Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for receiving and storing a carton of beverage containers. The apparatus includes a compartment for receiving the carton, said compartment including a cover selectively movable between an open position and a closed position, so that when the cover is in the open position the carton may be placed in the compartment. An area for storing a plurality of cartons is provided. A mechanical holding device, operatively associated with the cover, retains each carton in the receiving compartment when the cover is in its open position, and releases said carton so that it may be moved to the storing area when the cover is in its closed position. A device for moving the carton from the receiving compartment to the storing area includes a gravity operated conveyor and an activator panel for initially urging the carton toward the storing area when the carton is released by the holding device.