A rotary carousel apparatus includes a stationary base and a central column fixed relative to the base. Rotatable first and second drive plates are positioned to rotate about a central axis of the column. At least one torque tube assembly extends between the first drive plate and at least one second drive plate and is operative for rotational movement with a rotation of the drive plates. At least one shelf is connected to the at least one torque tube assembly. A drive assembly is operatively directly or indirectly coupled to one of the first drive plate and the at least one second drive plate, such that rotation of the drive assembly causes a corresponding rotation of one of the first and second drive plates connected thereto and a rotation of the other of the first and second drive plates through the at least one torque tube assembly.