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Top 10 Commercial Equipment Type for Every New Restaurant in Murfreesboro

Top 10 Kitchen Equipment Type for Murfreesboro Restaurants

Southern hospitality, the energetic University vibe, and a deep-rooted comfort food culture shape the 10 commercial kitchen equipment for every new restaurant in Murfreesboro.

Hearty biscuit breakfasts along the Stones River Greenway, smoky ribs at the bustling Downtown Square, and lively farm-to-table meals in historic Cannonsburgh Village highlight the city’s culinary spirit. Local festivals, seasonal weather, and Tennessee Food Code standards inform the selection of the right equipment.

To help you get started on the right track, here are 10 essential categories of commercial kitchen equipment every new restaurant in Murfreesboro should consider:

  • Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
  • Commercial Ranges and Ovens
  • Deep Fryers
  • Grills and Specialized Cooking Equipment
  • Exhaust Hood and Ventilation Systems
  • Food Preparation Equipment & Workstations
  • Dishwashing and Sanitation Station
  • Beverage Equipment
  • Storage Shelving & Dry Storage
  • Ice Machines


1. Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

Commercial refrigeration equipment preserves the quality of Murfreesboro restaurants’ staples, including smoked BBQ meats, fresh farm-to-table produce, local craft sodas, and sweet tea. The Tennessee Food Code and the 2009 FDA Model Food Code (Tennessee Department of Health) require that TCS foods be kept at 45°F (7.2°C) or below.

Refrigeration units must comply with the Murfreesboro Building and Mechanical Codes, which mandate the use of visible thermometers and sufficient capacity for safe storage. All of these essential functions are possible with reliable walk-in coolers, reach-in coolers, freezers, and cold beverage display units.

  • Walk-in Coolers: Walk-in coolers preserve large quantities of smoked meats, vegetables, and sauces prepared for citywide gatherings, including the Boro BBQ Festival and Main Street JazzFest. They accommodate high-volume storage demands for catering services, restaurants, and university dining events near Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Leading brands like Amerikooler, Kolpak, and Nor-Lake deliver indoor and outdoor models with floor and floorless options.
  • Reach-in Coolers: Reach-in coolers provide convenient access to daily-use ingredients, such as dairy for golden-brown biscuits and condiments for BBQ platters. They are available in up to 3 sections and comply with Tennessee’s cold holding requirements. Prefer a pass-thru model, such as the Traulsen AHT332WPUT-HHG, for double-sided access. It features 84.4 cu ft (2389.941 L) of capacity and 12 glass half doors.
  • Freezers (Chest, Upright, Walk-in): Freezers maintain the optimal condition for frozen catfish, biscuit dough, and ice cream, ensuring Southern comfort meals and seasonal desserts remain fresh. Upright freezers simplify organized storage, while chest freezers are ideal for long-term stockpiling during festival weeks. Walk-in freezers are critical for high-volume events such as MTSU football games and large banquets.
  • Cold Beverage Display Units: These units cool bottled drinks, sodas, and sweet tea for student-friendly eateries and grab-and-go counters near Stones River Greenway and Cannonsburgh Village. Their clear glass doors and LED lighting enhance product visibility, and their robust cooling systems withstand Murfreesboro’s humid summers, which average between 85°F (29.4°C) and 90°F (32.2°C).
AmeriKooler QC060877  FBSC 6X8 ft Quick Ship Indoor Walk-In Cooler with Floor, Self-Contained
AmeriKooler QC060877**FBSC 6X8 ft Quick Ship Indoor Walk-In Cooler with Floor, Self-Contained

2. Commercial Ranges and Ovens

Commercial ranges and ovens deliver essential heat for baking, boiling, sautéing, and broiling. Multi-burner ranges with griddles or broilers allow chefs to cook several dishes simultaneously. Convection ovens evenly cook baked goods, meats, and casseroles, which are essential in heavy-trafficked Southern kitchens with comfort food-heavy menus.

Commercial ranges and ovens power Murfreesboro kitchens with the precision and capacity needed to prepare smoked BBQ brisket, wood-fired pizzas, golden biscuits, and hearty casseroles. They comply with strict food safety standards, which require poultry and stuffed foods to reach 165°F (73.889°C) and roast beef to 130°F (54.4°C) under the Tennessee Food Code and the FDA Food Code.

Gas-fired models must include flame safeguards as specified in the International Mechanical Code and National Electrical Code. Reliable ovens, ranges, steam tables, stock/soup pots, sauté pans, baking pans, and baking sheets are among the top 10 essential equipment in this category.

  • Ovens (Convection, Combination, Pizza, Conveyor): Convection ovens provide consistent baking power for biscuits, pies, and cornbread. Combination ovens add versatility for roasting smoked ribs and braised meats. The Energy Star-rated Rational iCombi incorporates 6 operating modes and 5 cooking methods, making it an excellent tool for cooking the city’s favorite slow-roasted sirloin or herb-roasted chicken breast. Conveyor and pizza ovens bake crisp pizzas during busy evening rushes.
  • Ranges (Gas, Electric): Gas and electric ranges handle everything, from searing meats for Southern-style gravies to sautéing fresh vegetables for farm-to-table meals. The Southbend S60AA-2GL gas range is a perfect example of this versatility. It combines 6 open burners, a 24-in (60.96 cm) griddle, and 2 convection ovens.
  • Steam Tables: Steam tables maintain the hot temperature of chicken, mashed potatoes, and seasonal greens during busy buffet service. They are crucial for self-service stations at local fairs, university dining halls, and catering setups.
  • Stock/Soup Pots: Stock and soup pots simmer hearty stews, gumbo, and chili that represent Murfreesboro’s stick-to-your-ribs cooking style. Large-capacity pots are indispensable during winter events and high-demand catering at Stones River Greenway gatherings or holiday festivals.
  • Sauté Pans: Sauté pans handle pan-searing catfish, tossing fresh vegetables, and creating rich sauces with speed and precision. They support chef-driven Southern comfort dishes popular in Murfreesboro’s evolving restaurant scene.
  • Baking Pans and Baking Sheets: Baking pans and sheets support the production of cornbread, biscuits, and desserts like cobblers and pies. These tools are widely used in bakeries and restaurants throughout Downtown Murfreesboro, where freshly baked goods are a staple of the local dining experience.
Imperial ICRA-1 Gas Wok Range 1 Burner (Bowl), 110.000 BTU
Imperial ICRA-1 Gas Wok Range 1 Burner (Bowl), 110.000 BTU

3. Deep Fryers

Commercial deep fryers provide essential high-speed frying for Murfreesboro’s fast-paced restaurants, casual dining venues, and food trucks. They meet the high-volume demands driven by MTSU’s student life and the city’s love of golden-fried comfort foods, from fiery hot chicken to fried catfish, crinkle-cut fries, and crispy pickles.

The sought-after hot chicken menus benefit from heavy-duty breading stations and wire mesh baskets that allow uniform crust formation after marination in cayenne-heavy buttermilk brine. The commercial deep fryer market offers a diverse range of types and models, each suitable for a particular popular fried menu or restaurant type in Murfreesboro.

Best Deep Fryer Types for Murfreesboro’s Fried Favorites

Murfreesboro’s culinary staples, such as hot chicken, spicy poultry, catfish baskets, and pickled starters, thrive with commercial deep fryers engineered for stick-to-your-ribs cooking.

  • Electric countertop fryers are perfect for Korean fried chicken, fried pickles, and hot chicken tenders in compact kitchens. Split-pot units are handy for restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups near MTSU or Patterson Park, offering both classic and extra-hot hot chicken varieties. The Star-Max 530TF is an ideal model, with its two 15-lb (6.803 kg) frypots.
  • Gas floor fryers cook bone-in hot chicken, fried catfish, and Southern staples like hushpuppies and fried green tomatoes. These fryers are best for handling family-sized platters in traditional Southern kitchens and comfort food diners. The Imperial IRF-40 is popular for its tube-fired burners, 40-lb (18.143 kg) capacity, crumb screen, and 2 nickel-plated baskets.
  • Gas multi-battery fryers accommodate wings, fries, okra, and hot chicken bites without flavor transfer between batches. These fryers are best for sports bars and high-volume casual dining spots near MTSU and Stones River Town Centre. The Henny Penny OGA323.03 is an ideal model with three 65-lb (29.483) vats and a built-in filtration system.
  • Outdoor fryers deliver hot, crispy results at fairs, tailgates, and local events, including the Boro BBQ Festival and Rutherford County Fair. These portable systems are best for catering businesses and mobile food vendors. The Crown Verity CV-PF-2 is an ideal double-tank fryer model, featuring 40-lb (18.143 g) frypots and two 14-in (35.56 cm) casters.
  • Commercial air fryers and pressure fryers produce crispy, lower-oil versions of hot chicken, fries, and vegetable snacks. These energy-efficient units are perfect for health-forward cafés and modern fusion kitchens. The DoughXpress R900009 RAF is a versatile countertop air fryer suitable for roasting, preheating, toasting, broiling, and frying.

Pairing commercial fryers with bread and batter stations, filter systems, and oil management tools improves kitchen flow and food consistency. These tools are essential for hot chicken: a dish that demands a perfect balance of crisp texture and cayenne-forward spice.

Frymaster FPRE214 Electric Fryer, (2) 50 lb Vats, Floor Model
Frymaster FPRE214 Electric Fryer, (2) 50 lb Vats, Floor Model

4. Grills and Specialized Cooking Equipment

Gas and electric grills, smokers, wok ranges, and specialty ovens fuel Murfreesboro’s culinary heartbeat. These equipment types help restaurants serve sizzling ribs at Downtown Square, smoky brisket at the Boro BBQ Festival, and spicy wok-tossed noodles near MTSU. Their high-volume performance and cooking versatility suit a broad range of restaurant types across the city.

Murfreesboro’s eating culture embraces flame-cooked BBQ, seared burgers, Korean hot plates, and tandoori kebabs. Grilled and smoked meats are deeply rooted in South America and Southern-style venues. These units are crucial for pop-up food trucks and upscale kitchens to meet the increasing demand for hickory-smoked meats and other protein-rich recipes.

  • Grills (Gas or Electric): Gas and electric grills cook breakfast platters, grilled sandwiches, and Southern smash burgers with fast recovery and steady output. These grills are ideal for breakfast diners, brunch spots, and casual joints serving high-turnover meat ’n three meals. The Vulcan VCRG24‑T is a perfect countertop model, featuring a 1-in (2.54 cm) plate, 2 burners, and IRX™ infrared tech for efficient energy use.
  • Smokers: Smokers provide the low-and-slow flavor that defines Murfreesboro’s smoked BBQ culture, featuring ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, which are served at local events. These units are essential for barbecue joints, food trucks, and catering businesses throughout Rutherford County.
  • Specialized Grills: Korean tabletop grills are essential for dishes like spicy pork belly and garlic-marinated bulgogi, which are popular among MTSU students and Gen Z diners. Wood-fired grills deliver seared steaks and charred vegetables that dominate premium menus in Northfield Boulevard and upscale locations. Grillworks Infierno X100 is a top-notch wood-fired grill with 2 adjustable stations and rear fire cages. Its brass gear-lift system enables fine flame control for steakhouses serving dry-aged cuts.
  • Tandoor Ovens: Tandoor ovens bring out the authentic char and depth in naan, chicken tikka, kebabs, and similar Indian dishes frequently found in Murfreesboro’s expanding international cuisine scene. These ovens are suitable for Indian restaurants and pan-Asian venues located on Old Fort Parkway and Church Street.
  • Wok Ranges: Wok ranges deliver intense flame for fast stir-frying of dishes like Mongolian beef, spicy chicken noodles, and crispy tofu. These high-output burners support Asian restaurants near Rutherford Boulevard and Memorial Boulevard, where multi-concept buffets and specialty kitchens demand quick-fire execution. The single-burner American Range ARCR‑1 is a perfect example.

Every new restaurant that targets authentic cooking styles across Murfreesboro’s BBQ, Southern, and Asian cuisine landscape needs these specialty grills. Each unit aligns with local dining habits, seasonal events, and the diverse restaurant formats thriving in the city.

Vollrath 40716 24-inch Countertop Electric Griddle 24x16.5-inch Surface, Thermostatic Controls, 220V-1ph
Vollrath 40716 24” Countertop Electric Griddle 24”x16.5” Surface, 220V-1ph

5. Exhaust Hood and Ventilation Systems

Exhaust hoods and ventilation systems safeguard kitchens from grease-led fire hazards and maintain air quality in Tennessee’s humid summers and rainy winters. These systems meet the requirements of NFPA 96, the International Mechanical Code, the International Fire Code, and Murfreesboro’s building codes, ensuring public safety.

All restaurant types, from smoky BBQ spots to fast-casual kitchens, require properly engineered hood systems to handle heat, vapors, and grease. Restaurant hood systems reduce the risk of fire and maintain comfortable working conditions in high-volume kitchens.

  • Ventilation Systems: Ventilation systems provide air exchange and remove grease-laden vapors, condensation, and excess heat. They ensure proper air balance and prevent smoke build-up. Tennessee Department of Health mandates that ventilation systems include hoods, fans, filters, guards, and fire suppression to satisfy regulatory and safety standards (enforced by the Rutherford County Health Department). Ventless packages are also available for sandwich shops, cafes, or dessert counters.
  • Exhaust Hoods: Exhaust hoods capture and contain grease, smoke, and heat directly above cooking equipment. Restaurants using grills, fryers, and smokers require Type I hoods, which meet a minimum overhang of 6 inches (15.24 cm) and clearance heights of 1.5 feet (45.72 cm) or 2 feet (60.96 cm) above the equipment, depending on the level of flame exposure. NFPA 96 mandates regular cleaning by certified professionals based on cooking volume, with intervals ranging from monthly for high-volume cooking to quarterly for medium-volume cooking.

Reliable hood and ventilation systems align with Murfreesboro’s food culture, where high-heat smokers, grills, and fast-paced cooking venues require robust airflow control. Hoodmart stocks NSF, UL, NFPA & ETL-approved Type I models rated for surfaces up to 700°F (371.1°C). Equipex, Giles, Unox, and Wells are some popular brands that also market eco-friendly ventless solutions for locations where ductwork is unfeasible.

HoodMart 2014B 14 FT Restaurant Hood System w/ Makeup-Air, 18 Gauge Steel
HoodMart 2014B 14 FT Restaurant Hood System
w/ Makeup-Air, 18 Gauge Steel

6. Food Preparation Equipment & Workstations

Food preparation equipment and workstations form the backbone of kitchen operations in Murfreesboro, enabling consistent quality and efficiency for local favorites such as hearty BBQ ribs, catfish plates, and biscuits and gravy. University-affiliated cafes and fast-casual spots require durable equipment for efficient order fulfillment. The Tennessee Food Code requires that all preparation surfaces remain smooth, non-absorbent, and easily sanitized.

Chefs prepare smoked brisket in smoky barbecue houses or fresh produce bowls in farm-to-table cafes, using specialized workstations. Local health regulations require designated preparation zones, the adjacency of hand sinks, and the separation of raw food from ready-to-eat food during storage and preparation. Reliable prep tables, food processors, slicers, mixers, and prep utensils enhance workflow for menus ranging from spicy hot chicken to fresh taco assemblies.

  • Prep Tables, counters, and cutting boards are central to all back-of-house activity in Murfreesboro’s brisket carving, biscuit building, and taco topping routines. These surfaces support every cuisine found in the city, from the barbecue assembly lines to the veggie-rich burrito stations. Restaurants depend on stainless steel work tables, such as the Advance Tabco DL series models, which incorporate a sink, sliding cutting board, drawer, and adjustable undershelf.
  • Food processors & blenders meet the need for speed, consistency, and batch prep in Murfreesboro restaurant kitchens. These machines streamline labor-intensive tasks, from puréeing sweet potato soufflé in traditional Southern restaurants to whipping up jalapeño ranch and house-made slaw dressing in hot chicken joints. The Robot Coupe R2N is a staple in many local kitchens, renowned for its precision in chopping, slicing, and grating.
  • Commercial mixers are a daily necessity in Murfreesboro’s bakeries, pizzerias, and Southern-style diners, where bulk dough and batter prep drives the menu. They are essential for kneading buttermilk biscuit dough for a Meat-and-Three restaurant, mixing cornbread batter for barbecue sides, or preparing thick pizza dough in campus-area eateries. BakeMax BMRS320 is a go-to model in these settings, featuring a 430-qt (406.931 L) removable bowl and a 705-lb (319.782 kg) dough capacity.
  • Slicers are central to Murfreesboro’s sandwich shops, delis, pizzerias, and barbecue restaurants, where consistent portioning matters as much as flavor. Automatic slicers ensure speed and uniformity when slicing smoked brisket for loaded sandwiches or prepping pepperoni and ham for pizza toppings. TN Food Code requires slicers to be thoroughly sanitized every 4 hours during active use to mitigate bacterial growth and cross-contamination risks.
  • Mixing bowls are a universal staple in Murfreesboro’s kitchens, used in everything from tossing slaw at hot chicken spots to prepping biscuit dough in traditional diners. Bakeries and barbecue restaurants use them to marinate meats, mix pancake batter, or combine dry ingredients for cornbread.
  • Whisks are core to Southern-style cafés for prepping sauces, batters, and emulsions. These kitchen utensils facilitate emulsifying vinaigrette for fresh salads at Greenhouse Ministries’ affiliated eateries or scrambling eggs for biscuit breakfast sandwiches.
  • Spatulas serve a range of critical tasks, from folding batters in bakery kitchens to flipping fried catfish on a hot griddle. Restaurants known for their breakfast service rely on silicone spatulas to scrape bowls clean and metal offset turners to flip omelets and pancakes. These utensils must comply with TN Food Code requirements for smooth, non-porous, food-grade construction.
  • Tongs are vital in high-volume barbecue spots, fried chicken joints, and open-grill steakhouses. Chefs use these tools to turn ribs on the smoker, plate hot fried tenders, or serve dinner rolls in buffet lines. They prevent bare-hand contact, as required by the TN Food Code.
  • Ladles are essential for Murfreesboro kitchens that serve soups, stews, gravies, or chili, which dominate both comfort food menus and catering operations across the city. These utensils are indispensable for portioning out baked beans, ladling sausage gravy over biscuits, or serving chowder on cooler Tennessee evenings.
  • Chef’s Knives handle everything from trimming brisket at BBQ joints to mincing herbs for globally inspired dishes.
  • Food storage containers are crucial for holding pre-chopped vegetables for a stir-fry at an Asian fusion bistro or for organizing smoked meats in walk-in coolers at BBQ joints. Tennessee’s food regulations require containers to be durable, food-grade, properly labeled, and stored at least 6 in (15.24 cm) off the floor.
Eurodib LM50T (LM50TETL) Spiral Mixer with 50 qt Fixed Bowl, 1-Speed, 44 lbs Dough Capacity
Eurodib LM50T (LM50TETL) Spiral Mixer with 50 qt Fixed Bowl, 1-Speed, 44 lbs Dough Capacity

7. Dishwashing and Sanitation Station

Dishwashing and sanitation equipment are a top priority for public health in Murfreesboro restaurants. The Tennessee Department of Health, enforced by the Rutherford County Health Department, mandates strict compliance with the FDA Food Code. TN Food Code, for example, requires food-contact surfaces to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use, with specific sanitizing temperatures and chemical concentrations.

These codes make high-performance cleaning equipment a non-negotiable component of every Murfreesboro kitchen. Commercial dishwashers, 3-compartment sinks, handwashing sinks, and janitorial supplies are necessary to meet the requirements.

  • Commercial dishwashers are a must-have in nearly every high-volume operation across Murfreesboro. The TN Food Code requires high-temperature dishwashers to reach at least 180°F (82.2°C) at the manifold and low-temperature machines using chlorine to deliver a 50–100 ppm solution for at least 7 seconds. The CMA Dishmachines 180-VL is a high-temp ventless unit that handles 40 racks of dishes per hour.
  • 3-compartment sinks provide a manual yet code-compliant method for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes. The TN Food Code mandates 3 separate compartments, each with proper water temperatures: 110°F (43.3°C) for washing and 170°F (76.667°C) for hot-water sanitization, or approved sanitizer solutions. It also requires sinks to include drainboards for air-drying, since towel drying is strictly prohibited.
  • Hand-washing sinks must be strategically placed throughout kitchens, according to the TN Food Code. These sinks must be accessible at all times and installed near food prep areas, dishwashing stations, and restrooms to ensure constant hygiene. Each must be equipped with hot and cold water, tempered between 100°F (37.778°C) and 110°F (43.3°C), hand soap, and single-use drying methods, such as paper towels.
  • Cleaning buckets are necessary for storing cloths and solutions used to clean food-contact surfaces. Kitchens serving sauces, gravies, and sticky items commonly found on Murfreesboro BBQ menus need these janitorial supplies to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
  • Cleaning rags, mops, and sanitizing wipes are the hands-on tools for enforcing cleanliness throughout the kitchen. All wiping cloths must remain in sanitizer buckets when not in use.
  • Cleaning agents and chemicals are the active line of defense against bacteria, grease, and grime in commercial foodservice operations. These include dishwashing detergents, degreasers for fryers, and surface sanitizers approved for foodservice, labeled appropriately, and stored separately from food areas.
  • Hand soap and sanitizer dispensers facilitate personal hygiene. The TN Food Code specifies the necessity of outfitting every handwashing sink with soap and paper towels or air dryers.
Serv-Ware CS3CWP1410 39" Three Compartment Sink, 10"W x 14"L Bowl Without Drainboard
Serv-Ware CS3CWP1410 39″ 3-Compartment Sink, 10″W x 14″L Bowl Without Drainboard

8. Beverage Equipment

Beverage equipment is crucial to Murfreesboro’s dynamic foodservice landscape, characterized by hot, humid summers and a vibrant culture of outdoor festivals, barbecues, and sports gatherings. Sweet tea, soda, and iced lattes are popular summer sips. Brisk fall semesters at MTSU bring thousands of students into cafés and fast-casual spots, fueling demand for hot coffee and energy drinks throughout the academic year.

The city’s diverse dining scene, from meat-and-three diners and BBQ joints to boba cafés and college-town sandwich shops, relies on commercial-grade beverage systems to maintain fast and profitable service. Coffee machines, tea brewers, and soda fountains help maximize profit margins.

  • Coffee brewers are a pillar of beverage service in Murfreesboro, particularly with its large university student population and numerous early-morning diners and bakeries. Breakfast spots near Broad Street and Memorial Boulevard require high-capacity units like the BUNN 33200.0000, which brews 3.8 gal (14.384 L) per hour. Bean-to-cup models are better for business centers and upscale cafés, catering to the gourmet coffee crowd that frequents Main Street and The Avenue.
  • Tea brewers are indispensable in Tennessee dining because Tennesseans consider sweet iced tea as a birthright. BBQ joints and meat-and-three establishments across Murfreesboro depend on sweet tea brewers like the Curtis G4RSTB, which features two 3-gal tanks. BUNN Infusion Series offers pulse brew and peak extraction technology for more curated tea experiences, similar to those found at fusion eateries and boba shops near MTSU.
  • Soda fountains are central to high-volume, self-service fast food chains, sports bars, and student food courts across Murfreesboro. These machines generate immense value: a 5-gal (18.927 L) syrup box yields roughly 30 gal (113.562 L) of drink. Burger joints and sandwich shops rely on countertop units. Follett’s 24-valve models are ideal for island configurations in movie theaters, arenas, malls, or event venues.
Cimbali S20 CP10 La Cimbali S20 Cp10 Milkps Cappuccino Machine/Grinder
Cimbali S20 CP10 La Cimbali S20 Cp10 Milkps Cappuccino Machine/Grinder

9. Storage Shelving & Dry Storage

Tennessee’s humid summers make proper dry storage vital for preserving ingredient integrity. Well-ventilated and code-compliant shelving ensures smooth operations and keeps inventory safe in high-volume restaurants preparing for significant events, such as the Main Street JazzFest or MTSU game day crowds. The TN Food Code mandates storing food and equipment at least 6 in (15.24 cm) above the floor. Popular products meeting this requirement include storage racks, shelving units, cooler plastic inserts, and utensil racks.

  • Storage racks offer vertical space-saving capacity for dry goods, canned ingredients, and cleaning supplies. Wire storage racks accommodate cornmeal, flour, paper goods, and similar bulk pantry items in Murfreesboro restaurants running Southern “Meat & Three” menus or bulk-prep barbecue operations. Metro-style open racks enhance airflow, which is crucial in Tennessee’s humid climate.
  • Shelving units for walk-in coolers are essential for storing large volumes of perishable foods, from briskets in BBQ restaurants to sliced fruits in smoothie bars. Murfreesboro’s diverse foodservice industry needs corrosion-resistant shelving that complies with cold storage regulations. Plastic-coated metal or polymer shelving units, such as the Cambro Camshelving Premium Series, resist rust and mold buildup even in high-humidity environments. These units are ideal for local eateries that store marinated meats, dairy products, and produce in walk-in coolers.
  • Cooler plastic inserts offer customizable, hygienic separation of food categories within walk-in refrigerators or reach-in units. Southern-style diners preparing raw chicken, coleslaw, and banana pudding in bulk benefit from inserts that segment raw proteins from ready-to-eat items. These inserts reduce cross-contamination and support HACCP compliance.
  • Utensil racks are essential for organizing prep tools, cookware, and frequently used utensils in a convenient and sanitary manner. Wall-mounted utensil racks keep items off counters and away from contamination sources in high-traffic Murfreesboro kitchens. The NSF-approved table-mounted Advance Tabco SCT-72, featuring 18 plated pot hooks, enhances compliance and kitchen efficiency in fast-paced environments.
Metro MQCR244874 Max Q Plastic 4-Shelf Can Rack w/ 120 #10 Cans Capacity and 74" Posts
Metro MQCR244874 Max Q Plastic 4-Shelf Can Rack w/ 120 #10 Cans Capacity and 74″ Posts

10. Ice Machines

Ice machines are essential for maintaining beverage quality and food safety in Murfreesboro’s humid subtropical climate, where summer highs regularly reach 87°F (3.556°C) and humidity levels average over 70%. Customers demand ice in every beverage they order, from sweet tea to sports bar cocktails. The city’s booming student population, anchored by MTSU, intensifies this demand.

Students, faculty, and staff generate high volumes of foot traffic in food courts, coffee kiosks, and on-campus dining facilities. Murfreesboro’s health codes, based on the FDA Food Code and enforced by the Rutherford County Health Department, require food establishments to properly clean, sanitize, and maintain ice machines to prevent contamination, mold, and slime.

  • Freestanding ice makers are indispensable for large-scale operations serving hundreds of guests per day. These high-capacity units ensure a steady supply of clean, fresh ice, particularly during peak summer months. The Hoshizaki KM EDGE Series ice machines are ideal for high-volume establishments, with production capacities of up to 2,482 lb (1,125.815 kg) and storage capacities of 1,500 lb (680.388 kg).
  • Undercounter ice makers strike a balance between output and space efficiency, making them ideal for sports bars, fast-casual restaurants, and diners scattered throughout Murfreesboro. The Maxx Ice MIM250, for instance, delivers 260 lb (117.933 kg) of full-cube ice per day with a 75-lb (34.019 g) bin. These machines comply with Tennessee sanitation codes for food-contact surfaces.
  • Compact bar ice machines are essential for small-scale boutique cafés, dessert bars, or juice shops near The Avenue Murfreesboro or Cannonsburgh Village. ENERGY STAR-rated options help operators save on electricity, which is particularly valuable for new restaurants managing utility costs under tight budgets.
  • Ice bins are necessary storage extensions for operations that consume more ice than a single machine can hold. Restaurants experience surges in iced drink demand during events like the JazzFest or Friday Night Live on the Square. Ice bins enable operators to scoop safely from an NSF-certified container without interrupting service or running short.
  • Countertop ice dispensers streamline workflow in self-service beverage stations found in fast-food outlets, food courts, and convenience stores throughout Murfreesboro. These compact units reduce cross-contamination by limiting hand contact and streamlining customer service in high-traffic locations.
Atosa USA YR280-AP-161 24" Air Cooled Half Cube 283 lb Undercounter Ice Machine with 88 lb Bin
Atosa USA YR280-AP-161 24″ Air Cooled Half Cube 283 lb Undercounter Ice Machine with 88 lb Bin

Equip Your Murfreesboro Restaurants for Lasting Success

Opening a restaurant in Murfreesboro means matching equipment to the city’s realities: university-driven volume, festival surges, humid summers, and Tennessee Food Code requirements.

Prioritize core systems first: refrigeration, cooking lines, fryers, ventilation, add prep stations, dishwashing, beverage equipment, dry storage, and ice capacity sized to your menu and peak demand.

Specify NSF/UL-listed models, confirm hood and electrical/mechanical compliance, and plan clear workflows for hot/cold holding, as well as sanitation. With the right spec and layout, your kitchen will run reliably from breakfast biscuits to late-night service.

The experienced and dedicated Chef’s Deal Murfreesboro personnel help restaurants and foodservice businesses find the right commercial kitchen equipment to succeed. With the right spec and layout, your kitchen will run reliably from breakfast biscuits to late-night service.

Ray Hunter has been on the content management team of Chef's Deal since 2021. With a deep insight into foodservice equipment and content writing dynamics, Ray has produced informative content about equipment, methods, and trends in the industry. He focuses on generating category and product content and also blog posts that achieve a fine balance between SEO optimization and user-friendliness to reach and address commercial kitchen operators' wide-ranging needs and queries. With a special interest in novel technologies used in food service machinery, Ray works vigorously to remain up-to-date about emerging market expectations and advancements addressing them. 

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