NCASS members talk Street Food & Independents at The Restaurant Show

This week, we brought together Amy from Dosa Deli, Ruth from Maize Blaze and Alana from KERB along with our CEO Alan and Head of Marketing, Roxy to deliver a discussion on Street Food.  

The Restaurant show is a renowned trade event and caterers to those owning, operating and working in restaurants, casual dining, hotels, pubs, bars and hospitality establishments across the UK. 

As we know, the Street Food sector has influenced what happens in the restaurant sector for many years now and many businesses have both a mobile and bricks and mortar element to their businesses, so the show was a perfect platform to share our experiences and continue to raise the profile of our sector.  

The panel reflected on the pandemic and how this shifted their plans and the path they had laid out for their businesses. For Amy, they were just about to sign on the dotted line for a restaurant before Covid-19 but are now firmly focused on Street Food and expanding their festival catering business. Ruth has done wonders with deliveries, pop-ups and fixed residencies and KERB have expanded into venues, partnering with Compass Group and have launched a CIC.  

What really struck the audience was the resilience and passion the panel held for their businesses and the sector, with no sitting space left – a packed session really got the message out that small businesses have so much to offer the wider hospitality industry.  

The discussion covered adapting, innovating, staffing, the diversity of food and the opportunities it presents not only the individuals involved but towns and cities themselves.  

With the Government placing small food businesses as a means for recovery as part of the High Streets & Hospitality strategy, there is sure to be a lot more to look out for from us. As the strategies being piloted and highlighted in local authorities across the country are put into practice we hope to see more & more opportunity for our sector and will continue to update you as these progresses, so watch this space… 

Thank you, Amy, Ruth and Alana, for being part of the panel – sharing your invaluable insights & experience. 

If you would like to take part in a panel or share your story with us, please contact [email protected]