How to Choose the Right Breakroom Solution for Your Team
Offices and facilities managers considering breakroom solutions should first determine how the breakroom will function for their team. Evaluating how employees use shared spaces and the type of refreshments that fit your team’s preferences can help guide your decision.
Evans Refreshments provides fully managed breakroom programs, including vending, smart coolers, micro markets, office coffee, office pantry, and water services. We work with corporate offices and workplaces throughout New York City and New Jersey to create customized programs that support your team.
Start with How Your Team Uses the Breakroom
Before selecting office breakroom solutions, determine what role you want the breakroom to serve for your team. This provides a starting point for deciding whether one service or several services make sense for your workplace.
To guide your planning, consider these questions:
- How many employees are typically on-site?
- Do employees work standard hours, hybrid schedules, or multiple shifts?
- How much space is available for equipment?
- Will employees purchase refreshments or will employer cover the costs for them?
Compare Vending Machines, Smart Coolers, and Micro Markets
For employee-paid refreshments, the amount of space available and desired product selection can help determine which self-service option works best.
Vending machines offer a simple solution that provides refreshment access with cashless payment options, making it easy for employees to buy a snack or beverage during breaks.
Smart coolers and smart stores offer an expanded product selection, including fresh food, within a secure, compact unit. To make a purchase, employees present a cashless payment method to unlock the cooler, remove their items, and close the door to complete checkout automatically.
Smart coolers provide convenient grab-and-go access and are ideal for small breakrooms or areas with limited space. Smart stores are scalable and can serve larger teams by connecting up to four units through one checkout system.
Micro markets offer the widest selection of products and provide a retail-style experience with open shelves, coolers, and a self-checkout kiosk. Because micro markets have customized setups, they can serve a variety of office sizes and provide fresh meals so employees can remain on-site during lunch breaks. Smaller markets can serve compact breakrooms, while larger installations can include several coolers and shelving units for larger teams and high-traffic areas.
Evans Refreshments works with office managers to determine which solution is the best option for your workplace.
Add an Employee Perk with Office Coffee and Pantry Service
Company-paid refreshments allow businesses to provide coffee, snacks, and beverages as an employee perk.
Office coffee programs can include traditional brewers for larger groups, single-cup equipment for individual beverage choices, or bean-to-cup machines that grind whole beans for each serving. Espresso machines can also expand the selection of specialty beverages.
An office pantry service provides employer-funded snacks and beverages, which can include granola bars, nuts, trail mix, fresh fruit, bottled water, and juice.
Office coffee and pantry services can work as individual programs or be combined to create a more complete breakroom experience. Evans Refreshments manages the entire program from initial setup to consistent restocking and ongoing support so your team doesn’t have to oversee the service internally.
Select the Right Water Service for Your Workplace
A managed water service can reduce reliance on individual plastic bottles while providing filtered water and additional beverage choices, depending on the system.
Office water solutions include:
- Bottled water coolers provide hot and cold water without connecting to the building’s water supply. They work well for areas where a water line is not conveniently accessible or when the breakroom is located away from existing plumbing.
- Bottleless water coolers connect directly to a water line and filter water at the point of use, providing a continuous supply without storing or changing five-gallon bottles.
- Hydration stations, such as Bevi water systems, can expand the beverage selection with filtered still, sparkling, and flavored water options.
- Ice machines provide a steady supply of ice and can be paired with water dispensers to create a complete office water station.
When comparing water systems, consider where the equipment will be located, whether a water line is accessible, and the type of drinking water or beverage choices you want to provide.
Fully Managed Breakroom Services
As a family-owned provider, Evans Refreshments works with businesses throughout New York City and New Jersey to evaluate your current setup and recommend breakroom services that best fit your location and workforce. Our local team manages your entire program and can easily make adjustments or add services when attendance patterns, available space, or refreshment preferences change.
If you’re planning a new breakroom or updating your current program, contact Evans Refreshments to explore refreshment options for your workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can different breakroom solutions be used in different areas?
Yes, businesses can use different services based on how each area functions. A main breakroom could include a micro market, while another floor or employee area could have a smart cooler, coffee station, or water system.
Can we combine company-paid and employee-paid breakroom services?
Yes, businesses can combine services based on how you want to provide refreshments. An office might offer complimentary coffee and pantry items while also providing a smart cooler or micro market where employees can purchase fresh meals and other snacks.
How do you determine how much space is required for a breakroom solution?
Evans Refreshments will evaluate your available space and recommend equipment that will fit best within the area. Options range from compact smart coolers and coffee equipment to larger micro markets with multiple shelving units and coolers.
Who installs and maintains the breakroom equipment?
Evans Refreshments provides fully managed breakroom services that include installation, proactive restocking, maintenance, and ongoing service. This allows office and facilities teams to provide workplace refreshments without overseeing the program internally.