School cafeterias and cafeteria tables, they can be a janitor’s worst nightmare; the teacher’s most uncontrollable situation, and the students’ wild feeding ground filled with flung food, social stratification, and any other craziness you get with a room filled with eating kids. Don’t panic just yet, because Carroll Seating Company is here to help.

Carroll Seating Company offers dynamic school cafeteria tables and layouts that can be specifically tailored to any situation with students of any age. Their products and design will help maximize seating capacity while creating a dynamic and stimulating atmosphere, a process that can greatly improve the behavior and mood of the room. When people have an environment with different styles of table and chairs, they will be much more mentally stimulated.

An important aspect of cafeteria layout is smooth walkways and distance between tables. While it may seem efficient to cram people in like sardines, this is an easy way to lead to negative behavior and easily jammed thoroughfares. No one wants to wait in line to clean off and return their trays, so it is important to keep things flowing. This intimate understanding of spatial dynamics and efficiency runs deeply with Carroll Seating Company, so even getting in contact with them for organizational help can lead to improvements.

Furthermore, our equipment is easily moveable so that the floors can be cleaned and the room rearranged. These folding cafeteria tables store well so if the cafeteria needs to be used for another purpose, it is easy to accommodate. With cafeterias being one of the main open spaces of a school, it is essential to make sure it is adaptable. Furthermore, it shouldn’t take an army of people to fold the tables and clear the room. With Carroll Seating Company tables and chairs, everything is easy to use, light, and straightforward.

So with a newly updated cafeteria, what kind of changes will you see?

  • With a smooth layout, the time from students entering the cafeteria to having eaten and exited will take much less. This means there isn’t as much down time and idleness, which is sometimes the cause of misbehavior. Teachers will also be able to move around swiftly in order to effectively handle situations.
  • The room will be very easily rearrangeable, giving it a very dynamic purpose that not only focuses on being the cafeteria. This is also great for cleaning.
  • The mix of table and chair styles will give people a sense of ease with the improved stimulation. The layout of a room has a great influence on people, so make sure it’s the right influence.

Cafeterias are like the heart of a school, giving students nutrition and allowing them to relax from their studies. Making this room as wonderful as possible means students will have an overall more positive day and are more successful, plus this makes things a lot easier for the school’s staff.

Building the perfect cafeteria setting is never easy. After all, just the word cafeteria evokes all sorts of odd memories in people, and most of them aren’t very positive. Setting the right mood, though, can help change that perception, and often that starts with great seating options. At Carroll Seating Company, we’re proud to carry a complete line of Mitchell Furniture Systems, ideal for your office or school cafeteria.
Mitchell Tables

The Mitchell Name
Mitchell has been one of the top brands in cafeteria seating for some time, and it’s completely understandable. They not only have some of the best products at great prices, but all of their options are designed to create real-life solutions in the difficult cafeteria environment. The company’s commitment to better seating options began in the 1940s with their Victory Tables, and today, they’ve continue to innovate and create tables with the ideas of storage and better use of space at the forefront.

Great Options
Schools have so many different spaces they use as cafeterias, and Mitchell understands that and creates products to fit. From wall mounted choices that fold up against wall in anything from single to triple depth to help better utilize the space to creative cafeteria tables that fold and store as necessary, they offer durable products made to withstand even the toughest users – kids!

Let Us Help
Not sure where to even begin as you search for the right cafeteria tables? We can help. With design services, dedicated project managers, and a team who knows how to create the ideal cafeteria, no matter what the setting, we have the experience, knowledge, and skills that are perfect for you. Contact us today to learn more about your Mitchell cafeteria seating options and to begin building the best possible cafeteria you can!

If you’re like many school districts these days, getting the most from the equipment you already have on hand is an absolute priority. The numbers just aren’t there to continually buy new equipment, and students today are anything but gentle with what you already have. Nowhere is this more true than in the cafeteria, but is there anything you can really do to extend the life of your tables and chairs? Absolutely.

students in cafeteriaProper Adjustments: One of the single most important things you can do to get the most out of both your tables and chairs is to make certain they’re properly adjusted. While most are well adjusted when you initially order them, over time, movement, cleaning, and misuse can often put them at risk. If they continue to be loose, wobbly, or a poor fit, you will start to notice deterioration, and that can only lead to replacement in the long run. Make certain your maintenance staff knows how to perform the right adjustments to your tables and chairs, and if they don’t, contact the professionals for help.

Cleaning Procedures: Not every surface can be cleaned using the same chemicals. Some surfaces demand the gentle touch of soap and water, while others can take a much rougher scrubbing. Know exactly what can and cannot be used before you start wiping down the tables after lunch. You’ll save the surface of the table as well as quite a bit of money in the long run.

Immediate Repairs: If something is wrong with a table or chair, make certain your maintenance staff addresses it immediately. Having students sitting in the chair or at the table will not only cause further problems, it could also be a safety issue. If you’re not sure how to address a repair, bring in a technician who can help.

Whether you need new cafeteria tables and chairs or you require repair services, Carroll Seating is here to help with the services you need most. Contact us today to learn more.

School cafeterias haven’t always been pleasant places. From second rate food to uncomfortable seating choices, just the mere word cafeteria invokes all sorts of problem memories for most people. The world is changing fast, though, and with it, the school cafeteria is shifting too. Could yours actually be inviting? Absolutely, and these simple changes could help.

Cut Down On “Mass” Anything

Tiger-Cafeteria-Carroll-SeatingFrom eliminating a single lunch choice for students to dumping the long tables where every single kid has to sit together day after day, get rid of the idea that cafeteria time at your school has to involve a singular, drone-like experience. Imagine going to your favorite fast food restaurant, standing in a very long line to receive a tray of food that looked just like every other patron’s, then being forced to sit next to every other person dining in the restaurant. You wouldn’t stay long, would you? As you redesign your school cafeteria, try to make it mimic the experience you might want while you’re eating. Put a couple of cashier stations out there. Add personal tables, booths, and other seating areas to give the students a chance to socialize with their friends.

Spice Things Up

One look at any school cafeteria menu, and you’ll see that things have changed over the last few decades. With choices like fajitas, pepperoni pizza, and even meatball subs. If a menu can have lots of dishes to please a variety of palates, can’t your décor be just as pleasing? Add student artwork to the picture. Throw in some creative portraits of your mascots. Choose a theme and throw in some 3D artwork to help really add to the feel of the cafeteria.

Don’t Overlook the Details

Sometimes it’s the tiny details that can change a cafeteria environment for the better. A new flooring choice may brighten things up. Helpful condiment stations may give students better access to what they need during a lunch period. Simple choices like planters can help divide up student seating and create a calmer atmosphere.

You want lunch time to be just as productive for your students as class time, and a few simple changes like these can help.

Few people have fond memories when they think of the school cafeteria. From nightmares over the interesting food to the forced seating arrangements on those uncomfortable picnic table style seats, looking back on the school cafeteria isn’t always a pleasant experience. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be the case any longer. It’s completely possible to build a café feel into your school cafeteria, creating a comfortable, fun, relaxing environment that is the perfect mid-day break for students. 

Consider a Variety of Seating Options: Go with a nice mix of booths, round tables, square tables, pub style tables, and more to help students feel more like they’re out and about than stuck at school. It will help bring students together, and it may even help some make new bonds that will hold throughout the school day. What’s more, though, is that it can actually make your cafeteria more versatile to students and staff alike.


Add Artwork: You may choose the best seating arrangement in the world, but if it looks institutional, it’s still going to feel that way. Get some customized artwork in there. One decal of your school mascot isn’t going to do it either. Go for a complete change of pace. For example, if you’re the Barracudas, why not create a marine environment for your school cafeteria? It sets a great mood that could help students relax.

Think About Flooring: You could go with that standard school tile, but why not go with a black and white alternating pattern that makes it look like a fifties malt shop? Why not add wood laminate floors to create a distinct coffee shop feel? Your flooring can enhance the overall look of your cafeteria, and with today’s choices, you can find something that is just as easy to care for and still looks great.

Other Great Options: Have you considered adding a mobile ice cream cart? What about a hands free coffee station for students or staff members? There are all kinds of different ways to inject that café feel to your dining room, and adding some of these unique options can do that for you.

Ask your Carroll Seating Company project manager what school cafeteria seating choices may be available.

Drew Gough, Sales

Drew Gough,  Sales email our team
Drew graduated from Vermont Technical College in 2017 with an Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. With brief experience in small Architectural and Civil firms in the Portland Maine area, Drew later settled in Hussey Seating Company for the past 5 years. Drew joined the CSC sales team in November of 2024 covering the state of Iowa as his sales territory. Drew has a strong technical background and is very passionate about the products he sells. He believes that a thorough understanding of the products combined with open communication with all parties is the key to success in this industry. Outside of work, Drew enjoys fitness related activities, being outdoors, attending concerts, and spending time with his wife, Emily.

Levi Curtis, Project Manager

Levi Curtis,  Project Manager & Estimator email our team
In my free time I enjoy hunting, fishing, and working on our farm with my sons.  My wife and I enjoy traveling and the chaos of the boy’s youth sports.

Tammy Winship, Accountant

Tammy Winship,  Accountant email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Kelli Brandon, Project Manager

Kelli Brandon,  Project Manager & Estimator email our team
When not at the office I enjoy painting, baking, and spending quality time with my three grandkids.  .

Mandy Kohlbrecher, Project Manager

Mandy Kohlbrecher,  Project Manager email our team

Mandy Kohlbrecher is a Senior Project Manager and Senior Estimator for Carroll Seating. She is from Trenton, IL and attended Art Institute (Chicago) and Rankin Technical College.

When she joined Carroll Seating in 2013, she brought 10 years of design experience in interiors and architecture to the team.

Eddie Scheer, Sales

Eddie Scheer,  Sales email our team

Eddie Scheer is Carroll Seating’s Regional Director for Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.

He was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, a die-hard KU Jayhawks fan and graduate of the KU School of Architecture and Design. He has been with Carroll Seating over 11 years and prior to that time,  he served clients for 23 years as an architect.

Dustin Hecht, Project Manager

Dustin Hecht ,  Project Manager email our team
Dustin is a life-long woodworker with a passion for crafting. When he's not in the workshop, he might be found tinkering with cars or hitting the links for a round of golf. Dustin is a family man, happily married to Courtney, and together they have two daughters.

Mike Yager, Sales

Mike Yager,  Sales email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Doug Mead, General Manager KC and STL

Doug Mead,  Director of Labs and Casework email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Jordon Lanning, Repair & Service

Jordon Lanning,  Repair & Service email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

John Underwood

John Underwood,  Warehouse Manager email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Jacob

Jacob Allen,  Rproject Manager & Estimator  email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service

Connie Gillam,  Repair & Service  email our team
When out and about I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael and our 5 grandkids.

Brock Christopher,  Sales

Brock Christopher,  Sales email our team
On the weekends and during the evenings, a majority of my time is spent playing soccer with my 7-year-old Kade or working on various projects with my 12-year-old Kael.  During the fall you can find me doing anything related to the KC Chiefs or Mizzou Tigers.

Stephanie Vogl,  R&S Admin

Stephanie Vogl,  RS Admin email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Suzi Johnson,  Project Accountant

Suzi Johnson,  PM Coordinator email our team
I have spent most of my life in Illinois. I enjoy traveling and taking photos. I need coffee to function. My life revolves around my fur child, Norman.

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant

Kevin Morkin,  Insurance / Warehouse email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant

Dineen O’Keeffe,  Project Accountant  email our team
I enjoy spending time with my family. 

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator

Sarah Maynes,  Project Manager/ Estimator  email our team
When I am not at work I enjoy baking.

PJ Carroll

Ludwig Hoeft,  Project Manager / Estimator email our team
Bio Coming Soon!

PJ Carroll

Sam Shapiro,  Project Manager  email our team

Sam is a safety trained supervisor of construction whose experience ranges from factory to field.

He enjoys hiking, road trips, and rock concerts.

Mike Gillam

Mike Gillam     email our team
Director of Seating and Athletics
My life outside of the office consists of trips to remote locations and spending time with my family and five grandkids.  I love the Lord and doing His work.

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll,  Managing Partner email our team
Pat has been a dedicated member of the Carroll Seating Team since he joined full-time in 1977, after earning his bachelor’s in business from the University of Kansas. He initially gained hands-on experience as an installer during high school and college. In 1998, he was promoted to President, bringing extensive knowledge of both fixed and movable products to the role and focusing on promoting the features of CSC’s vendors for mutual success.  Outside of work, Pat cherishes time with his family, which includes the love of his life Suzy, their three children and four grandchildren. He enjoys golf, fishing, yard work, home projects, and entertaining, always striving to make the most of each day. 

Alexander Klopp

Alexander Klopp  Sales   email our team
When I am not in the office I enjoy my life in the western suburbs as a Husband of 30 years, father of 2 adult children and an active member in our local Presbyterian church. Passions include family adventures with one-of-a-kind experiences.

Tim Haggerty,  Sales  email our team

“When I am not working, I like to enjoy time with my family living an active life style that includes, live music, sporting events, golfing, fishing, and skiing.” 

 

Evan Carroll, Managing Partner email our team

Evan Carroll began working at Carroll Seating Company after graduating from Deerfield High School in 2003, though his connection to the business started much earlier—often spending Saturdays visiting job sites as a young boy and peeking under newly installed bleachers. He built the foundation of his career under the mentorship of his father, Patrick Carroll, learning the industry and the family business. Outside of work, Evan devotes as much time as possible to his family Brittany Carroll, and their two-year-old daughter, Skylar. A close circle of friends—and golf courses helps keep life balanced and the hard work meaningful.

Tom Madura,  Chief Financial Officer  email our team

Outside of the office, I love spending time with my wife, 3 kids and our dog!  My hobbies include playing golf and practicing guitar which I keep working at. 

Meredith Pollard (Carroll),  Managing Partner email our team
Meredith graduated from the University of Kansas in 2010 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Minor in Business.  After pursuing a brief retail career, she joined CSC as a full-time employee in March of 2011. Originally hired in sales, Meredith found her fit in the company was better off in Management. She was promoted to the General Manager of the Chicago office in 2018. As General Manager, she believes that a motivated workforce is the foundation of success, and actively promotes collaboration, open communication, and skill development among all employees and believes that a successful business is built on strong relationships—both with clients and team members. When not at the office, Meredith enjoys her life in Roscoe Village, downtown, with her husband Mike and son Cameron. 

PJ Carroll

Patrick J. Carroll
President

Patrick Carroll, Jr. assumed the positions as President, in 1998.

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