As the holiday season approaches, restaurant and catering business owners must prepare for the influx of parties, banquets, and special events. The demand for flawless food service and impeccable timing is higher than ever, which means having the right equipment is crucial to ensure that every dish is served hot, fresh, and safely transported. Here at Equipment Plus Total Facility Solutions, we put together a short list of equipment to consider to be sure you are prepared. Whether you’re catering offsite or managing in-house events, investing in quality food transportation and holding products is key. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top products from Cambro, Metro, Vollrath, Advance Tabco, and other leading foodservice manufacturers to help your business thrive during the holiday season. 

Food Transport and Holding: Keeping Food Fresh and Ready to Serve 

When it comes to holiday events, efficient food transportation and holding are critical. Maintaining the quality and safety of your food from kitchen to service is paramount, especially during high-demand periods like holiday banquets and parties. 

Cambro Insulated Food Carriers 

Cambro is a trusted leader in food transportation and holding solutions, with products designed to keep food at safe temperatures for extended periods, whether hot or cold. 

· Heat and Cold Retention: Cambro’s insulated food carriers are engineered to maintain the temperature of both hot and cold foods for hours, ensuring that dishes arrive at their destination fresh and ready to serve. This is essential for caterers who need to transport food across long distances or for restaurants hosting large banquets with staggered service times. 

· Durability and Portability: Cambro food carriers are made from high-density polyethylene, providing durability to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen or transport environment. Many models feature ergonomic handles and built-in latches for easy carrying and secure transport in crowded, busy areas.

· Variety of Sizes: Cambro offers a range of food transport units, from small, lightweight carriers for intimate gatherings to large units designed for catering major events. These carriers can hold full-size food pans or hotel pans, making them versatile for any menu. 

Hot Holding Cabinets from Metro 

For restaurants and caterers managing large banquet events, Metro hot holding cabinets are indispensable. These units ensure food stays at the perfect serving temperature between cooking and serving, allowing for flexibility in kitchen timing. 

· Precision Temperature Control: Metro cabinets provide precise control over internal temperatures, ensuring food stays warm without drying out or overcooking. This is crucial for banquet service, where dishes may need to be held for an extended period before being plated or served. 

· Mobile Options: Metro offers mobile hot holding cabinets with wheels, allowing you to move food from the kitchen to the service area or load food for transport with ease. 

· Capacity: These cabinets are available in a range of capacities, from compact models that hold just a few pans to larger units designed for full banquet setups, making them versatile for any event size. 

Display and Serving: Enhancing the Guest Experience 

During holiday parties and banquets, presentation is key, so having the right serving and display equipment enhances the guest experience. 

Vollrath Chafing Dishes 

Vollrath chafing dishes are a classic choice for keeping food warm and presentable during banquets. They come in various styles and finishes, from stainless steel to copper, allowing you to match your service style. 

· Consistent Heating: Vollrath chafing dishes ensure consistent heat distribution, keeping food at the perfect serving temperature throughout the event. 

· Variety of Sizes: Available in a range of sizes and capacities, Vollrath chafing dishes are ideal for both small gatherings and large-scale banquets. 

Handwashing and Sanitation: Ensuring Health and Safety 

Holiday events often involve high volumes of guests, making sanitation and hygiene more important than ever. Installing portable handwash stations ensures that staff can maintain hygiene standards, even in remote or outdoor locations. 

Advance Tabco Portable Handwash Stations 

For offsite catering, Advance Tabco offers portable handwash stations that ensure compliance with health codes and promote food safety. 

· Self-Contained Units: Advance Tabco stations come with self-contained water tanks, allowing them to be used in locations without direct access to plumbing. 

· Hands-Free Operation: Many models feature foot pedals or sensor-activated faucets, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and ensuring sanitary conditions. 

Why Now is the Time to Invest 

With the holiday party and banquet season fast approaching, now is the ideal time to ensure your restaurant or catering business is equipped with the necessary tools to meet the increased demand. Whether you’re transporting food to an offsite event or holding dishes for in-house service, reliable food transportation, and holding products are vital for delivering a seamless experience to your guests. 

By investing in high-quality equipment from trusted brands like Cambro, Metro, Vollrath, and Advance Tabco, you can ensure that your food stays fresh, safe, and perfectly presented, even in high-pressure situations. Preparing now will not only enhance your service but also give you the flexibility and confidence to take on more events, boosting your business during the busiest season of the year. 

Invest in the right equipment now to enhance your service, exceed customer expectations, and make this holiday season your most successful yet. If you have any questions about how to outfit your operation for the upcoming holiday and banquet season, please reach out to us at Equipment Plus Total Facility Solutions, your local foodservice equipment experts.