Member Article

Mobile caterer transforms into Drive-thru

A mobile caterer whose livelihood was ruined during the pandemic has invested in an all new drive-thru experience, Big Phillies at Green Cross Lane.

The owner, Chantelle Davis restructured her business which had served customers across the UK at festivals and events for more than 10 years.

Festival goers enjoyed her good mood street food, but following the cancellation of all events and, as a business with no fixed premises, government funding eluded Chantelle.

Similar catering companies have all watched their businesses slip through the Covid-19 funding gaps. In this case, Leeds City Council refused grant funding twice.

Instead of throwing in the towel Chantelle has switched the business to make it fit for current restrictions and the concept at Big Phillies is proving popular.

She says: “Over the last 10 years my mobile catering business has taken me all over the UK. “In March our bookings were full through to November but obviously due to Covid, everything has been cancelled.

“At first I felt destitute, but I had to keep the business going and create work for my team. We looked at premises around Leeds, initially, just to use as storage for our mobile units, but when we found Cross Green Lane Industrial Estate, we saw the potential for a drive-thru and Big Phillies became a reality when the bank agreed to support us.

“At our peak we’ve had up to 19 casual staff working across 5 mobile units cooking up; Philly Cheese, Simply Caribbean, Ribs of Fire, Greek Street and Loaded Donuts. As these have all been so popular in the past, the menu for Big Phillies includes a combination of these which will alternate periodically. “Customers pre-order and pay online, drive to the location to collect their order whilst remaining in the car.

“We are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone – the wellbeing of our customers and staff remains our number one priority, so we have a slick operation that works really well from a business point of view.

“Customer feedback is amazing, after such a difficult year it’s great to know that all is not lost and in fact, could be even better than before.”

“Plans into next summer include menu take-overs, teaming up with other street food traders to expand on the concept further.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jess Clark .