A "mobile canteen" (or online canteen) refers to various catering services for employees that are independent of a permanent company canteen . The specific functionality depends on the type of canteen and the provider. In this article, we introduce the most common options and explain how heykantine! works as an example of a mobile canteen.

When does a mobile canteen make sense?

Mobile canteens can be used as a replacement for a company canteen , for example, when premises are being renovated or the canteen has to close temporarily for other reasons. The mobile canteen ensures that employees continue to receive fresh meals on workdays.

A mobile canteen is also suitable as a permanent solution: for example, for companies that are too small to justify a company canteen (a canteen is only worthwhile from a certain number of employees). Even if the appropriate space or connections are not available to set up a canteen, a mobile canteen is a great alternative.

What options are available for a mobile canteen?

The mobile canteen on wheels

A mobile canteen can be a specialized vehicle used to bring food to the company at lunchtime. This is usually a food truck or a specially equipped delivery van that drives to the company site or event to serve the team and/or guests on-site.

And this is how it works:

Equipment

A mobile canteen vehicle is equipped with a small kitchen. It includes cooking and cooling facilities, a water source, and often some form of counter or service window. The equipment varies depending on the type of food and drinks offered.

Menu

The menu often includes hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks. Some mobile canteens only offer simple meals like sandwiches and salads, while others provide a wider selection, including hot dishes.

Locations and times

The mobile canteen often has fixed locations that it visits regularly. For example, it might arrive at a construction site every day at lunchtime or stop at different companies several days a week. Operators usually announce the times and locations so that customers know when and where they can use the service.

Operations

The operators of a mobile canteen handle the purchasing, preparation, and sale of the food. In many cases, the mobile canteen is a small business or is run by catering providers who also operate a fixed establishment, such as a restaurant or catering service.

Pros and cons

One advantage of this type of canteen is that it generally has its own kitchen on board, meaning all meals are prepared directly on-site. This type of catering is particularly popular for events. Food trucks can also be part of the program at events.

A disadvantage is that the vehicle requires space and employees must go there to pick up their meals. If there is no company courtyard available, or if the weather is cold or rainy, it is more comfortable to have meals delivered directly to the office. Furthermore, a mobile canteen on wheels is only cost-effective once a certain number of employees or meals are being served.

The mobile canteen with online ordering

A mobile canteen can also be a regular catering service for companies that delivers directly to the office. Unlike the catering you are likely familiar with, a mobile canteen focuses on regular deliveries at specific times, for example, every day or several times a week during lunch hours. The meals are prepared and delivered by caterers who specialize in these types of orders.

How the online canteen works:

Ordering

Employees use an app or platform to select the meals they want from a weekly menu. Alternatively, a designated team member can place an order for everyone who wants a lunch dish delivered. Orders can be managed in an account and placed a certain number of days in advance.

Menu

Mobile canteens are generally operated by catering providers or work in partnership with them, so the menu depends on what these caterers offer. Caterers usually have a selection of different main courses, starters, and desserts, and many offer options for specific allergies or dietary preferences (vegan, halal, gluten-free, etc.). The menu changes just like in a traditional canteen and can be viewed online.

Delivery times

Mobile canteen meals are delivered directly to the office, with the time selected during the ordering process. The available delivery windows or times depend on the respective providers. Just like with a food delivery order, you know in advance when the dishes will arrive, allowing the team to plan their lunch break accordingly.

Flexibility

A mobile canteen also allows for orders for smaller teams, whereas mobile canteens on wheels are generally only cost-effective for a certain number of employees. The number of meals ordered can be flexibly adjusted, even during holiday or sick leave periods when fewer people are in the office.

Pros and cons

Mobile canteens with online ordering that deliver directly to the office are a more flexible solution than the mobile vehicle version, as they are cost-effective for teams of various sizes. They do not require space on-site, and the team receives their meals and can eat lunch together in the break room or on the office rooftop terrace. Completely independent of the weather.

For events, a mobile canteen or food truck can be a better solution, staying on-site for several hours to serve meals to your team. A food truck is a real eye-catcher, especially when the event factor is a priority. Ultimately, the solution you choose depends on the local conditions and the occasion.

Have you heard of heykantine!, the mobile canteen from heycater?

Did you know that you can use heycater! for more than just ordering catering for events or offices? With heykantine!, we offer a flexible mobile canteen solution for your team. Employees choose and order their own meals, which are then delivered directly to you at the requested time. Employer meal subsidies are also possible. Interested? Let’s schedule a consultation to discuss your questions and find the perfect solution.