As an owner of a deli, restaurant, or any food service business, presenting your products attractively to your customers is just as important as maintaining their freshness. An exceptional way to achieve this is by installing a Deli Serve Over Counter. Also known as a delicatessen counter fridge or a refrigerated display case, it not only ensures optimal storage conditions for your food but enhances its appeal to patrons.

Let’s explore why your food business needs a Deli Serve Over Counter.

Boosts Appeal and Visibility

• A Deli Serve Over Counter showcases your meats, cheeses, prepared salads, and more in a clean and appealing manner. It often has a glass front or cover allowing customers to visually appreciate the products before purchase.
• This type of counter comes with integrated illumination, spotlighting your products and making them more attractive to patrons.

Types of Deli Serve Over Counters

Deli Serve Over Counters come in several different types, catering to the varying needs of businesses. These types are generally distinguished by size, shape, functionality, and design. Here are some common types of Deli Serve Over Counters:

Straight Glass Serve Over Counters

• These counters feature a straight glass front that provides clear visibility and allows customers to view items on display easily.
• The straight glass front design is suitable for various businesses, and it is commonly found in delis, bakeries, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Curved Glass Serve Over Counters

• Curved glass serve over counters are designed with a curved glass front, creating an aesthetically pleasing look.
• The curved design enhances product visibility, making it ideal for upscale delis, restaurants, and other establishments that want a sleek and modern appearance.

Salad Bars and Sandwich Prep Tables

• These counters are specially designed for displaying and serving salads and sandwiches. They often include compartments for holding fresh ingredients, as well as cutting boards or preparation surfaces.
• Salad bars and sandwich prep tables provide a more functional approach for businesses focused on creating custom offerings for their customers.

Hot Deli Serve Over Counters

• Hot deli counters are designed to showcase and maintain the temperature of hot food items such as rotisserie chicken, hot sandwiches, and prepared meals.
• These counters typically come with built-in temperature controls to keep the food hot and fresh for an extended period.

Refrigerated Display Cases

• These cases are similar to the straight and curved glass serve over counters but are specifically designed for refrigerating products that require cooler temperatures, such as seafood, dairy, and certain prepared foods
• Refrigerated display cases can be used in tandem with other serve over counters, providing a comprehensive and versatile food display solution.

Regardless of the type of Deli Serve Over Counter you choose for your business, it’s crucial to carefully consider your establishment’s requirements, the products you plan to display, and the space available in your premises.

Foods Typically Placed in a Deli Serve Over Counter

A Deli Serve Over Counter is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used to display and store a wide variety of food items. It not only ensures the freshness of these items but also enhances their appeal to customers. Below are some of the most common foods you’ll find in a Deli Serve Over Counter:

Cold Cuts and Charcuterie

• Cold cuts like ham, turkey, roast beef, and salami are staple items for any deli.
• Assortments of high-quality charcuterie items such as cured sausages, salamis, or prosciutto can also be displayed.

Cheeses

• A variety of cheeses, from traditional cheddar and swiss to specialty gourmet types like camembert, brie, or gouda, can be showcased effectively.

Prepared Salads and Dips

• Deli Serve Over Counters are perfect for displaying prepared salads – potato salad, coleslaw, pasta salads, etc.
• Various types of homemade dips, spreads, or salsas can also be stored and showcased in these counters.

Prepared Foods and Side Dishes

• Ready-to-eat food items such as rotisserie chicken, meatballs, lasagne, or other prepacked meals can be displayed.
• Side dishes like mashed potatoes, French fries, or seasonal vegetables can also be placed.

Bakery Items

• Baked goods such as bread, pastries, cookies, and cakes can also be arranged in a Deli Serve Over Counter, especially the ones designed with temperature control features for bakery items.

Seafood

• In seafood-focused establishments, Deli Serve Over Counters can be used to showcase a variety of seafood like shrimp, crab, clams, or smoked salmon.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

• Some counters are employed to display an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially in organic food stores or supermarkets.

Picking the right assortment of foods to display in your Deli Serve Over Counter depends on your business type, your target demographic, and the kind of food items that are in demand. The goal is to present a variety of appealing, fresh, and high-quality items, attracting your customers and encouraging them to make a purchase.

Maintains Optimal Temperature

Central to the design of Deli Serve Over Counters is the capacity to maintain optimal temperatures, a function that is crucial to safeguard the quality and safety of perishable food products. These counters operate as refrigerated displays and are engineered to keep products chilled at safe temperatures, usually between 1°C and 5°C. This optimal temperature range not only ensures freshness but also significantly prolongs the shelf-life of the food items on display.

Certain delicatessen items like cold cuts, cheeses, or prepared salads require a consistent temperature within this narrow range to prevent bacterial growth that could lead to spoilage. Over fluctuation in temperature could also negatively impact the texture and taste of these products. A well-regulated temperature in the Deli Serve Over Counter, therefore, directly correlates to the preservation of food consistency, quality, and safety.

Furthermore, some advanced models of Deli Serve Over Counters boast of temperature control features. This allows operators to adjust internal conditions based on the specific needs of different stored products. For instance, confectionery items might need temperatures around 12°C to 14°C to prevent drying out, whereas seafood ideally requires around -1°C to 2°C to maintain its freshness. This flexible temperature adjustment can be particularly beneficial for businesses that deal with a diverse range of food offerings.

Ultimately, through precise temperature control and monitoring, Deli Serve Over Counters serve as an essential tool for businesses to manage food safety standards and quality control, contributing significantly to overall customer satisfaction.

Amplifies Customer Service

• These counters typically come with a service area at the front, enabling your staff to serve customers directly.
• This interactive setup enhances your customer service, facilitating a personalized experience and potentially boosting sales.

Encourages Impulse Purchases

• By displaying your products attractively, a Deli Serve Over Counter could stimulate impulse purchases from customers. As a result, it can significantly increase your revenue.

Increases Operational Efficiency

• Deli Serve Over Counters, especially ones with multiple shelves, enable you to categorize your products effectively. Hence, your staff can locate items quickly, thereby enhancing your operational efficiency.
• Additionally, a tidy and well-organized counter creates a favourable impression on your customers, reflecting your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

High Versatility

• Whether you’re running a small delicatessen, a large restaurant, or a supermarket, Deli Serve Over Counters are available in various sizes and configurations, making them suitable for businesses of all scales.
• Some models also come with wheels for easy mobility, foldable for ease of storage, or can be customized to match your establishment’s décor.

In Conclusion

A Deli Serve Over Counter, or a refrigerated display case, is a fantastic addition to your food business, helping to enhance product visibility, maintain food freshness, and drive customer engagement. With its numerous benefits, it doesn’t just meet a singular need—it transforms the entire process from food storage to serving customers, taking a holistic approach to improve your business’s overall efficiency.

Shopping for a Deli Serve Over Counter requires considering your business model, space availability, customer flow, and the types of products you wish to display and serve. But with the right choice, this investment can contribute significantly to your business growth and success.