For over 70 years, San Jamar has been dedicated to bringing efficiency, cost-savings, and safety to commercial kitchens and foodservice operations. We design and manufacture high-quality, durable products that help kitchens run more smoothly while also protecting staff and customers.
Our History
San Jamar was founded in 1947 in Wisconsin by two brothers, Elmer Schroeder and Ray Schroeder. As experienced machinists, they saw a need for standardized smallwares in commercial kitchens and began creating simple, sturdy products like scoops, spatulas, and ladles. Their metal fabrication shop quickly grew as demand increased for their innovative foodservice equipment.
In the 1950s, San Jamar pioneered the first wall-mounted soap dispenser, eliminating messy bars of soap and promoting proper hand hygiene. This revolutionary product improved sanitation in countless kitchens and established San Jamar as an industry leader in foodservice safety.
Over the next few decades, San Jamar continued expanding its catalog of commercial wares, focusing on durability, affordability, and efficiency. Key innovations included the first foot-pedal waste receptacle, the first paper towel dispenser, and the unique Sani-Guide hand sink system.
Today, San Jamar offers over 2,000 products across categories like cooking, storage, safety, cleaning, and more. From can openers to thermometers, trays to bus tubs, we supply commercial kitchens with the tools and systems they need to run smoothly. Our headquarters is still located in Wisconsin, where we proudly manufacture the majority of our products.
Our Approach
At San Jamar, we take a thoughtful approach to product development. We intimately understand the fast-paced environment of a commercial kitchen and the pain points staff encounter every day. By consulting with foodservice workers, operators, and safety experts, we identify challenges that our products can solve.
Efficiency is our top priority. Our products are engineered to speed up workflow and allow staff to work quickly and safely. Easy-to-use dispensers, convenient organization tools, and simple cleaning systems reduce daily frustrations so culinary professionals can focus on food preparation and customer service.
We also prioritize cost-savings in our designs. Buying durable products that last for years, instead of flimsy versions that need constant replacement, saves operators money over time. Many of our products also directly reduce waste, electricity usage, water consumption, and labor costs.
Safety is embedded into all of our equipment. We aim to eliminate injuries and contamination by providing items like non-slip floor mats, insulated gloves, and touchless soap dispensers. Our cutting boards feature antimicrobial protection to inhibit bacteria growth. By improving safety, we help kitchens comply with health codes while also boosting staff confidence and productivity.
Our Products
Dispensing Solutions
San Jamar offers a wide selection of smart dispensing systems designed to improve hygiene, reduce waste, and enhance workflow efficiency.
- Paper towel dispensers – Our auto-cut and multi-fold paper towel dispensers deliver towels quickly while preventing waste. Units feature intuitive levers or hands-free sensor operation.
- Soap dispensers – Available in counter-mount, wall-mount and hand sink options, our soap dispensers range from manual pumps to touchless models. All provide the right soap dosage to save money.
- Glove dispensers – San Jamar glove dispensers keep different glove sizes organized and easily accessible. Open boxes invite contamination, while our dispensers protect glove integrity.
- Toilet tissue dispensers – Discreet, durable toilet tissue dispensers deliver hygienic, efficient performance in restrooms. Units include high-capacity rolls and two-roll systems.
Food Prep & Storage Solutions
Our food prep and storage solutions help kitchens stay clean, organized, and efficient. Products include:
- Cutting boards – Color-coded, NSF-certified cutting boards feature antimicrobial protection and durable materials like acetyl copolymer. Options include square boards, pan boards, and knife-friendly poly boards.
- Food pans – NSF-listed stainless steel food pans come in full, half, third, and quarter sizes. Our pans feature rolled edges and reinforced sides for durability.
- ** Bus tubs** – Available in round and rectangular shapes, our bus tubs efficiently clear tables and transport dishes. Tubs resist stains and damage while providing easy-cleaning benefits.
- Scoops – Sturdy, one-piece scoops come in sizes ideal for ingredients like flour, sugar, rice, potatoes, and more. Scoops promote proper portioning.
- Thermometers – San Jamar offers trusted thermometers like our bimetallic stem thermometers and ThermaChek® pocket thermometers for precise temperature measurement.
Cleaning & Janitorial Supplies
Maintaining cleanliness is easy with our wide selection of janitorial supplies and systems.
- Cleaning tools – Our microfiber cloths, dusters, scrapers, brooms, and mops simplify surface cleaning. Caddy and bucket combos keep supplies organized.
- Squeegees – Perfect for quickly clearing spills or cleaning behind equipment, our durable squeegees feature replaceable blades and ergonomic handles.
- Cleaning chemicals – San Jamar stocks trusted commercial cleaning compounds like degreasers, sanitizers, glass cleaners, and floor cleaners.
- Hand care – Our hand care line includes industrial hand soaps, sanitizers, and lotions that are gentle on skin while removing grime, grease, and bacteria.
Safety & Facility Products
Keeping staff safe is our top concern. We offer these reliable safety items:
- Slip-resistant mats – Waterhog mats soak up spills and provide traction to prevent slips and falls. Options are available for kitchens, bars, and other foodservice environments.
- Gloves – Our puncture-resistant gloves provide hand protection against steam, heat, and knives. We also offer disposable gloves in latex, vinyl, and polymer options.
- Floor signage – Brightly colored floor signs instantly alert staff to wet or slippery floors, promoting awareness and preventing injuries.
- First aid – Fully stocked first aid kits provide essentials like bandages, gauze, ointments, and disposable gloves for treating minor injuries.
Our Commitment to Service
At San Jamar, we don’t just sell products – we partner with our customers to fully support their operations. Our commitment to service includes:
- Knowledgeable team – Our sales associates have extensive foodservice experience and can make personalized recommendations for your needs.
- Customer training – We offer complimentary training at our headquarters to educate customers on safely implementing our systems.
- Installation services – For selected products, our team will handle professional installation and provide guidance on proper usage.
- Warranties – Most products come with a 5-year warranty when used as intended in commercial settings, giving peace of mind.
- Made in the USA – By manufacturing locally in Wisconsin, we maintain optimal quality control and quick turnaround on orders.
- Sustainability – From energy-efficient equipment to waste-reducing systems, we’re dedicated to implementing sustainable solutions.
Looking Ahead
We still refer to the wise words of our founders: “Make it work. Make it last. Make it affordable.” This simple philosophy will continue guiding us as we develop smart, durable products that help foodservice operators succeed.
Stay tuned for more innovative additions to our catalog that increase efficiency, ensure safety, and reduce costs for commercial kitchens. We remain committed to understanding the real-world challenges our customers face so the next groundbreaking solution is never far off.
At San Jamar, the future looks bright, and you can trust us to continue lighting the way!