If you've purchased a deli case, you've obviously made an investment in your business with hopes of keeping your food fresh and available to customers. Don't let that investment go to waste and your food spoil by neglecting your deli case. Find supplies for restaurant deli cases online either straight from the case manufacturers or from restaurant supply stores. You can even search for used deli cases for supplies.

Look for deli refrigerators equipment and accessories, hot deli case parts and supplies and any other replacement parts you may need online. When shopping for supplies, make sure you know the make and model number of the deli case you have. Parts are not all interchangeable between models and brands.

1. Order light bulbs and other lighting equipment online.

2. Find deli display case thermometers, trays, stands, shelving and more.

3. Replace any broken glass in your deli case immediately.

Action Steps
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Find replacement lighting for your deli case

While it seems like a secondary accessory, the light bulbs in commercial deli cases are one of the most important features. If your food is hidden in a dark case with little light to show it off, your sales will plummet. Take a few minutes to order a replacement bulb and keep your products visible.

I recommend: Contact True Manufacturing if you own one of their display cases. They offer a shelf with lighting assembly for easy repair of their cases. Promolux Lighting is a great option for cases that need lighting or additional lighting, or find a replacement bulb at Bulbs.com.

Buy accessories for your deli coolers or heated display cases

Get all the thermometers, plates, shelving and other parts you need for refrigerated deli cases, room temperature cases or heated displays at restaurant equipment supply websites, or try the manufacturer website for any accessories they offer.

I recommend: If you want a custom deli case, add trays and other products from Hubert to keep your food fresh and displayed well. Find parts and accessories for the Federal line of deli cases at the company website. If you're in the market for a new thermometer, browse the selection of refrigeration thermometers at JHL Supply. They offer horizontal, stainless steel or dual scale options.

Find replacement glass for the deli case

Broken glass in a commercial deli case is not only an eye sore, but a health hazard. Replace any broken panes of glass as soon as you can by contacting the manufacturer of the case.

I recommend: If you're having trouble finding replacement glass for a straight glass display through the original manufacturer, consider buying glass panes from Bush Refrigeration. They come in many sizes. For replacement parts associated with the glass, or the glass itself, contact Trausch Industries. They manufacture display cases and replacement parts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A well-kept, well-placed deli display case will sell more product than a dark, dingy and dirty case sitting in a corner. Spend the money to keep your case in good condition to reap the benefits in the long run.

Nothing helps set the mood of a deli better than a well stocked deli case. Deli cases are ideal for displaying a variety of goods, from cheeses and meats to prepared entrees and salads. Deli refrigerators offer a safe and hygienic way to showcase your business’ specialties.

Deli cases come in many varieties, including refrigerated and heated, wall models and floor models. Deli cases can be simple in appearance and design, or they can have a custom look with all features such as dual temperature control and thermal glass for energy efficiency.

When looking at deli cases, think about the following:

1. Business Needs- What type of deli display case do you need? Are you showcasing cured meats and artisan cheeses that need refrigeration, or are you selling slow-roasted chicken that needs steady heat?
2. Visibility- Will the case be a centerpiece of your store or shop, or will it be tucked away to the side? If it is to play an integral part in your customer's shopping experience, then an attractive custom deli display case is a better choice over plain, boxy deli cases.
3. Efficiency- Both heated and refrigerated deli cases use a lot of energy. Select deli cases for sale that have energy efficient features, such as thermal glass and automatic defrost timers.

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Boost restaurant sales with glass deli cases

Deli cases are not just for delis anymore. Restaurants can greatly benefit from displaying menu items in deli carts and cases. A portable deli cart is a great way to showcase desserts to each table, to tempt a customer's palate. Clever positioning of restaurant deli cases, near waiting areas or entrances will have customers contemplating dessert before they even sit down.

I recommend: Find restaurant deli cases at Big Tray and TopJetSales, both of which carry several types of deli cases, including curved front and slant front models. KaTom is another vendor who carries a large variety of deli cases for sale and offer lease and financing options.

Give food longer shelf life with deli refrigerators

Many refrigerated deli cases for sale have built in features that help keep food fresh. High humidity to preserve meats and cheese and self closing doors are just two features that keep spoilage down and profits up. Many deli refrigerators include a condensation evaporator and self contained air cooling units, increasing efficiency even more.

I recommend: Consolidated Food Service sells deli cases and other refrigerated display cases with built in energy efficiency. Mission Restaurant Supply offers many models of new and used deli cases. Find more used deli cases at Jean's Restaurant Supply.

Dress up your business with custom deli cases

Deli cases have come a long way from the utilitarian, stainless steel boxes of yesteryear. Today, deli cases feature curving lines, attractive laminate finishes and adjustable shelves which allow for more interesting food display. There are even companies who can make a completely custom deli case to suit your business needs, as well as your business décor.

I recommend: Structural Concepts offers custom deli cases for sale with a fresh invigorating look. Delfield is another vendor who carries heated deli cases with attractive curved glass fronts and easy maintenance laminate siding. Find more custom deli cases at Vega Cases.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your business or restaurant is located in an older building with uneven floors, look for deli cases with adjustable feet for leveling.

Deli cases are great display areas for foods your business wants to show off and sell. Once you've found the right case for your business, consider using the case in a way that will be most beneficial. Find a high traffic area to display your sandwiches, salads, desserts and other delicatessen items you want customers to entice them to buy your offerings.

Using restaurant deli cases is not rocket science. Cases are made to keep your food fresh, make it visible and accessible all at the same time. A little routine cleaning and maintenance will keep your commercial deli cases working properly.

1. Choose restaurant deli cases to keep your food hot, cold or at room temperature.

2. Choose a case that will show off your product in the best possible way.

3. Maintain your deli case by cleaning and replacing any parts that need replacing.

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Control the temperature in your commercial deli display cases

Choose a heated, refrigerated, dual temperature or room temperature case to display the food you want to sell. Once you've purchased the case that best suits your needs, keep the temperature inside the case steady to protect and preserve your items.

I recommend: Keep your food cold using cold deli display cases from Restaurant-Services. They offer enclosed cases, beveled front cases, open cases, sushi deli cases and many more designs. Choose a dual temperature case from Central Restaurant Products to keep foods cold, while allowing others to stay at room temperature. Get a heated deli case from Structural Concepts to keep your restaurant food hot and fresh while displaying it for customers.

Display your food in glass deli cases so customers can see it

Purchase glass cases, wall-mounted cases for small spaces or a custom deli case designed to fit the space you have available. New deli cases may be expensive, but if you want your food to be seen and sold quickly, the expense is a good investment. If you're in the market for a less expensive alternative, consider finding used deli cases at restaurant suppliers and close-out auctions.

I recommend: Purchase a state-of-the-art deli display case from Palazzolo's Design Concepts to not only display your food, but draw your customers in. You'll know your food is easily and atractively visible when you use a deli case from Dvorson's with low UV-emitting lamps to protect and show off your product all at the same time. Show your food off in a mirrored case from Zesco. Cases include wheels for easy moving. For a discount case, consider purchasing a used unit at J&C Restaurant Equipment.

Keep your deli case in prime shape

Clean your deli refrigerators and cases often, and check the parts to make sure they are in prime condition. Refrigerated or heated cases need extra attention to make sure temperatures are controlled. Check all heating and cooling elements regularly to make sure there are no problems. Replace any parts, shelving, temperature gages, glass or doors as soon as you notice a problem to avoid additional wear and expenses.

I recommend: Get an innovative deli case from EuroTech Equipment with front opening glass for easy cleaning and stocking. Make sure your deli case is visible by adding an acrylic step-up from Hubert so all your customers can get a great look at your food. Get replacement shelving for your deli case from Serv-U, whose shelving comes in several sizes and styles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your deli case isn't really bringing in business, find a new location in your restaurant. The best area for a deli case is a high-traffic area, but there must also be enough space for customers to stop and browse without getting in the way of those who are coming and going.

When selecting a deli case for your business, you have many choices. Before you decide which case is right for you, you should understand some common terms that are used to describe different types of deli cases, such as curved glass, slant glass and self-service. Additionally, you may have to decide if you want options such as a remote refrigeration unit, deli case liners and deli case risers. This guide will help you make informed choices.

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Curved glass cases

Curved glass cases have a large piece of rounded glass that curves from the front of the case up to the top. They give your customers a clear view of products inside the case. Often, the glass can be lifted up for easy cleaning or to stock the case from the front.

I recommend: To view pictures of curved glass cases, check out BigTray.

Slant front cases

Slant front deli cases, also called straight front deli cases, are fronted with a straight piece of glass that is slightly angled to reduce glare. Unlike a curved glass case, the top of the case is not glass. Products can be seen through the front only.

I recommend: Check out Zama Enterprises to see a picture of a slant front case and to read more about the differences between slant front cases and curved glass cases.

Self-service deli case

A self-service deli case, sometimes called a 'grab and go' case, has no glass on the front. It is open to allow customers to take the product themselves. This allows for faster service and frees employees up for other tasks. However, self-service cases are not very energy efficient because cool air escapes through the open front.

I recommend: Ingersoll-Rand provides dozens of examples of different styles of self-serve deli cases.

Remote refrigeration

With remote refrigeration, the deli case compressors are removed from the retail area and placed in another area. This way, your customers are not exposed to disturbances from the compressors. Remote refrigeration also increases the capacity of the deli case.

I recommend: Vega Manufacturing has more information about the benefits of remote refrigeration.

Deli case liner

A deli case liner helps to protect the inside of your deli case from damage, and it helps keep your products from sliding around. Liner is typically a plastic material with an adhesive grip on it. Liner with adhesive grip is especially useful for holding products in place on angled display shelves.

I recommend: Check out the various types of deli case liners that are displayed by the Hubert Company.

Deli case risers

Deli case risers are used to display multiple products behind each other. Risers elevate the products in the back of the case to make them visible through the front glass.

I recommend: More information on several types of deli case risers is available from World Market Supply.