Straw Dispensers & Holders
Straw dispensers and holders enable easy access to drinking straws while keeping countertops tidy and organized. Plastic, wooden, and metal options are available in many styles to fit with any decor.
Restaurant Straw Dispensers: What You Need to Know
These pieces of equipment are designed to protect straws from unsanitary particles, such as bacteria and dust. Before selecting a straw holder, you should know what kinds of straws you'll be distributing so you can determine what straw holder and dispenser would be appropriate for your business. Straw dispensers can be placed in the front of house for self-service stations or remain back of house so servers can deliver straws to customers or place them in to-go orders. Restaurant straw dispensers are constructed of various materials and in several configurations, and some models are better suited for specific purposes. For example, certain straw holder configurations may not fit or properly dispense the type of straws available at your establishment.
Combination straw holders are designed to hold different kinds of cup supplies, such as lids, sleeves, and straws. These straw holders are a simple means of maintaining organization and make excellent self-serving stations at locations such as gas stations or hotels, housing multiple pieces of smallware in one footprint. Cylinder straw holders are recommended for locations with a vintage aesthetic, such as diners or ice cream shops. Users simply lift the lid and select a straw for themselves. Double-sided straw dispensers provide patrons access from either side of the cafeteria line or table, while single-sided straw holders and dispensers are great for individual tables. Flush-mount restaurant straw dispensers can be fitted into countertops for secure placement. Some dispensers require you press exterior tabs to release one straw at a time, and others simply let straws pile up and naturally fall into a slot for convenient retrieval without pressing. Straws are available with or without wrapping.
Common Questions About Straw Dispensers
What's the most hygienic straw holder and dispenser?
To achieve the most sanitary straw dispenser conditions possible, you should provide guests with wrapped straws dispensed one at a time from a single-sided or double-sided dispenser. This ensures the least amount of direct hand contact with other straws. The most unsanitary form of straw service is providing patrons with unwrapped straws in an open straw holder, exposing all users to increased risk of bacterial contact.
What are the alternatives to plastic straws?
Because of expanding bans on plastic straws, it's important to keep plastic straw alternatives in mind. Metal or stainless steel straws are an economical alternative to plastic because they withstand rigorous use and can be washed and used multiple times. Paper straws are biodegradable and decompose more quickly than plastic, and they're safe for cold or hot use. Made with water and wheat, pasta straws are suitable for vegans; they are tasteless and remain rigid for over an hour. Wheat straws don't become soggy, and they're available in various sizes.
Should you stop providing plastic straws at your business?
Although plastic straws are in decline due to rising environmental consciousness, many people with disabilities still rely on them to easily and safely eat. While there are various plastic straw alternatives, an option that emulates plastic's give and capability of being used to drink hot liquids without breaking apart or melting hasn't been discovered yet. As the search continues, you should continue investing in some plastic straws in order to create a more inclusive environment for patrons of all physical capabilities.