Abstract: A utensil retracting device is described that can assist with serving food and storing a utensil used for serving the food. For example, the utensil retracting device can be secured to a part of a food service area and can also be secured to a utensil that can be used for serving food. The utensil retracting device can secure the utensil in a desired storing position and/or area. In addition, the utensil can be used within a range defined by a length of a tether that secures the utensil to the utensil retracting device. The utensil retracting device can also retract the tether in order to return and secure the utensil back to the desired storing position and/or area. The utensil retracting device can assist in preventing food contamination, such as from direct contact with diners as a result of misplaced utensils.