Who are the Experts?
Generally speaking, an expert is a person with extensive knowledge or ability based on experience or occupation in a particular area of study. So who are our experts…Engineers, Consultants, Peers?
You Are!
The questions listed below come from our customers. Answers are from an array of individuals whose knowledge in these areas can provide sound advise to the questions asked.
Equipment
Stainless steel utility carts are the perfect blend of durability and versatility. Here’s why they stand out:
- Rust Resistance: Naturally resistant to rust, keeping carts sanitary even in humid settings.
- Strength and Durability: Lower gauge steel provides robust support for various tasks, from light to heavy-duty.
- Heat Resistance: Withstands high temperatures without warping.
- Easy Maintenance: Non-porous surface simplifies cleaning.
- Versatile Designs: Available in styles to suit any need—compact for tight spaces or sturdy for heavy loads.
Plastic utility carts are a versatile and practical choice for many applications due to their unique benefits:
- Effortless Assembly: Enjoy the convenience of easy assembly, with no need for additional hardware or tools.
- Durable and Economical: Crafted from durable polyethylene construction, these carts are resistant to impacts, stains, and odors. This helps maintain their appearance and functionality over time.
- Superior Maneuverability: Designed with an integrated push handle and no-mark swivel casters, these carts offer superior maneuverability. Whether fully loaded or unloaded, they glide smoothly across various floor surfaces, making them ideal for both back-of-house and front-of-house use.
To find the perfect utility cart for your application, use our durability index or enter your information into the cart capacity calculator below. This will help you identify the ideal option tailored to your requirements.
Consider options like corner bumpers and perimeter bumpers. Ensure that all bumpers are non-marking to maintain the pristine appearance of your walls. Explore the various bumpers we offer to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Pneumatic casters are ideal for providing cushioning and shock absorption, making them perfect for outdoor use and uneven surfaces. They ensure a smooth ride, though it’s important to maintain their tire pressure regularly.
Semi-pneumatic casters are crafted from solid rubber and feature air cells for added cushioning. They are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
These soft and quiet casters are ideal for environments where noise reduction is crucial. They are designed to be gentle on floors, minimizing the risk of scratches and scuff marks, making them perfect for sensitive surfaces like hardwood and tile. Suitable for light to medium-duty applications, TPR casters provide a reliable solution for maintaining floor integrity while ensuring smooth and silent movement.
Polyurethane casters provide excellent durability and load-bearing capacity, making them perfect for heavy-duty applications. These casters resist abrasion, chemicals, and oils, significantly prolonging their lifespan even in harsh environments. Ideal for use in warehouses, factories, and other settings where utility carts need to support substantial weight.
Our mobile plate dispensers with the Adjust-A-Fit® design make it easy to accommodate different plate and bowl sizes. Featuring a 3-1/4” diameter adjustment range, these dispensers allow you to switch sizes effortlessly without the need for tools.
The Adjust-A-Fit® design provides greater flexibility by allowing for variations in plate and bowl sizes through spring adjustments, making it a forgiving option for most bowls. Highlighting its strengths, this design ensures adaptability and convenience, making it a versatile solution for your plate dispensing needs.
Adjust-a-Fit® Plate DispensersTo make your portable bar suitable for outdoor use, consider ordering the following options:
- Covers to protect it from the elements
- IPE wood for durability and aesthetic appeal
- Semi-pneumatic casters for smooth mobility on various surfaces
- Push bar for easy maneuverability
Don’t see what you need? We offer custom and modified options to tailor your portable bar to your specific needs. Contact us at info@elakeside.com.
Operations
To boost school breakfast participation, consider investing in one of our breakfast carts and placing it near the main entrance. This strategic location is ideal for capturing students who arrive just before or after the bell, especially those in a rush. Ensure the cart is stocked with quick grab-and-go items, which are perfect for students on tight schedules.
These breakfast carts have proven to be effective, as demonstrated by a K-12 school district that implemented this solution. Their breakfast participation increased by an impressive 198%. They went from serving approximately 200 meals a day to 400 meals on slow days and up to 600 meals on busy days.
Use heavy-duty casters with sealed watertight bearings with long wearing, non-marring round edge tires. Round edge (not flat with square edges) tires provide the best movement on carpeted floors and uneven floor conditions like elevator thresholds.
Pneumatic tires are also available to cushion cart transport over exterior brick or coble stone pavers if you are moving equipment from one building to another.
Innovative equipment manufacturers will use heavy-duty casters with sealed watertight bearings with long wearing, non-marring round edge tires, which provides the best movement on carpeted floors and uneven floor conditions like elevator thresholds.
Consider using a rechargeable battery powered “tug” designed to hitch and pull several cabinets together or, up to 1,500 lb tow capacity.
The Tug is an ergonomically-designed motorized tow vehicle used to pull a variety of single or multiple carts in a safe and efficient manner with very little effort from the operator. The tug can be used with any mobile equipment when docked to accessory hitches and hitch receiver tubes.
The answer depends on several factors and ultimately rests with your local inspector. In many cases, a downdraft system can meet the requirements. However, you should consider factors such as the type of food you’re preparing, the amount of grease involved, and the strictness of local regulations. Always consult with your local inspector to make the final determination.
Is there enough space available to park and store mobile delivery equipment when not in use (overnight) or lulls between meal assembly periods? Staging portable equipment is often overlooked and not realized until a facility has been constructed. Insufficient space for these items can be overwhelming and often crowd egress corridors or force you to find alternative areas outside the kitchen area.
What Are The Things I Need To Consider When Purchasing Foodservice Equipment?
- Daily Needs: Align features with staff skills.
- Future-Proof: Choose adaptable features for long-term use.
- Size & Capacity: Right-size equipment for your team.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Opt for reliable brands with good support.
- Training & Support: Ensure comprehensive manufacturer training.
- Warranty: Compare terms; consider extended options.
- Space & Delivery: Confirm fit and plan logistics.
When setting up a condiment station, a variety of condiments and accessories can enhance the experience. Here’s a streamlined guide to what you can include:
- Condiments:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Ranch
- Relish
- BBQ Sauce
- Other popular condiments
- Packaging Options:
- Bags
- Cans
- Condiment cups
- Additional Enhancements:
- Dry seasonings like salt, pepper, and crushed red peppers
- Napkin dispensers
Our customizable options allow you to tailor your condiment station to fit any event or venue’s needs. Most people prefer ordering custom condiment stations to ensure they have everything they need for a seamless dining experience. To get started, reach out to info@elakeside.com.
Sustainability
Begin your “Go Green” initiative by assessing the waste generated at your loading dock. Choose sustainable suppliers who offer reduced packaging, and prioritize local sources to decrease transportation emissions. Consider waste reduction strategies such as using disposers or implementing commercial composting.
Enhance your recycling efforts for materials like cardboard, and opt for bulk solutions to minimize packaging waste for beverages. Implement energy and water-saving practices, such as installing low-flow faucets, using your dishwasher efficiently, and regularly servicing refrigeration systems.
Properly manage fats, oils, and grease to prevent environmental harm and comply with local regulations. Make waste separation easy for customers by providing a clearly accessible Lakeside Waste and Recycling Station in the dining area.
Waste & Recycling Stations