Ice Cream Carts and Special Events: Everything You Need to Know
Did you know that it was once illegal to sell ice cream sodas on Sundays?
Many things have changed during the last few hundred years. Ice cream is now one of the world’s most popular desserts that bring people together. And ice cream carts are a great way for vendors to sell ice cream on the go.
They are also a great option for anyone looking to start an ice cream business, or for established ice cream shops looking to expand their offerings.
To help you understand the benefits of renting an ice cream cart for your gatherings, we have put together a guide. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
What Are the Best Types of Events for Ice Cream Carts?
Some events are better for sharing ice cream than others. Here are several types of events that are ideal for ice cream catering.
Corporate events
Many companies hire ice cream carts for employee appreciation days, summer picnics, or other corporate events. This is a perfect way to make your corporate events more family-friendly.
Themed Events with Family And Friends
An ice cream cart is also a great addition to events with specific themes, such as a beach party, carnival, or even a wedding.
Event themes can be a fun way to create an interactive and memorable experience for guests, while also providing them with a sweet treat.
Summer Neighborhood Gatherings
Summer is the most common time for ice cream carts. The warm weather makes ice cream an even more desirable treat, and people are more likely to be out and about, enjoying the sunshine.
Children’s Birthday Parties
It is no secret that children love ice cream. This is why you should consider renting ice cream carts for birthday parties, school events, and sporting events.
Fundraisers
Many organizations opt for ice cream carts as a way to raise money for their cause. They understand that sweet treats are a great way to generate some additional funds for a good cause.
Ice Cream Catering: How Much It Costs
The cost of ice cream catering can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. This might include the type of ice cream being served, the size of the event, and the location.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $4 per serving for basic ice cream catering. This would include a variety of ice cream flavors, cups, and spoons.
But some events may have higher costs associated with them, such as hiring a specialized ice cream cart or hiring a team of servers to scoop and serve the ice cream.
For more elaborate ice cream catering events, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1000.
If you add services such as ice cream toppings, unique flavors, decorations, tables, and chairs, this will increase the costs as well.
It’s also important to consider what kinds of guests you will be inviting. If it is a formal event, you might want to consider including premium flavors.
Try to get quotes from different ice cream catering companies in your area and compare prices and services.
Tips for Holding Ice Cream Socials
Holding an ice cream social is a fun and easy way to bring people together and enjoy delicious ice cream. Here are a few steps to help you plan and organize your event.
Set a Date and Location
Choose a date and location that works well for your guests. Consider the weather and whether you want the event to be held indoors or outdoors.
Invite Guests
Create an invite list and send out invitations. You can do this through email, social media, or by mailing out physical invitations. Be sure to include the date, time, location, and any other important details about the event.
Plan the Menu
Decide on the types of ice cream, toppings, and other desserts you want to serve. Consider offering a variety of flavors and options to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
Find the Right Ice Cream
You can either make the ice cream yourself, purchase it from a local ice cream shop, or hire a catering service. Be sure to order enough ice cream and supplies to serve all of your guests.
Decorations
Create a festive atmosphere with decorations such as streamers, balloons, tablecloths, and anything that you like. If it’s an outdoor event, you might consider parasols or umbrellas for shading.
Serve the Ice Cream
Have a dedicated table or station to set up the ice cream and toppings. Set up the table with bowls, spoons, napkins, and all the toppings. Have someone responsible for scooping and serving the ice cream to guests.
Enjoy Yourself
Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself and have fun with your guests. You can also plan some activities like games or music to keep guests entertained as they enjoy their ice cream.
Creating an Ice Cream Menu
It can be difficult to create an ice cream menu because there are so many flavors to choose from. This is why it is a good idea to ask your guests what flavors they prefer.
And try not to choose more than 10 flavors period if you choose too many flavors comma people might feel overwhelmed.
Choose the Right Sauces and Toppings
When planning an ice cream social, it is a good idea to find exciting toppings and sauces to go with your ice cream. By doing this, you will turn a basic bowl of ice cream into a truly delicious and memorable treat.
You will first need to consider what kinds of ice cream flavors you will be serving. You’ll also need to choose toppings and sauces that complement these flavors instead of overpowering them.
Classic toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, and sprinkles are always a hit. You can pair these toppings with a range of different ice cream flavors.
If you’ll be serving artisanal flavors such as lavender honey or matcha green tea, you may want to choose toppings and sauces that are a bit more unusual.
For example, a lavender honey ice cream could be paired with honeycomb candy. And a matcha green tea ice cream might be complemented by a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.
You will also need to take into account your guests’ dietary restrictions. This is why you should consider offering non-dairy or gluten-free options for people with allergies and intolerances.
Lastly, try to include several low-sugar ice cream options such as strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, or even nuts such as almonds and pecans.
Professional Catering Vs. Homemade Ice Cream
Some people choose to serve homemade ice cream at their ice cream socials. Others prefer to hire professional catering companies to provide the desserts. Both options have their own pros and cons.
Serving homemade ice cream can be a great way to personalize the event and give it a homemade touch. It also allows for more control over the ingredients used.
But keep in mind that making homemade ice cream can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially if you’re preparing a large quantity for a big event.
There’s also the risk that the ice cream may not be as consistent in texture or flavor as commercially made ice cream. On the other hand, hiring a professional catering company can take the stress out of dessert preparation.
Professional catering companies have the experience, equipment, and staff to make large quantities of ice cream quickly and consistently. They also have a variety of options and flavors to choose from.
The main downside of hiring a professional catering company is that you might need to spend a lot of money.
Choosing the Right Ice Cream Quantities
Deciding on the quantity of ice cream to bring to your event or gathering can be a bit tricky. But there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you make the right decision.
First, consider the number of guests you will be serving. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 cup of ice cream per person.
So, if you’re expecting 50 guests, you’ll want to have at least 25 cups of ice cream on hand. But some guests will want more than one serving. This is why it’s always better to have a little extra instead of not enough.
Next, think about the type of event you’re having. If it’s a casual gathering, like a backyard BBQ, you can probably get away with having less ice cream on hand.
If it’s a more formal event, like a wedding or special occasion, you’ll want to have more ice cream available. This will ensure that guests can enjoy seconds or even thirds if they’d like.
Lastly, consider the temperature of the event. If it’s a hot summer day, you will probably want to have more ice cream available.
Ice Cream Carts: Understand the Benefits
If you plan on organizing a gathering, it is a great idea to rent ice cream carts. Not only is this a great way to bring people together. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy unique ice cream flavors.
Are you interested in learning more about how to organize a great event? If so, make sure to check out the Entertainment section of our website.
