Who doesn't love grabbing some fresh, hot food from a convenient food van? Well, your customers might not when the weather takes a turn.
Unfortunately, the nature of mobile catering means that you’re often at the mercy of the elements. You’ll see customers lining up eagerly on warm and sunny days, but rain, wind, or excessive heat are certain deterrents. It’s really up to chance how much business you’ll get on any set day, and a bad spell of weather can cause your profits to take a major hit.
Luckily, you don’t have to cut your losses when the weather turns sour. By thinking ahead and being proactive, you can create a sheltered space whenever needed. Your customers can buy from you and enjoy their meals in comfort, without battling the elements or worrying about soggy food. Not only will this keep them coming back, but it’ll also attract more business and ultimately boost your revenue.
Broadview are the UK’s leading suppliers of bespoke shading solutions. Below, we’ve explored three steps you can take to create a sheltered area for your catering van. Let's dive right in!
1. Invest in an awning
- Opt for a wider cassette so you can place tables and chairs underneath.
- Diners appreciate a dry seat, especially where public benches are scarce.
Awnings have long been a staple of catering vans, and for good reason! Thanks to their simple roll-out design, awnings can provide a fully sheltered space in minutes. Their versatility and ease of use, whether through manual or motorised control, make them the perfect choice for creating a sheltered environment.
Choosing a larger awning lets you go a step further. You can set up tables and chairs underneath, allowing your customers to enjoy their meals in a safe and dry space. This is an especially big draw in areas where public seating is limited, and will help your catering van stand out and outshine any nearby competitors.
At Broadview, we design and manufacture bespoke awnings for catering vans of all shapes and sizes. Made from waterproof, UV-resistant materials that are strong enough to withstand even the worst of British weather, you can rely on our awnings to protect your customers from whatever the elements have to offer.
2. Upgrade to side panels
- Turn the space into a weather-tight “mini dining hall,” blocking cross-winds and sideways rain.
- Print your branding on the fabric so every meal serves as a marketing moment.
As useful as awnings are, they don’t offer much protection from side winds or horizontal rain. The solution? Upgrade to side panels!
By incorporating side panels, you can transform your awning into a fully sheltered enclosure right beside your van. Side panels will act as a waterproof barrier, effectively blocking wind and rain from slipping under your awning and disturbing your customers. The result is a cosy mini-dining hall where your customers can relax and enjoy their time.
All of Broadview’s awnings come with the option of side panels. Not only can they be set up and attached to your awning within minutes, but they can even be printed with your company’s branding (as can your awning)! This will allow you to boost your brand identity and promote your business whenever you go. Just look at how the side panels we created for a local BBQ company turned out!
3. Add proper lighting
- Integrated LED strips in the awning arms give bright, even coverage.
- A string of fairy bulbs or ground-level garden lights adds warmth and character.
It’s not just the weather scaring your customers away; the time of day can have a big impact too. No one likes eating in the dark, after all!
You can avoid this by making sure the lighting around your van is both functional and inviting to your customers. Think beyond just the lights inside; add some charm by setting up garden lights near the ground, or hang fairy lights along the counter for an extra fun touch. Your customers will absolutely love it, especially during those early dark winter evenings.
At Broadview, we give you the option to integrate LED lighting strips into the arms of your awning. They provide a simple and convenient way of boosting the lighting around your van, without the hassle of setting up standalone fixtures — just unroll your awning, flip the switch, and you’re good to go!
Talk to the catering van awning specialists
Since 1969, Broadview have been the trusted supplier of high-quality vehicle awnings in the UK. Our awnings are renowned for their durability and modern aesthetics, and they’re flexible enough to provide a large, comfortable outdoor area for any event you can think of. Whether you're setting up a small stand at a food festival or catering to a large crowd of partygoers, you can count on our awnings to provide a sheltered space your customers will truly appreciate.
Get a quote online or call us on 01202 679012 today!
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