A serving line may serve 70 employees in the first third ofeach meal shift. Therefore, three serving lines of 300 ft each should be planned. A total of 3300 ft2 would be required for a food service facility using serving lines A full kitchen will require 3300 ft for cafeteria and serving lines plus (from Table 4.5) 2100 ft for the kitchen. Therefore, a total of 5400 ft? would be required for a full-service food service facility
Two issues related to food services are drinking fountains and break areas. Drinking fountains should be located within 200 feet of any location where employ- ees are regularly engaged in work.
Local building codes should be consulted for de- termining their exact location. Drinking fountains should be conveniently located but must not be located where employees using drinking fountains may be exposed to a hazard. Drinking fountains are often located near restrooms and locker rooms for the convenience of employees and because plumbing is readily available If the cafeteria is within 400 feet of most employees, rest breaks should be confined to the cafeteria. If a cafeteria serving line exists and it may be used to dis- pense drinks and snacks, it should be utilized for breaks. If a serving line may not be used or if one does not exist, drinks and snacks should be available in the cafe- teria from vending machines during break periods. Locating vending machines throughout a facility may cause supervision, food containment, and trash disposal problem Nevertheless, if the cafeteria is more than 400 feet from most employees, then some vending machines should be located within the facility to reduce employee travel time. When vending machines are used, break areas should be conveniently located for employees, while at the same time not interfering with other activities.