If you're running an outdoor restaurant or catering business, you know that serving food outdoors comes with unique obstacles. From blazing temps and limited access to running water or refrigeration, keeping food temps safe and sanitary standards up to code can be a challenge. But with the right gear and planning, you can serve confidently no matter what the setting.
In this post, we’re breaking down a few must-have products that help your keep food safe and fresh—even on the hottest days- to keep you operating efficiently and your guests happy.
1. Sliding Lid Ice Caddies
Keeping ice frozen and drinks cold at outdoor events can be tough—most coolers melt your ice in just a few hours, leaving you with warm drinks and the hassle of refilling your ice, and a watery mess.
Cambro’s ice caddies are built to solve that. They’re designed to keep ice frozen for days (yes, days), thanks to thick foam insulation and a smart design with a recessed well and drain shelf. From morning setups to late-night wrap-ups, your ice and beverages stay cold and ready.
2. Insulated Food Transport Carriers
If you need to keep cold food cold during transport, insulated carriers like the Cam GoBox® and Ultra Pan Carrier are your go-to solutions. They're built with tough, reliable materials that hold up in the heat while keeping your food perfectly chilled. Bakers especially love the front-loading GoBox—it's a favorite for safely delivering delicate cakes all year round.
Pro tip: Want to keep things extra cold? Pop your Cambro carrier in the walk-in cooler before loading it up and add a Camchiller® after packing your food. It’s a simple step that really boosts temperature retention during delivery or service.
3. ColdFest® Pans and Rounds
Serving things like creamer, salad dressing, or condiments outside? ColdFest Pans and ColdFest Rounds are game changers. Just freeze them overnight, and they’ll keep your food cold for hours—no ice needed. Thanks to a non-toxic refrigerant gel inside, these containers can hold the chill for 6 to 8 hours, depending on the size. Super handy and hassle-free!
4. Camtainer®
When you’re serving cold beverages like water, iced tea or lemonade outdoors on a hot day, you need a reliable container to keep them cold and refreshing, not lukewarm-That’s where the Camtainer comes in. It’s built to hold temperatures (hot or cold) for at least 4 hours, so your guests stay happy and hydrated. Plus, it's made from tough, durable plastic that can handle whatever the day (or your guests) throws at it.
5. Handwashing Stations
Health codes require a handwash station wherever food is being prepped in many states. But even if it’s not mandatory in your area, having a visible handwashing setup shows your customers that you take food safety seriously. Cambro has you covered with durable, high-quality handwash stations that fit a range of budgets—so you can stay compliant and build trust at the same time.
- Handwash Station: For a quick, easy and super affordable handwashing setup, pair a Camtainer with the Handwash Accessory and you’re good to go. It’s lightweight, fits in any vehicle, and is easy for anyone to carry. Perfect for pop-ups, food trucks, or events on the move.
- Mobile Handwash Station: If you need something a bit more heavy-duty, The Mobile Handwash Station gives you around 200 washes per tank—no plumbing or electricity required. It’s touchless, with a foot pump to get the water flowing and two automatic soap dispensers for a sanitary experience.
- The CamKiosk Hand Sink Cart: The CamKiosk Hand Sink Cart is a great fit for catering events at outdoor venues or hotels. It comes with two stainless steel sinks, twin 5-gallon fresh water tanks, two 7.5-gallon waste bins, a soap dispenser, and a paper towel roll. Just plug it into a standard 110V outlet, and you’ve got hot or cold water ready for up to 70 hand washings.
