How to Choose the Best Display Case for Your Grab-n-Go Service

Finding the right display case isn’t just about looks, it’s about keeping food fresh, optimizing service flow, and supporting your business’s bottom line. Whether you’re merchandising hot meals, baked goods, or grab-and-go items, the right case can make all the difference in presentation and performance.

Let' breakdown what to consider when selecting your ideal display case, plus some Hatco solutions designed to meet every need.

1. Identify Your Operational Goals

Before diving into specs and dimensions, determine what you need the display to accomplish.

Ask:

• What type of food are you displaying: hot, cold, or ambient?
• Is it for full-service or self-service?
• Will it be front-of-house, behind-the-counter, or grab-and-go?

Hatco picks:

• Flav-R-Savor® Humidified Holding & Display Cabinets – perfect for hot, fresh-tasting foods that need humidity control.
• Flav-R-Fresh® Humidified Impulse Display Cabinets – ideal for pretzels, pastries, and impulse items.
• Machos Nacho® Chip Warmer – for quick-serve setups needing crisp, ready-to-serve chips.

2. Consider Size and Placement

Your display case should fit seamlessly into your space, both physically and functionally.

Keep in mind:

• Measure available counter or floor space carefully.
• Account for clearance needed to open doors and restock items.
• Consider high-traffic areas where visibility matters most.

Hatco picks:

• Mini Display Warmer – compact footprint for convenience stores or cafés with limited space.
• Flav-R-Savor® Large Capacity Cabinets – built for high-volume operations like cafeterias and quick-serve restaurants.

3. Balance Capacity with Demand

Match your display capacity to customer flow.  Overstocking can affect food quality, while under-sizing can lead to missed sales.

Think about:

• Peak traffic times.
• Menu variety and turnover rate.
• Whether you need pass-through access for fast restocking.

Hatco picks:

• Flav-R-Savor® Tall Non-Humidified Holding Cabinet – excellent for to-go orders and quick assembly lines.

• Flav-R-Savor® Heated Air Curtain Merchandiser – keeps grab-and-go items at the right temperature with easy customer access.

4. Prioritize Food Quality and Presentation

The goal of any display case is simple: keep food as good as it looks.

Consider:

• Does it offer consistent temperature and humidity control?
• Is the lighting bright enough to highlight product appeal?
• Are shelves adjustable for different product sizes or packaging?

Hatco picks:

• Flav-R-Savor® Heated Air Curtain Cabinets – precise heat circulation keeps products fresh and appealing.
• Hatco LED lighting options – energy-efficient and presentation-friendly.

5. Evaluate Efficiency and Maintenance 

Smart design saves time and money.  Look for:

• Easy-to-clean surfaces and removable trays.
• Accessible service panels.
• Energy-efficient systems that reduce long-term costs.

Hatco picks:

• Flav-R-Savor® Cabinets with Humidity Control – reduce food waste and improve holding consistency.
• Eco-friendly LED and airflow designs – built to minimize operating costs without compromising quality.

From compact countertop models to large-capacity heated cabinets, Hatco offers display solutions for every concept and cuisine. By understanding your operation’s goals, measuring carefully, and prioritizing quality and efficiency, you can select a display case that elevates both your food and your customer experience.