Get in touch to secure your location catering. Call 01869 345204 or 07888 688275

Why Your OB Success Hinges on Smart Catering and Budget Choices

Outside broadcasts (OB) have become an essential part of today’s media landscape, from live news coverage and sports events to music festivals and reality shows. To deliver the seamless content that viewers want, each OB operation requires just the right mix of technical expertise, creative vision, and logistical precision. One often-overlooked but critical component in this is location catering. Selecting the right catering company is not just about feeding your crew; it’s about providing the right food that can directly affect morale, performance, and the overall success of your broadcast while staying within budget.

The Unique Demands of OB Catering

Catering for an outside broadcast is fundamentally different from conventional event catering. OBs can take place at temporary locations that might lack basic kitchen facilities, such as running water and reliable power. Catering teams working on OBs must be adaptable, resourceful, and experienced in handling these challenges. The catering company you choose must understand the unique environment of OB work, including fluctuating crew numbers and unpredictable schedules, as well as the need for quick service and menu flexibility.

Supporting Crew Morale and Productivity

An OB crew can work long, irregular hours in demanding conditions. Whether it’s a single- or multi-day sports broadcast that runs from early morning to late at night, or a concert feed, there is more to catering than just sustenance – it needs to provide comfort and energy, too. High-quality catering improves morale, boosts energy levels, and helps maintain focus, while poor or inadequate catering can lead to dissatisfaction, low productivity, and even increased turnover among crew members.

The right catering partner will anticipate crew needs, offering nutritious, tasty meals and snacks that cater to dietary requirements and preferences. They’ll also provide flexibility—able to serve breakfast before sunrise or hot drinks during a midnight setup, all while keeping the crew’s spirits high and ready for the next segment.

Logistics: Why Experience Matters

The best catering companies for outside broadcasts have experience in mobile setups. We bring a fully kitted-out mobile kitchen, a refrigerated trailer, and a support vehicle, and we can also work with production teams to ensure power and water are in the right place at the right time. We also understand the importance of punctuality—crew meals must align with production schedules, and delays can disrupt not only mealtimes but also the overall OB workflow. As a company with OB experience, we will also be prepared for last-minute changes, such as an unexpected increase in crew size or shifting mealtimes due to programming changes.

Choosing a catering company with proven OB experience ensures smoother operations, fewer headaches, and a more professional broadcast from start to finish.

Budget: Balancing Cost and Quality

Budget management is a driving factor in every production, and outside broadcasting is no exception. Catering is a significant line item, and the temptation to cut corners is strong. However, experience shows that the cheapest option is rarely the best. It’s essential to strike a balance between cost and quality, which is why a reputable OB catering company will help you optimise spend by offering package deals, scalable menus, and transparent pricing. We’ll work with you to design a menu that fits your budget without sacrificing food quality or service standards.

Failure to invest adequately in catering can have hidden costs—lower crew morale, wasted time, and even health risks from poor food hygiene. On the other hand, overspending can strain the overall OB budget, reducing resources available for technical and creative needs. We know that the key to making the process work is open communication, and our team at the office is here to ensure it does. We want to know about your budget constraints and expectations, providing value for money and no surprises on the invoice.

Menu Planning: Health, Safety, and Diversity

Outside broadcast crews are often diverse, with varying dietary needs and preferences. We offer menu options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies—and we are well-versed with different dietary preferences, including those designed to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact. Food safety is paramount; meals must be prepared, stored, and served under strict hygiene standards, especially in outdoor or remote locations. We have protocols in place for safe food handling, regardless of location or conditions.

In addition, offering a range of healthy, energising options can help the crew perform at their best, reducing the risk of fatigue and illness during long OB days.

The Role of Catering in Branding and Client Perceptions

The catering company you choose is not just a backstage supplier—it’s often visible to talent, clients, and even the public. Quality catering conveys your commitment to professionalism and your team’s well-being. For high-profile OBs, such as sports finals or major entertainment events, VIP areas may require premium catering, including well-decorated canteen areas and extra food options. The right catering partner will help you impress both talent and stakeholders, contributing to a positive reputation and repeat business.

Checklist: Choosing the Right OB Catering Company

• OB Experience: Does the caterer have proven success in outside broadcasts?
• Adaptability: Can they handle remote, outdoor, or unpredictable locations?
• Menu Flexibility: Are dietary needs and preferences accommodated?
• Logistics: Can they deliver on time and adapt to schedule changes?
• Food Safety: Are hygiene standards and health regulations met?
• Budget Alignment: Do their pricing and packages fit your financial plan?
• Reputation: Do other OB professionals recommend them?

Outside broadcasts are high-pressure, high-stakes operations where every detail matters. Catering may seem like a supporting player, but the right company can make or break your OB’s success. From supporting crew morale and health to ensuring smooth logistics and budget control, the importance of choosing the right catering company cannot be overstated. By prioritising OB experience, flexibility, menu diversity, and cost management, production teams can ensure their outside broadcasts run smoothly—fueling great content and satisfied crews every time.

Remember: for your next OB, make catering a priority, and choose Rose Catering to understand your unique needs.