Food Display Cases

Guide to Buying Food Display Cases

Increase sales with pastry cases, deli cases and other food display equipment
By Lorri Mealey

Food display cases boost sales in restaurants, delis, bakeries and grocery stores. A well stocked food display case is inviting to customers, tempting them with delectable baked goods or savory meats and cheeses. A food display case with artfully arranged goods will encourage sales as well as add to the overall welcoming feel of a restaurant, deli or bakery.

Food display cases come in many varieties, including refrigerated and heated, wall models and counter top cases. Some food display cases are encased in glass, while others are open. A food display is ideal for showcasing a restaurant's specialty or store's weekly specials.

When looking at food display cases, think about the following:

1. Function - What type of food display case do you need? Hot, cold? Multi-temperature?
2. Efficiency - Many food display cases use a lot of electricity, for lighting, heating and cooling purposes. Select a model that is energy efficient.
3. Appearance - Are the food display boxes going to play an integral part of the overall design and look of your business? If so, you want to pick food display equipment that will enhance your business, not detract from it.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tempt customers with well stocked pastry cases Baked goods can almost sell themselves, when they are in a beautiful food display case. Clever bakers know that positioning well stocked bakery display cases near the entrance will turn customer's thoughts to dessert, right when they walk through the doors. To help display baked goods to their full advantage, select pastry cases with interior lighting.

I recommend:  Find pastry cases at Gourmet Display, who carries several types of tabletop food display cases. ACityDiscount is another vendor who carries a large variety of food display equipment.

Stay cool with food display coolers A food display case is ideal for cold produce, such as meat, cheese and salads. Showcase beverages, from soda and juice to beer and wine with refrigerated display cases. Many refrigeration systems for food display cases include a condensation evaporator and a self contained air cooling unit, for maximum efficiency. And remember, refrigerated display cases need to be at 41 degrees to safely store perishable foods.

I recommend:  Instawares and Display Case Company carry both deli cases and other refrigerated coolers. Brrr Refrigeration & Design is another vendor of refrigerated coolers and food display cases, including pass through coolers, ideal for convenience and grocery stores.

Keep warm with a hot food display case Businesses that deal in hot foods such as delis and restaurants can showcase their food in a safe and hygienic environment with a heated food display case. Tabletop deli display cases are lightweight and durable, ideal for ever-rotating food displays. Many hot food display cases have more than one temperature, making them perfect for buffet lines and self-service counters.

I recommend:  Delfield carries heated deli cases with attractive curved glass fronts and easy maintenance laminate siding. BakeDeco.com carries heated floor models that are well insulated, to ensure maximum efficiency. Henny Penny is another distributor of heated food display cases, including full size steam tables, and counter top models.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• A weekly washing with a sanitary cleaner is the easiest way to keep your food display cases looking new. Select cases with removable shelves and/or doors, for easier cleaning.