A full-scope food journey with Santoni

From concept to daily operation

The Santoni project reflects Aden’s integrated approach to food service—from early-stage consulting and design to build-out and daily operation. This 360-degree model ensured that every decision made in planning translated into lasting value on the ground.

Setting up the project

Santoni, an Italian manufacturer specialising in circular knitting machinery, was establishing a new research and production facility in Shanghai. As part of its development roadmap, the company sought to incorporate a food service space that would reflect the same standards of quality, care and innovation guiding the rest of the site. The canteen was envisioned not as a secondary amenity, but as a central element of the facility—serving practical needs while reinforcing workplace culture and comfort.

Aden Services was brought in during the early planning phase with a mandate to deliver a full-scope solution: from design concept through to kitchen engineering, equipment selection, compliance, and long-term operations. Santoni’s objective was clear—create a canteen that could operate with a high standard of reliability and reflect the company’s European identity, while also aligning with the expectations of a local, multicultural workforce.

Realising the project

Aden’s engagement began at the technical foundation level, coordinating closely with Santoni’s leadership and construction partners. The project involved managing licensing, spatial planning, HVAC and plumbing coordination, as well as the sourcing and layout of food service equipment. A key aspect of delivery was the use of 3D digital modelling to visualise the future space in detail, including utility runs and equipment flow. This approach enabled client teams to assess the usability of the canteen prior to build-out, reducing ambiguity and helping to avoid costly modifications later in the process.

Throughout the implementation phase, Aden worked across disciplines—combining kitchen design expertise with local engineering execution and user experience considerations. The result was a space designed not just for efficiency but for long-term adaptability. Particular care was given to the placement of circulation routes, service counters and maintenance access points, ensuring that both front-of-house and back-of-house operations could perform smoothly over time.

The canteen today

Now fully operational, the Santoni canteen has become an integrated part of the daily life of the facility. The interior reflects a European design sensibility, with clean lines, natural light and a restrained colour palette that creates a welcoming atmosphere. The space is designed for flexibility—accommodating individual, casual, and small-group dining settings. Outdoor seating is available during warmer months, expanding the space further and reinforcing the site’s emphasis on employee comfort.

Operationally, the canteen runs with a rotating menu alternating between Chinese and European selections. Nutrition and balance are overseen by Aden’s in-house specialists, with regular updates to maintain variety and seasonality. Over time, the space has proven to be more than just a functional service—it is now a visible expression of Santoni’s approach to workplace quality and its investment in long-term employee wellbeing.