Feeding a crowd at a football match, music festival, or street fair takes more than good food; youneed a clear plan, the right people, and a setup that can move fast while keeping quality high. If you are preparing for a large service, here is how to get your kitchen ready so everything runs smoothly on the day and how to keep your supply chain strong from prep to pack-up.
1. Know what your kitchen can handle
Start by checking your current setup.
Think about:
- How many meals you can produce each hour
- How many staff you will need per shift
- Whether your equipment is up to the task
- If you have enough storage for ingredients and prepped food
Use your busiest trading days as a guide. This will help you spot any gaps and plan accordingly. A clear view of your kitchen supply chain also helps you forecast stock and staffing more accurately.
2. Upgrade what you can
If you are expecting a rush, make sure your gear can cope.
You might need:
- Larger ovens or grills
- Commercial mixers and slicers
- Walk-in fridges or freezers
- Mobile prep tables or warmers for off-site use
- Automated fryers or rice cookers
Smooth kitchen operations support a strong kitchen supply chain. Regular maintenance can prevent delays during service.
3. Set up for speed
Keep your kitchen workflow simple and easy to repeat.
You can:
- Prep key items like proteins and sauces in bulk
- Portion ingredients ahead of time
- Use the same items across different dishes
- Create separate stations for each task
- Stagger prep shifts to avoid crowding
- Use checklists and diagrams so everyone stays on track
Efficient prep routines help streamline the supply chain for your kitchen, keeping everything on track from the first chop to final pack.
4. Get the right staff in
Larger events usually mean more hands. Hire early and give new team members proper training. Assign leaders to each station and keep things clearly labelled. A bit of preparation here can prevent problems later.
5. Tighten up your supply chain
Stock management is key, especially for short prep times or off-site cooking.
Good habits include:
- Using software to track stock levels
- Setting reorder points to avoid last-minute runs
- Forecasting based on past events
- Ordering in bulk where it makes sense
- Following FIFO (first in, first out) with expiry dates
A reliable kitchen supply chain means knowing where everything is, when it is needed, and how much to order.
6. Keep the menu simple
Too many options only slow things down.
Focus on:
- Quick, reliable sellers like sliders or rice bowls
- Set meals to make ordering easy
- Fewer customisations
- Food that is easy to eat while walking around
Stick to items that are fast to prepare and do not add pressure to your supply chain during kitchen service.
7. Use the right tools
Tech can help keep your team organised and reduce mistakes.
Useful tools include:
- POS systems to track sales in real time
- Kitchen display screens instead of paper dockets
- QR code menus for faster ordering
- Shift planning tools for better team management
Digital tools also help you manage the supply chain in your kitchen more effectively.
8. Work with event organisers
Check the event details early on.
Ask about:
- Crowd numbers and peak times
- Access to power, water and waste
- Set up rules and service restrictions
- Entry for your staff and deliveries
The more you know upfront, the easier it is to prepare an efficient supply chain for your kitchen and avoid last-minute hiccups.
9. Let people know you will be there
Build buzz before the event:
- Share your schedule online
- Highlight special menu items
- Offer giveaways or discounts
- Use location-based ads or QR codes
Afterwards, post photos and thank your customers. Invite them to order again or visit your usual spot.
10. Review what happened
Once it is over, take time to:
- Review sales and busy periods
- Get team feedback
- Identify slow points or errors
- Adjust your process before the next one
This also helps fine-tune your supply chain so you are better prepared next time.
Find the right kitchen partner
Need a space that grows with your business? ChefCollective offers flexible, ready-to-go commercial kitchens in Brisbane and Melbourne — perfect for delivery, production, or catering. Our spaces are built to support an efficient supply chain with on-site storage, utilities and 24/7 access. With everything you need to get started, it has never been easier to scale up. Book a tour today.
