Beverage Service Carts

Providing fresh hot or cold beverages is the cornerstone of hospitality. Carts are an excellent way to achieve this because they don't take up too much space, and they are mobile for service in an array of locations. Beverage service carts are especially popular in continental breakfast rooms and events halls, where they can easily be wheeled in to provide an attractive presentation of beverages for your guests. It is important to consider how you'll be using the cart to determine the best one for your needs.

Finishes and Materials

Beverage carts come in a variety of finishes, with granite, black, and slate blue being just a few of the options. Coffee carts can be made of metal or polymer, and there are benefits and drawbacks to both.

Metal carts are made of stainless steel or aluminum and typically covered in laminate, which is available with a wood grain finish or a number of other color options. They are suitable for front-of-house use and places where style is a factor, and many have drop leaves on either side of the cart to expand their service area.

Other carts are of polymer construction. Polymer carts are quieter and typically lighter. Because they can better handle impact without being damaged, they are best suited for institutional applications. While polymer allows for a variety of colors, laminate-covered stainless carts may be a more stylish option for high-end establishments.

Specialty Options

• Carts with an enclosed base allow for storage and transportation of items, keeping them from falling all over the place. An enclosed area can also keep set-ups and other beverage-related items together and out of the way when not in use. Some models can hold full-, half-, and third-size food pans, allowing you to store packets of sugar in bulk or offer pastries or other foods to your guests.
• A recessed top can also keep coffee, condiments, and cups from toppling over during service or transport. A protective lip may run around the perimeter of the rectangular or contoured top, to prevent spills from running off onto the floor.
• Insulated carts can help keep coffee warm and soft drinks cold. This would be beneficial if the cart is going to stay in an office, conference room, or break room over a long period of time.
• If you'd like to add the benefit of offering wine from your beverage service cart, there are some options that make that possible. This type of cart can have removable wine caddies, recessed bottle cut outs, and wine coolers integrated into the cart. They may also have brackets for hanging stemware.