We love all our workplace catering services equally. But to tell you the truth, we've got an extra soft spot for running pop-ups at client sites.
The pop-up experience is something we can't quite put our finger on: maybe it's the intrigue it creates, perhaps it's the chance to cook something extra special or the buzzing atmosphere. In our humble opinion, pop-ups and office mealtimes go together like quesadilla and salsa.
We realise that you might not share the same zest for on-site pop-ups as we do… yet. But there are plenty of reasons why you should consider running a pop-up street food experience from time to time.
Street food pop-ups are perfect for summer parties, Christmas celebrations, employee appreciation days and company milestones. So, while you're planning your workplace events calendar, why not talk to our team about seasonal event catering?
1. Street Food Stalls are part of London Food Culture
Serving pop-ups is a sure way to the hearts of London foodies, from your favourite market street food vendor to food trucks pulling up. Follow the Instagram accounts of London's top food and drink influencers, and you'll surely find posts that express love for street food: case in point – @ks_ate_here. The overwhelming success of Kerb and Boxpark, the London pop-up dining concepts, demonstrates that the street food and pop-up combo is bang on trend with your workforce.
2. Creates an informal and relaxed environment in the office canteen
By its very nature, street food is as casual as it gets when enjoying food with others. It’s a more impulsive way to eat. No reservations are needed – just join the line, collect and enjoy! Street food can be a bit of a performance, tempting us to eat by appealing to our senses: a vibrant food display, a dramatic show of cooking, or tantalising aromas. Bringing street food into the office canteen recreates that very same thrill.
3. It’s an inclusive way for teams to socialise at work
From our years of experience running pop-ups, we know that they have the power to make a day in the workplace feel special for employees. A great thing about celebrating with pop-ups is that they are not centred around drinking and are not exclusively evening events. This makes them an inclusive way for a company to mark a particular milestone, celebrate a special event or host their next networking event.
Want to bring your team together over great food? Our Street Food Pop-Ups are designed to create memorable shared experiences that employees genuinely look forward to.
4. A workplace full of creativity and collaboration
Ensuring that your workplace has a stimulating atmosphere will encourage your employees to think creatively and collaboratively. Rotating your employees' lunch options with street food keeps things fresh and engaging, reinforcing the sense that no two days in the office are ever quite the same.
5. Helps to sync hybrid-working teams for their ‘in-office day’
Sometimes getting teams into the office on the same day can be a bit like herding cats. We've noticed how pop-ups improve office attendance on the day, especially when it's been well promoted through internal channels.
Boost attendance during the summer months with a seasonal street food event. From BBQ-inspired menus to fresh Mediterranean flavours, a summer pop-up gives employees another reason to come into the office.
6. The way certain food types are meant to be served
Tacos, pad thai and loaded vegan hot dogs aren't meant to be served on a silver platter. Street food is best enjoyed away from the buffet in a more casual and fuss-free environment. In our opinion, pop-ups are the only way for some meals to be served.
Our seasonal pop-up menus change throughout the year, from summer tacos and loaded fries to festive Christmas specials and winter comfort food favourites. Ask us what's currently on the menu.
7. No on-site kitchen or extensive facilities required
A wonderful thing about running pop-ups at an on-site venue is how carefree they are for facilities management. All we ask of our clients is a space to set up, serve, clean up, and pack down in the hour or two before and after the event. No kitchen is needed. We don't even need washing-up facilities (we take everything home after service – like we were never there).
8. A unique and interactive experience with the chef
On a regular day at a client site, our superb front-of-house teams directly engage with our clients' employees, whilst our chefs are busy cooking at our central production kitchen. A pop-up allows for an experience where employees get to connect with the chefs who make their food. This also gives them a chance to ask any questions.
9. Pop-ups: It's not just an office lunch thing
Pop-ups can be tailored to suit whatever time of day works best for you. Need something for around 10 AM? How about a loaded pancake or a fresh smoothie stand? But what about mid-afternoon? We've got an ice cream sundae pop-up that'll hit that spot. And for events at the end of the day, we reckon your teams will love our sliders and sides. With pop-ups, the sky's the limit: there are delicious options for every hour of the day.
10. Employers can gauge the positive impact of offering free food
Maybe we're a bit biased, but since we began our contract catering operations in 2005, we have seen how a free food offering can transform an office into a more productive, social and happy space. Pop-ups are an excellent way for workplaces to test the waters for providing an on-site free food offering – without needing to commit to contracts or extra kitchen space.
If you hadn’t guessed already, we love throwing a pop-up for offices in London. We’d be happy to chat about the options we can offer you – with no expectations of commitment from your side. To get in touch, send a line over to our friendly events team: events@fooditude.co.uk
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