Chill-retention food service tray

A chill-retention service tray capable of keeping its contents chilled for an extended time in a warm environment, comprising:

• a bottom tray member including a bottom panel of given size and configuration, a bottom rim wall projecting upwardly from the periphery of the bottom panel, and at least one stiffening rib projecting upwardly to a predetermined level above a medial portion of the bottom panel;
• a top tray member interfitting with and affixed to the bottom tray member, the top tray member including a service support panel positioned immediately above the top of the stiffening rib, a top rim wall projecting upwardly above the service panel and engaging the bottom rim wall around the periphery of the two panels, and an internal hollow wall, of closed configuration, projecting upwardly above the service panel;
• the top and bottom tray members defining a main gel chamber, between them;
• and a chilling gel filling the main gel chamber, the chilling gel having a high heat of fusion and a viscosity high enough to limit the gel sloshing about in the service tray when warm, yet liquid enough to be poured into the gel chamber.