Catering Van

Anyone who manages a restaurant will know that catering is part and parcel of the business. A van can help you with this task. Renting can be much cheaper than buying a van, especially if you do catering only once in a while.

How to Rent a Catering Van

Step 1

Figure out how large the catering job is. If it requires large non-foldable tables, plenty of food and supplies, you need a big van. A smaller catering job with folding tables (or no tables at all) will require a smaller van.

Step 2

Get in touch with the catering service as soon as possible. Large restaurants may offer this service, so call them. Inform them of the food and supply you must cater and the date. They will be able to determine how big a van you will need. You can also find these vans at various rental stores.

Step 3

Speak with your insurance company. Ask if you will be covered if using the vehicle. The answer will depend on the company’s policy.

Step 4

It’s best to rent the catering van for a couple of days, especially if it’s a big occasion. If the event is set in the morning, the van should be ready the night before.

How to Remodel a Van for Use in Catering

Step 1

If you do not have a van, look for a used van online. These are available at auction sites at very reasonable prices. Find a van with as few windows as possible.

Also look for those with few steps and as simple a design as possible. You want a van that will make transportation of supplies as easy as possible. A good choice is a van with a door at the back.

Make sure to test the van, especially if it is secondhand. It must also be of an adequate size.

Step 2

Remove all the seats except the two out front. You can keep some of the grommets that fasten the seats in place. You may need them to secure your supplies. Or you can put in new flooring. The new flooring can be installed from the back of the van.

Step 3

Determine the size of the build shelves and serving dishes on a side of the van. Connect the shelves to the van wall. Use metal screws and clamps. Put some detachable brackets onto the shelves to keep the dishes in place.

Step 4

Put in a couple of thermal boxes with shelves on the van’s other interior side. This is where you will put in the cold and hot food. The boxes need to be made from heavy insulated plastic or Styrofoam. These have to be anchored and be able to slide in and out of the van.

Catering food can be a profitable business, and using a catering van can make this task easier to do. Renting vans is ideal for the occasional order, but if you take cater orders regularly, you can convert a van for the task.