The question to ask first
The first thing to ask any food van is: how long will it take to serve my numbers? The answer depends on the van, the number of fryers, the staff, the menu and how people arrive. A good caterer will give you an honest answer and tell you if you need a longer service or a second van.
Why menus matter
Every extra choice slows the hatch down. A short menu (cod or haddock and chips, one non-fish option, a couple of sides) keeps service quick. At a wedding or staff lunch, it also stops people dithering at the front of the queue.
Spreading people out
- Weddings: invite tables up in turn, or open the van while the band is still playing
- Staff lunches: stagger departments or shifts
- Fêtes and festivals: trade all afternoon rather than at one set time
- Parties: let guests come up as they’re ready
Pre-ordering
For workplace lunches and some private events, a simple pre-order (who wants fish, sausage or pie) helps the caterer plan and speeds up the queue. It also helps with allergies, because you know in advance who needs what.
When a second van helps
If everyone has to eat in a short window and numbers are large, two vans or two serving points may be the answer. Ask your caterer; they may work with another trader. At festivals, organisers often book several different food traders to spread the crowd.
Practical tips
- Mark where the queue should form, away from roads and doorways
- Have bins, napkins and somewhere to sit or lean
- Light the area for evening events
- Tell guests when the van opens and closes
- Keep a clear walkway past the queue
Signs your plan needs adjusting
- Everyone has to eat within a short break, and numbers are high
- The menu has lots of choices
- The van is in a corner where the queue can’t form properly
- There’s no one to tell guests the food is ready
Any of these can be fixed with a bit of planning: a longer service window, a shorter menu, a better spot or a nominated person to send tables or teams up in turn.
At weddings and parties
At weddings, ushers or bridesmaids can invite tables to the van one or two at a time. At parties, a quick announcement that the food is ready, followed by a relaxed flow, works better than everyone rushing at once. Children can go first, which keeps them happy and the queue calmer.
Quick answers
How many people can a fish and chip van serve?
It varies by van and menu. Ask your caterer how long your numbers will take.
Is pre-ordering worth it?
For workplaces and fixed-time events, yes. It speeds things up and helps with allergies.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.