Quick Summary
- Build your menu around travel-stable handhelds (sliders, wings, wraps); avoid items that degrade in transit
- Include packaging and setup labor in your base cost calculation—tailgate setups need sturdier packaging than office catering
- Separate delivery radius tiers (e.g., 0–5 miles, 5–15 miles, 15+ miles) with different pricing
- Set a firm order deadline (72 hours before game day) and charge a rush fee for same-day requests
Why This Matters
Tailgate season can drive repeat orders every weekend. But tailgate logistics are very different from office catering. Travel time, setup complexity, temperature hold equipment, and parking delays all add cost. If these are ignored, margin drops fast.
This guide shows you how to price tailgate packages so you actually profit from the volume.
At a Glance
- Build menu around travel-stable handhelds
- Include packaging and setup in base math
- Separate delivery radius tiers
- Use clear game-day order deadlines
Tailgate-Specific Cost Pressure
- Longer transport and setup windows
- Temperature-hold equipment needs
- Disposable-heavy service model
- Stadium traffic and parking delays
These costs are predictable, so include them upfront.
Tailgate Package Formula
Tailgate package price = (Food + Packaging + Labor + Travel + Equipment buffer) / Target food cost %This formula prevents underpricing on high-logistics orders.
Example: 30-Person Tailgate Package (Example Numbers)
- Sliders, wings, and sides: $430
- Sauce kits and disposables: $96
- Labor and staging: $180
- Travel and parking: $85
- Equipment/hold buffer: $54
- Total cost: $845
Target food cost: 34%
$845 / 0.34 = $2,485.29A quote near $2,490 to $2,650 usually protects execution risk.
Service Guardrails That Work
- Final menu lock 72 hours before game day
- Paid add-on for premium protein swaps
- Defined arrival window and setup scope
- Return policy for rented warmers/coolers
Great tailgate service starts with clear boundaries.
Do This Now
- List your 5 most travel-stable menu items (sliders, wings, wraps, etc.) and calculate cost per serving
- Calculate packaging cost per guest for tailgate orders (sturdier containers than office catering)
- Map your delivery radius tiers and calculate true drive time + parking time for each zone
- Set a firm order deadline (72 hours before game day) and define your rush fee
- Test your pricing on last season’s tailgate orders to see if you hit your target food cost %
Local Data Check (US)
Fall football demand can create repeat weekend opportunities. Review fuel, labor, and inflation trends before season package pricing.
Tailgates are fun when operations are planned. KitchenCost helps you price game-day packages with confidence.