Abstract: A serving table insert and method present a food serving tray at a serving location elevated above a serving tabletop. A visible portion of an external surface on the insert carries a decorative feature viewable upon presentation of the food serving tray supported by the insert. The insert extends over an altitudinal distance of a magnitude sufficient to accommodate a food serving tray chosen from a series of food serving trays of selected capacities provided by a range of depths.

Abstract: A food service system and method for dispensing contents, display the contents within a matrix of food pans suspended within a well member of the food service system. Each food pan is provided with a brim having an upper area extending transverse with respect to a stop element that establishes a dam enabling the contents of the food pan to spread over the corresponding upper area, while confined by the dam at the stop element. Corresponding stop elements of adjacent food pans are placed contiguous with one-another. In this manner, a display and dispensing area of the contents of each food pan is expanded to extend over the upper area of the brim of that food pan and is in close proximity with the display and dispensing area of adjacent food pans so as to enhance the display of the contents to be dispensed at the matrix of food pans within the food service system.

Abstract: A food service system and method for dispensing contents, display the contents within a matrix of food pans suspended within a well member of the food service system. Each food pan is provided with a brim having an upper area extending transverse with respect to a stop element that establishes a dam enabling the contents of the food pan to spread over the corresponding upper area, while confined by the dam at the stop element. Corresponding stop elements of adjacent food pans are placed contiguous with one-another. In this manner, a display and dispensing area of the contents of each food pan is expanded to extend over the upper area of the brim of that food pan and is in close proximity with the display and dispensing area of adjacent food pans so as to enhance the display of the contents to be dispensed at the matrix of food pans within the food service system.

Abstract: A food service system and method for dispensing contents, display the contents within a matrix of food pans suspended within a well member of the food service system. Each food pan is provided with a brim having an upper area extending transverse with respect to a stop element that establishes a dam enabling the contents of the food pan to spread over the corresponding upper area, while confined by the dam at the stop element. Corresponding stop elements of adjacent food pans are placed contiguous with one-another. In this manner, a display and dispensing area of the contents of each food pan is expanded to extend over the upper area of the brim of that food pan and is in close proximity with the display and dispensing area of adjacent food pans so as to enhance the display of the contents to be dispensed at the matrix of food pans within the food service system.

Abstract: A food service system and method for dispensing contents, display the contents within a matrix of food pans suspended within a well member of the food service system. Each food pan is provided with a brim having an upper area extending transverse with respect to a stop element that establishes a dam enabling the contents of the food pan to spread over the corresponding upper area, while confined by the dam at the stop element. Corresponding stop elements of adjacent food pans are placed contiguous with one-another. In this manner, a display and dispensing area of the contents of each food pan is expanded to extend over the upper area of the brim of that food pan and is in close proximity with the display and dispensing area of adjacent food pans so as to enhance the display of the contents to be dispensed at the matrix of food pans within the food service system.

Abstract: A receptacle for maintaining the temperature of its contents. The body of the receptacle is constructed of a triple-walled, dual chamber enclosure. This dual chamber enclosure is comprised of an inner chamber and an adjacent outer chamber occupied, respectively, by a gel and a gaseous matter. Temperature regulating properties of the gel contained within the inner chamber are insulated by the adjacent outer chamber, permitting the temperature regulating properties of the gel to last for a longer period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting an existing array of steam table wells into a single heating and/or cooking surface. The apparatus offers flexibility to dining establishments having any variety of single-well or multiple-well steam tables arranged. The apparatus includes one or more adapter frames adapted to fit within existing steam wells, and an overlying heating surface. The frame includes a peripherally arranged riser wall to allow the frame to rest within a steam well in such a manner that the frame's riser wall projects above a top surface of the steam well on which the overlying heating surface may rest. Preferably, the adapter frame interacts with both the existing steam well and the overlying heating surface such that seals are formed to increase the efficiency of transferring heat from the steam table to be to the overlying heating surface. A gasketing material may be included to facilitate such sealing.

Abstract: A grill pan for grilling food is provided. The grill pan is made of a lid and a base with grill ridges and a slidably adjustable hinge-like mating portion, which allows the lid to freely adjust to various thicknesses of foods placed inside the pan.