Pop Up cafes, restaurants and other catering concepts are sprouting like mushrooms in the Netherlands. Often fueled by the trend that has blown over from neighboring countries in combination with the large vacancy rate in our country and the creative partnerships between various catering entrepreneurs.
What is Pop Up catering?
Pop Up catering is a phenomenon that has been around for a long time in countries such as England, the United States, Cuba and Australia. It is a concept where catering temporarily pops up at a location. The Pop Up catering is often used as a marketing tool for catering businesses and/or young professionals, such as cooks. Vacancy or a fun campaign for a good cause can also be a reason to use a location temporarily. Pop Up catering companies usually remain in existence for a short time, varying from a few weeks or months to a few years after which the company is moved to a new location or is closed, often using innovative interiors consisting entirely of 2e manual devices or new inventories that are movable and collapsible.
Rules
Starting a Pop Up catering concept requires the necessary customization, matters such as the location, the duration and whether alcoholic beverages are provided are reviewed. In the first instance, the zoning plan will always have to be tested. In order to operate a catering business, a pop-up catering industry must comply with the same laws and regulations as regular catering companies, because there is no standard exception here because something is temporary. When making an application, check the General Local Regulation (APV), the Licensing and Catering Act (DHW) (if alcoholic beverages are provided), any test under the Bibob Act, but also environmental legislation and regulations regarding the use of a location such as fire safety requirements.
The temporary nature of Pop Up catering concepts (sometimes for charities) that are quickly devised therefore makes them very complex, because locations must meet the applicable design requirements. In accordance with current legislation and regulations, Pop Up catering must meet the regular requirements for catering companies. This may mean additional costs that may make the concept unfeasible. In addition, permit granting processes are subject to deadlines, and that time is often no longer available, because people take the idea to the municipality too late.
Municipality on the move
More and more municipalities are currently relaxing their catering policy regarding opening hours, displays, terraces and regulations for temporary business operations in vacant buildings, so as to keep up with the new Pop Up times, making the catering industry and remain an innovative sector. Perhaps you feel and taste the new Pop Up challenge?.
