Forbes Industries Furniture and Equipment

Forbes Industries is a renowned American manufacturer of mobile and stationary furniture and equipment for the hospitality and restaurant industries. The Ontario, CA-based brand started business in 1919 by making heavy-duty carts for Hollywood’s movie industry. Forbes soon transitioned to hospitality applications, building its reputation on craftsmanship, durability, and the ability to adapt to evolving industry needs.

Forbes’s expansion in the 1950s cemented its place as a leader in mobile equipment solutions. The company has earned worldwide recognition for design excellence, intelligent engineering, and strict quality control. Its reputation for innovation and lasting performance has made it a trusted partner for hotels, resorts, catering firms, and institutions with furniture and equipment solutions “Made in USA.”

Why Choose Forbes Industries?

Professionals in the restaurant and hospitality industries choose Forbes Industries for its stringent quality standards, innovative designs, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Quality manufacturing standards: Forbes maintains excellence through a vertical manufacturing process in the USA, using furniture-grade finishes and 3/4 in (1.905 cm) plywood with no MDF or particle board. It backs its products with a 3-year warranty. Each product is built to ensure lasting durability with premium materials.
Innovation in product design: Forbes develops multifunctional mobile products that enhance space efficiency and operational flexibility. Custom design capabilities enable hotels, resorts, and institutions to bring their unique visions to life while upholding intelligent design principles. Innovative solutions help operators “perform more with less”, supporting high-end guest service.
Sustainability and long-lasting solutions: Forbes manufactures under California’s strict environmental regulations, incorporating durable and recyclable materials with safe coatings. Every product promises long life cycles and refurbishment, with water-based stains reducing VOCs and tabletops using up to 78% post-consumer recycled content. These measures enable clients to meet sustainability goals without compromising quality.
Trusted worldwide in luxury hotels, resorts, and institutions, Forbes has supported high-end service environments for over a century. The iconic Birdcage® luggage cart remains a global symbol of upscale hospitality. Custom products developed for prestigious clients such as Disneyland and Wynn underscore the company’s reputation for quality and reliability.

Forbes Industries Product Categories

Forbes Industries supplies 3 major product categories: Hospitality Furniture, Food & Beverage Equipment, and Meetings & Events solutions. Each category features mobile furniture, durable back-of-house essentials, and stylish front-of-house solutions. They help optimize operational efficiency across hotels, restaurants, and catering services.

Forbes Industries Hospitality Furniture

Forbes Industries’ hospitality furniture blends durability, craftsmanship, and mobility to deliver efficient guest service and a luxury image. Many items include protective bumpers and casters for safe handling.

Podiums: Podiums are available in floor, pedestal, modern, traditional, and specialty designs constructed from wood veneer, HPL, or acrylic finishes. Standard features include tilt-and-roll wheels and open compartments, with custom options such as LCD screens, sound systems, timers, electric lifts, and branded logos.
Valet Stands: Valet stations, built from hardwoods and veneers, provide secure storage and ample working space. Locking drawers, cabinets, cubbies, and adjustable levelers make them user-friendly. Casters or stationary designs support flexibility, while finishes and dimensions are tailored to clients’ needs.
Bellman Carts: Forbes carts are available in Birdcage®, Specialty, Economy, and Self-service lines. They feature steel-reinforced, carpeted decks, as well as porcelain or vinyl tile options, full wrap-around bumpers, and 8-inch (20.32 cm) wheels. Customization includes finials with logos, paint colors, handle covers, and motorized assistance.
Luggage Racks: These hardwood or steel racks feature nylon straps and bumper-back bars to protect walls and other surfaces. Straight or contoured leg models allow flexibility in design, with a range of strap colors and finishes for aesthetic integration.
Housekeeping Equipment: Forbes’s modular housekeeping carts feature steel or ABS cabinets, tray organizers, bag options, and protective bumpers. Accessories such as vacuum brackets, drawers, privacy panels, and motorized assistance options increase versatility.

Forbes Industries Food & Beverage Equipment

Forbes Industries’ food & beverage equipment combines commercial functionality with upscale presentation. Mobile designs enable flexible event layouts, while durable construction ensures high-volume use.

Mobile Bars: Forbes mobile bars feature stainless steel work counters, insulated sinks, speed rails, and storage areas. Standard lengths are 5 ft (1.524 m) and 6 ft (1.828 m), with optional lengths of 4 ft (1.219 m) or 8 ft (2.438 m). ETL-certified designs meet NSF standards, with specialty bars including LED-enhanced and interchangeable panel options.
Buffet Tables: Custom-crafted tables integrate induction technology, drop-in units, and lighting solutions. Cabinet styles range from traditional to modern, with tops in solid surface or terrazzo. Options include sneeze guards, wood veneer or HPL finishes, and configurations tailored for service and design requirements.
Serving Stations: Forbes serving carts strike a balance between durability and aesthetics. Features include Avonite surfaces, drawers, gallery rails, and casters. Models include bar carts, coffee stations, ice cream carts, handwashing stations, and beverage restocking carts, with designs often supporting dual-sided service.
Back Bars: Mobile back bars support dual-sided operation. Standard features include Avonite or terrazzo counters, tempered glass shelves, concealed ice pans, enclosed cabinets, and integrated LED lighting systems. Options range from warm down-lighting to full RGB effects for presentation impact.

Forbes Industries Front of House Essentials

Forbes Industries’ front-of-house essentials are renowned for their stylish and intelligent designs to project a polished image and ensure smooth guest interactions. Many products are mobile with casters for convenient repositioning and versatile use.

Podiums / Lecterns: Forbes podiums are available in modern, traditional, pedestal, and specialty styles, crafted from hardwoods with wood veneer, laminate, or acrylic finishes. Standard models feature tilt-and-roll wheels, compartments, and optional enhancements, such as LCD screens, wired or wireless sound systems, electric height lifts, and custom branding.
Signage: Menu and sign stands are available in multiple designs, featuring stainless steel, powder-coated frames, or brass posts with weighted bases. Flip charts, easels, and other signage stand on bases or foldable legs. Custom graphics and finishes help businesses showcase their brand identity.
Waste Receptacles: Select public area carts integrate adjustable shelving with concealed trash compartments and lids. These designs maintain a clean and professional front-of-house environment by discreetly managing waste.

Forbes Industries Back of House Solutions

Forbes Industries’ back-of-house solutions include carts and storage units that streamline hotel operations, protect assets, and extend service life with reinforced structures and durable bumpers.

Housekeeping Carts: Forbes housekeeping carts are available in contemporary, steel, ABS plastic, in-room, and turndown styles. They feature tray organizers, ergonomic handles, bag options, and protective bumpers. Forbes’ steel carts are up to 40% easier to push than plastic competitors and last up to 3 times longer.
Utility Carts: Multi-purpose service carts, available in wood, veneer, laminate, or steel, feature Avonite work surfaces, drawers, open or enclosed shelves, and casters. Specialized designs include beverage restocking carts, coffee stations, and compact ice cream carts, many of which feature dual-sided access for enhanced functionality.
Storage: Transport and storage carts accommodate folding tables, chairs, dance floors, and stages. Heavy-duty poly straps secure loads, and units fit through standard doorways. Options include folding laundry carts and hot box racks holding up to 6 hoh boxes units, all built for fast setup and compact storage.

Forbes Industries Custom Creations

Forbes Industries’ custom creations enable hospitality and foodservice operators to create unique products tailored to their brand identity. Design and sales teams collaborate with clients to develop custom podiums, mobile bars, buffet stations, and carts with bespoke finishes, technology integrations, and lighting effects. Projects for Disneyland, Wynn, and Stations Casinos highlight Forbes’ ability to deliver distinctive, one-of-a-kind solutions.

What are the Key Features of Forbes Industries Products?

Key features of Forbes Industries products include premium materials, ergonomic usability, and unmatched durability. Each product promises compliance with the industry standards. The brand’s customizable solutions maximize aesthetic choice.

Premium materials (wood, stainless steel, brass, laminate): Forbes builds with 3/4 in (1.905 cm) plywood, hardwood veneers, stainless steel, and solid brass for longevity and aesthetics. Tops include Avonite or terrazzo, with up to 78% post-consumer recycled content.
Ergonomic and user-friendly design: Products integrate casters, tilt-and-roll podiums, and lightweight frames to minimize labor strain. Ergonomic handles and motorized options improve operator comfort while enhancing efficiency.
Durability in high-traffic environments: Most products are backed by a 3-year warranty, with select banquet and meeting items guaranteed for up to 10 years. Reinforced decks, impact-resistant ABS, and robust joinery methods extend service life in high-traffic settings.
Aesthetic customization options: Most products are customizable with veneers, laminates, metals, paint colors, tiles, and branded signage. Custom logos, finishes, and lighting systems create products aligned with a property’s style.
Compliance with hospitality & safety standards: Mobile bars meet NSF Standard 2 via ETL certification, carts include protective bumpers, and furniture meets BIFMA load and drop testing. Portable dance floors include low-profile, ADA-compliant edging.

Industries Served by Forbes

Industries served by Forbes include the global hospitality, restaurant, and catering businesses. Products support hotel operations, dining service, and large-scale events by combining functional strength with design versatility.

Hotels & Resorts: Birdcage® luggage carts, valet stations, and housekeeping carts streamline guest service and reinforce luxury hospitality standards.
Restaurants & Catering: Mobile bars, buffet systems, and serving carts facilitate and refine food presentation and service.
Convention Centers & Banquet Halls: Banquet tables, portable stages, partitions, and dance floors enable quick setup and professional execution of large-scale events.
Casinos & Entertainment Venues: Custom carts, mobile bars, and buffet stations tailored to high-traffic casinos & entertainment venues upgrade visual impact.
Corporate & Educational Institutions: Podiums, lecterns, signage, and training tables enhance meetings, conferences, and classroom operations.

Forbes Industries: Customer Trust & Global Reach

Forbes Industries has earned a global reputation over the course of a century of service to luxury hospitality brands. Its iconic Birdcage® luggage cart remains a worldwide symbol of premium guest experience. Forbes has been a trusted partner of internationally recognized five-star properties, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, The Ritz-Carlton, and Four Seasons.

Shop Forbes Industries at Chef’s Deal

Chef’s Deal is an authorized distributor of Forbes Industries, delivering mobile hospitality solutions to properties nationwide. Customers benefit from financing options, fast delivery, and dedicated support. Chef’s Deal provides price match guarantees, extended warranties, and consulting services, ensuring operators acquire the most suitable Forbes products for their business.