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Booking, truck access, weather, equipment, service area, and day-of logistics.
Booking & availability
6How far in advance should I book Paddy Wagon?+
We recommend reaching out as soon as you know your date, location, and approximate guest count. Popular graduation weekends, wedding dates, corporate lunch periods, and major Central Ohio event dates can book months in advance, although short-notice openings are sometimes available.
Direct linkWhat happens if I cancel or need to reschedule?+
Contact us as soon as possible. Cancellation, payment, and rescheduling terms are governed by the proposal or catering agreement, and any new date remains subject to availability.
Direct linkHow accurate is the website’s Availability Outlook?+
The outlook is a planning tool based on a rolling 90-day snapshot of Paddy Wagon’s current operational schedule, refreshed twice weekly. It uses qualitative statuses such as Strong Outlook, Moderate Demand, and High Demand without disclosing fleet counts or private event information.
Direct linkDoes my venue need to approve the food truck before I book?+
Yes. The host should confirm that the venue permits food trucks and approve the parking and service location. Public streets, municipal property, parks, campuses, and certain venues may require additional approvals or permits.
Direct linkDoes checking availability or receiving an estimate reserve my date?+
No. The Availability Outlook and Smart Pricing Estimator are planning tools only. A date is reserved only after Paddy Wagon verifies availability and viability, confirms the booking in writing, and any required agreement or payment steps are completed.
Direct linkWhat happens if the event schedule is running late when the truck arrives?+
Contact Paddy Wagon as soon as possible. We will try to adjust when the crew’s schedule allows, but a delayed start does not automatically extend the contracted service window. Additional time may require approval and an added charge.
Direct linkTruck access & site logistics
10What type of surface can the food truck park on?+
The truck should be placed on a firm, level, vehicle-accessible surface such as pavement, concrete, or compacted gravel. Grass and other soft surfaces require advance approval and may not be usable after rain or when ground conditions could trap or damage the truck.
Direct linkWhat access and clearance does the truck need?+
Our trucks are approximately 28 feet long, or about two standard passenger vehicles parked end-to-end. We also need a clear vehicle route, adequate turning room, level parking, overhead clearance, space on the service side, and a safe area for the guest line. Photographs or a site map may be requested before confirming the final position.
Direct linkCan you serve an indoor event while the truck remains outside?+
Yes. Guests may order outside and carry their meals inside, or we may recommend staffed-table or drop-off catering when the event layout makes truck-window service inconvenient.
Direct linkCan Paddy Wagon provide another format if the truck cannot access the venue?+
Yes. Staffed table catering or drop-off service may be available when truck access, venue rules, guest accessibility, or indoor service requirements make a truck impractical.
Direct linkDo your trucks require access to power or water?+
No—our food trucks are fully self-contained, including onboard power and water systems.
Direct linkWhat does the event organizer or venue need to provide?+
The organizer normally provides an approved parking location, clear access, an on-site contact, accurate service times, and a safe guest-queuing area. Any event-specific electrical, water, parking, permit, or waste requirements will be confirmed before the event.
Direct linkCan the truck park on a residential street, driveway, parking lot, or grass?+
Parking lots and approved private driveways are generally the easiest options. Street parking must be legal and may require municipal approval or reserved spaces. Grass or unpaved areas are considered individually based on access, slope, soil, and weather conditions.
Direct linkHow close should the truck be positioned to the guests?+
Close enough to be convenient, but far enough to preserve safe vehicle clearance, ventilation, emergency access, and an orderly line. The truck cannot block fire lanes, entrances, driveways, loading areas, or normal traffic flow.
Direct linkCan the food truck operate inside a garage, barn, pavilion, or enclosed venue?+
The truck generally must remain outdoors in an approved open-air location. Fuel-burning equipment and generators should not operate in enclosed or partially enclosed areas because of fire and carbon-monoxide risks.
Direct linkCan you support an event that needs multiple serving locations?+
Potentially. Multiple service points require a custom logistics plan and depend on the schedule, staffing, menu, timing, and distance between locations.
Direct linkWeather & seasonal operation
2What happens if it rains or severe weather is forecast?+
Paddy Wagon generally operates rain or shine. Severe storms, dangerous winds, lightning, hazardous road conditions, or extreme temperatures may require a delay, relocation, service-format change, rescheduling, or cancellation for safety. We will coordinate with the event organizer whenever weather could affect service.
Direct linkDo the trucks operate year-round and during very hot or cold weather?+
Yes, subject to safe operating conditions. Extreme cold, heat, wind, ice, or severe weather may require additional planning or a service-format change and can occasionally prevent safe operation.
Direct linkEquipment & utilities
3How loud is the generator while the food truck is operating?+
Paddy Wagon’s food trucks use forestry service-rated, low-decibel, low-emissions inverter generators that operate at approximately 74 decibels. That is roughly comparable to a household vacuum cleaner when standing nearby. The sound becomes less noticeable as guests move farther away, and we position the generator and truck to minimize disruption whenever the event layout allows.
Direct linkWhat happens if the food truck experiences a mechanical issue?+
Our trucks are fleet-maintained by a professional mechanic with over 25 years of experience and extensive preventative maintenance. If an issue occurs, contingencies may include dispatching a replacement truck, towing a truck to the site, or converting to a table-based catering setup. Our operations team will communicate in real time if any issues arise.
Direct linkDoes the onboard generator create noticeable noise or exhaust?+
A working mobile kitchen produces some normal equipment, ventilation, and generator noise. We work with the host to position the truck where it can operate safely without unnecessarily disrupting conversations, presentations, or nearby buildings.
Direct linkService area & travel
1How far does Paddy Wagon travel, and are travel charges possible?+
Paddy Wagon primarily serves Columbus and Central Ohio. Events outside the normal service area may be considered based on distance, timing, event size, and schedule availability; a travel charge may apply and will be disclosed before booking.
Direct linkLicensing & requirements
2Are you licensed and insured? Can you provide a COI?+
Yes—we are fully licensed and insured. A personalized Certificate of Insurance (COI) can be provided upon request to meet client or venue requirements.
Direct linkDo you handle permits and health department requirements?+
Yes—we operate in compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations and coordinate required permits when required by the event or venue.
Direct linkDay-of service
6Who is Paddy Wagon?+
Paddy Wagon is a professional food truck catering company serving private events, corporate functions, festivals, fundraisers, and public gatherings with a focus on efficiency, hospitality, and food quality.
Direct linkDo you provide tables, chairs, tents, linens, seating, or décor?+
These items are not normally included with truck service unless specifically listed in the proposal. Paddy Wagon provides the contracted food service and applicable disposable serviceware; event rentals remain the host’s responsibility.
Direct linkWhen does the food truck arrive?+
The truck typically arrives 15–30 minutes prior to the scheduled service time. A text notification is sent to the on-site contact when the truck departs our location.
Direct linkHow many guests can you typically serve?+
Under normal service conditions, each food truck can typically serve approximately 100 guests per hour, depending on menu selection and service flow.
Direct linkWho is responsible for trash and cleanup?+
We remove all trash and debris generated as part of our food truck operations. Under normal circumstances, general guest trash and waste management outside the immediate truck service area is the responsibility of the client, organizer, or venue, unless otherwise arranged in advance.
Direct linkHow do you accommodate guests who cannot comfortably order at the truck window?+
Please identify accessibility needs in advance. Depending on the event, a companion, host representative, or Paddy Wagon team member may assist with ordering and meal pickup, or we may recommend a staffed-table service plan.
Direct linkStill planning?