System and method for assembling trays and food on trays

A method and layout for loading food and beverages onto a plurality of trays. The method includes, for each tray in the plurality of trays, performing tray-loading method that includes the steps of selecting a tray from the plurality of trays; and loading the tray with food and beverages, to form an individual, customized tray. Each step in the tray loading method is performed at a different station in a plurality of stations. A path of travel extends alongside the plurality of stations. The first step in the tray-loading method is executed at a starting point in the plurality of stations. The path of travel includes a starting point adjoining the first station. The last step in the tray-loading method is executed at a last station in the plurality of stations. The path of travel includes an end point adjoining the last station. The end point and the starting point in the path of travel are adjacent such that an operator can quickly move from performing the last step of the tray-loading method on a tray at the last station to perform in the first step of the tray-loading method on the next tray at the first station.