Innovation Infusion: From Trade Show Idea to Sustainable Outdoor K-12 Foodservice Solution

The Backstory of the Outdoor Merchandising Cart With Hanging Baskets

It all started at NAFEM, a trade show for foodservice equipment and supplies, where both a dealer and rep noticed a Lakeside 68322 Merchandising Cart that had potential to be turned into something extraordinary. With a few modifications to the standard design, they knew it could be the perfect application for an end user looking to serve beverages and snacks outdoors. They soon approached us with their idea. From there we began the transformation of the original Lakeside 68322 Merchandising Cart into something versatile and functional for outdoor K-12 foodservice.

In this edition of Innovation Infusion, we'll take a closer look at how we modified this Lakeside cart to better serve the needs of both our dealer’s and rep’s customers and made it the ideal choice for serving beverages and snacks to K-12 students outdoors.

How We Executed It

The design of our modified merchandising cart incorporated several features that made it highly adaptable for outdoor use. For starters, the cart was constructed using 430 grade stainless steel, which is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, and can stand up to the harsh elements of an outdoor environment. Additionally, we added an inclined cutout to the shelves (3 per shelf, instead of the standard 2 per shelf) that could hold 12” x 20” pans, perfect for serving a large quantity of snacks. With the addition of a flat top for serving drinks, the foodservice cart on wheels was ready for use as a beverage and snack station.

To ensure the cart was functional and convenient for foodservice operators, we included a few essential elements. We added a drop leaf with a cord port, making it easy to set up a POS station for transactions. We also added a 4” backsplash around the top, which helped to contain spills, reduce waste, and minimize clean-up time. And for ease of use, we installed a tubular handle on both ends of the Lakeside cart, making it easy to maneuver it and position it in the desired location of the end user.

One of the most innovative and unique features of our modified Lakeside Merchandising 68322 Cart was the hanging basket system. This removable system attaches to the tubular handle and allows for the foodservice cart on wheels to be used for different types of foodservice operations. When not needed, the baskets can be removed, and the cart can be used for holding containers or other food items. The basket system is a great solution for serving in crowded areas as it allows for easy accessibility and enhanced appearance of merchandise.

Finally, the cart was completed with (4) 6” swivel casters, two of which had brakes, making it mobile while also being secure when stationary, even on uneven terrain. With a sturdy construction and thoughtful design, our modified Lakeside 68322 Merchandising Cart was the perfect solution for outdoor foodservice operations.

A Sustainable Result For Outdoor K-12 Foodservice

The Lakeside 68322 Merchandising Cart served as an excellent starting point for our design team to create a modified and durable piece of outdoor foodservice equipment. With the addition of a flat top, inclined cutouts for 12” x 20” pans, a drop leaf with a cord port, a backsplash, a tubular handle, and a removable basket system, we transformed a standard merchandising cart into a sustainable piece of foodservice equipment. Ready to roll right out of the box! We are proud to have been able to help our dealers, reps, and customers find the ideal solution for outdoor K-12 foodservice operations.

Feeling inspired? Want to design the perfect cart to fit your K-12 foodservice operation and its unique needs? Well, as you found out with the modified Lakeside 68322 Merchandising Cart, no design is too difficult for us to custom build. Get started with a free consultation by clicking ‘Design Your Cart’ to speak to our Lakeside customer service team!

Or see our previous edition of Innovation Infusion: The Remarkable Transformation of a Lakeside 711 Stainless Steel Utility Cart, click HERE.