Catering Van

Whether you own a restaurant or a catering business, the usual process is to cook the food in your kitchen, pack it in a food warmer, load everything in the delivery vehicle, drive to the location where the guests are waiting, and then finally serve the food.

There are a lot of hassles in this process, as you may easily observe. One quick solution is to use a catering van.

Concerns that Need to be Resolved

There are a number of concerns that will need to be addressed and resolved when catering to guests. First off is keeping the food warm, or cold depending on the recipe, as you transport it from your kitchen to the specific venue where the host requested your service. Another concern is keeping the food safe while in the delivery vehicle. Another hassle comes in the form of packing and unpacking all the food and equipment.

Advantages of Using a Catering Van

Using a catering van eliminates all of the above mentioned concerns by simply bringing the kitchen closer to the venue. It’s like having a mobile kitchen where all the stuff you need for your catering business is already loaded. Cleaning up and packing all your utensils and other effects will be easier. In case the guests request something out of the ordinary, you can easily whip it up without having to run elsewhere for additional ingredients.

Renovating Used Vans

Buying a new catering van is going to be quite expensive. An alternative will be to renovate a used van so you won’t have to incur the entire expense of a new fully furnished van. An ideal used van will be one that has the door at the back. You also want one that doesn’t have that many windows. You also want one that is designed for easy access.

Working on the Used Van

You will have to take out all the seats at the back of the van. The next thing you’ll need is to install shelves and thermal boxes to be used in your catering business. You’ll also need a section to store the cold food. If space allows it, then you may want to make a section for some quick cooking.

Renting a Van

If the cost of purchasing and renovating a catering van just isn’t that practical or feasible then an option you can go for is to rent one. Doing so will spare from maintenance costs on the vehicle and you don’t have to worry about the van breaking down when you need it. This is also the best option in case you don’t own a catering business and just want food catered.

One Time Catering Service

In case you’re just looking for catering service here are a few things you should do. When you contact a restaurant or catering service, you should inform them about the specific details of the occasion. Inform them of the cater date and the address. Tell them how many people you’re expecting. You should also inform them what set up will be required like the types of tables, chairs, and other equipment that you’ll need.

Renting Tips

In case you’re the restaurant or catering service owner here are a few tips on renting a catering van. Be sure to inquire about vehicle insurance available for the van. You may also want to call your insurance company to check if you’re still covered while using the rented vehicle. Check several rental stores both in your vicinity, by phone, or through the Internet. Compare prices and other offers they may provide. Book several catering jobs in consecutive days and rent the van for the number of days you’ll be out working on the orders.