Self-serve food product dispenser

Abstract

A compact self-service bagel dispenser which provides customers with a selection of a plurality of different groups of bagels, and a plurality of different bagels within each group, within a small dispensing area. To provide convenient access to different varieties or groups of bagels within a relatively compact 'footprint' on a counter surface, the dispenser preferably comprises a rotatable bin having a plurality of separate compartments separated from one another by generally vertical dividers. Each compartment preferably has an open upper end into which bagels may be loaded, a lower dispensing area, and a transition portion through which bagels travel from the upper end to the lower dispensing area. The rotatable bin is preferably supported on a fixed base. The bin preferably includes a bottom wall having a plurality of openings therein to permit crumbs, seeds, and other particulate materials to fall into a receptacle supported by the base. In the illustrated embodiment, the base includes an annular track for rotatably supporting the bin, and a shield is provided over the track to address the problem of seeds or other material bouncing onto the track from the adjacent exterior counter surface.