Flex is the newest member of A. O. Smith’s high-efficiency Cyclone family, offering up to 98% thermal efficiency and ENERGY STAR® qualification. With condensing operation and a design already compliant with the Department of Energy’s 2026 commercial water heater regulations, it lowers operating costs while future-proofing Bringle’s investment.
Contractor-Friendly Design and Technology
Engineered with service and installation in mind, the Cyclone Flex features AiQ™ Adaptive Gas Technology, which automatically adjusts for natural or LP gas to ensure optimal combustion. The burner is top-mounted to reduce issues from scale buildup, while titanium-powered anodes work in all water conditions without ever needing replacement.
For venting flexibility, the Cyclone Flex offers a direct vent option—an advantage in restaurant kitchens where negative airflow can complicate installations.
Built-In Intelligence for Peace of Mind
Bringle’s unit includes a 7-inch touchscreen that simplifies monitoring and adjustments. Integrated leak detection provides instant alerts, even during off-hours, and the display shows clear diagnostic details instead of confusing error codes. Over-the-air updates keep the system current without service interruptions.
Continuous Hot Water, No Compromises
The result has been reliable performance that keeps up with the Smoking Oasis’ nonstop dishwashing and food prep needs. “We wanted something that had the ability to keep up with the restaurant’s high demand for hot water—and the Cyclone Flex has done a great job,” says Bringle. “The unit delivers great efficiency and provides continuous hot water. It has worked like a charm.”
Note: this case study was rewritten with help from generative AI.