The Cold Serving Zone is an essential part of a modern fuel station store, where the range of chilled drinks and grab-and-go cold food is one of the best-selling product segments. A properly equipped cold zone with good visibility, product accessibility and appropriate cooling increases sales volumes and ensures HACCP compliance. A refrigerated cold zone also visually reflects the store’s freshness and product diversity.
Types of Cold Serving Zone equipment
A cold food zone in a fuel station can include various types of refrigeration equipment. Open-front refrigerated display case — no doors; products directly accessible to customers; better impulse purchase indicator; higher energy consumption. Closed display case with transparent doors — more energy-efficient; reduces cooling costs; customers see products through the glass. Beverage refrigerator with glass doors — specifically for displaying bottles and cans; vertical and horizontal versions. Grab-and-go snack display — integrated refrigerated shelving system for sandwich packs, yoghurts and salads. See also the Coffee Serving Area.
Beverage display in the cold zone
Chilled drinks are the best-selling product in fuel station stores and require careful display planning. Vertical display cases — multi-row display up to 2–3 m high; spacious; suitable for a large beverage range. Beverage display shelf configuration — shelf depth tailored to beverage bottles; restocking and push-back system. LED lighting — from inside the display case; highlights the colours of beverage packaging; visual effect; attracts attention. Temperature — +2°C to +8°C in line with food safety requirements and the optimal serving temperature for drinks. See also the Hot Serving Zone.
Grab-and-go cold food in fuel stations
The grab-and-go cold food zone is a fast-growing section of a fuel station convenience store. Sandwich and wrap display — fresh or pre-packaged sandwiches in boxes; pre-packaged sandwiches with a longer shelf life. Dairy and yoghurts — individual portions of ready-to-eat products. Salad and dessert boxes — for breakfast or lunch on the go. Deli products — brie, hard cheeses, ready-to-eat vegetable snack boxes. Fresh food service — some fuel stations offer fresh daily sandwiches; requires regular restocking and shelf-life monitoring. BHS advises on grab-and-go display placement.
Energy efficiency in the cold zone
Refrigeration equipment is the biggest energy consumer in a fuel station store. LED lighting — internal LED reduces infrared radiation; less heat inside; more efficient cooling. Night curtains — closed in front of open display cases at night; reduces heat infiltration from the room. Automatic doors — in closed display cases with automatic opening; more convenient for customers; less heat ingress. Energy efficiency class — A+ or higher display case reduces operating costs. See also the Impulse Purchase Zone.
HoReCa use scenarios
Large fuel station — full Cold Serving Zone with beverage display cases, grab-and-go sandwich shelves and yoghurt display; wide product range for travellers. City fuel station with high foot traffic — compact cold zone with concentrated beverage and sandwich display; fast service. Motorway fuel station — high-capacity cold zone with a large beverage range; ensures high sales volume. BHS supplies Cold Serving Zone equipment to fuel station businesses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an open-front and a closed cold display case model? Open-front display case — better impulse purchase indicator and easier accessibility; closed — more energy-efficient and keeps products chilled longer. See Equipment for Fuel Stations.
Can herbs for recipes be stored in the cold zone? No — the food cold zone is intended for food only; storing herbs requires separate certified storage areas.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.
