Tabletop Organizers & Dispensers

Common Questions About Tabletop Organizers

What can I store in a tabletop organizer?

Also called condiment caddies, tabletop organizers can be used to store all the small things usually found on a restaurant table. They come with sectioned compartments that hold anything from disposable straws and flatware to condiments and seasonings. Table organizers that hold condiments have a large circular or square base, and most have merchandising slots. Standard tabletop organizers have slots for sugar packets as well as salt and pepper shaker compartments.

Some condiment caddies have merchandising rings that hold promotional materials for menu items and special deals in a prominent position. These rings can also be used for table number cards – small pieces of paper that identify the order of operations based on counter service to ensure each table gets the right food.

What are some of the most popular tabletop dispensers?

Because they hold the most common spices, salt and pepper shakers are a necessity on most tabletops. Made of porcelain, glass, or plastic, these dispensers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit into any tabletop presentation. Grinders and mills are an elegant alternative for holding salt and pepper, enabling customers to grind their own spices for the best flavor. Mills come in handy because they can also dispense garlic, rosemary, lemon pepper, parsley, and spice blends.

Like salt and pepper shakers, red pepper and cheese shakers are popular tabletop dispensers. Most pizza and Italian eateries place these dispensers on the table so that they are immediately available to guests. Made of acrylic or glass, they have clear bodies that display what is inside. Acrylic is the more economical option and is less likely to break, but many users prefer the look and feel of glass.

Squeeze bottles are common in restaurants that sell fries, hamburgers, and other sandwiches because they can hold ketchup, mustard, and other popular condiments. To help guests identify the product stored inside, they can be translucent or color coded – red for ketchup and yellow for mustard. You can buy different types of lids and pour spouts to customize these dispensers so that they fit your applications. Most of these bottles fit in tabletop organizers.

Cruet sets hold oil and vinegar on the tabletop, showcasing their color and pairing them with an appropriate lid. Typically, these lids have stoppers to prevent overpouring and metal spouts that smoothly pour a controlled amount of oil or vinegar. These dispenser sets often come with racks, but you may have to purchase them separately.

How do I choose a napkin dispenser?

Depending on your application, you can choose between metal and plastic dispensers. Metal napkin dispensers, typically made of aluminum or stainless steel, stand up to the rigors of commercial use. Plastic units often provide visibility so employees know when refills are needed, but this material may be more susceptible to damage. Some napkin dispensers have built-in table organizers for salt and pepper or crushed red pepper and parmesan cheese.