Friday Fizz or Street-Food Pop-Up Playbook

Friday is where the week either drifts into nothing or becomes the start of a huge weekend. A single trader partnership plus a fizz-led bundle keeps tills ringing while the kitchen preps for Saturday. Here’s the plug-and-play format we roll out for clients who need a lift without a full refit.

Quick Win Snapshot

• Prep time: 3–4 hours total (menu sign-off, layout sketch, staff brief)
• Target headcount: 60–90 covers in two waves (after-work + early evening)
• Margin maths: £15–£18 bundle (small plate + spritz/AF serve) with 68–72% GP when shared with a trader on a 60/40 split
• Ops focus: Station near the pass or consider an outdoor gazebo; one team member on host, another floating drinks QR orders

Pick a Format (Choose One and Stick for a Month)

Rotate formats quarterly, not weekly. Consistency wins.

Partner Checklist (Copy-Paste into Your Outreach Email)

1. Menu scope: 4 items max, priced as part of a fixed bundle. Include an AF dish and one vegan option.
2. Cost split: Either wholesale their dishes and keep 100% of sales, or run a 60/40 till split (you keep the drinks, they keep food minus a service fee).
3. Branding: Agree on co-branded table talkers + social tiles. You supply the spritz stack (house prosecco, premium mixer, AF sparkling).
4. Timeline: Confirm menus by Monday, film prep clips by Wednesday, final headcount + delivery time by Thursday 3pm.
5. Paperwork: Copy of their public liability insurance, EHO rating screenshot, allergen sheet in your folder.

Pricing and Bundles

• Hero bundle: “£18 Small Plate + Spritz” or “£15 Plate + AF Spritz.” Include a £1 upgrade for premium top-ups.
• Add-on: £5 dessert bite (mini cannoli / churros / brownie) from your kitchen so you still show off your menu.
• Retail tie-in: Sell bottled cocktails or premix spritz kits to-go at £20 so guests take the vibe home.

Simple GP Formula

(Plate Cost + Spritz Cost + Labour Uplift) ÷ Desired GP% = Bundle Price. Keep labour uplift at £1.20–£1.50 per plate to cover the extra host.

90-Minute Run-Sheet (Per Wave)

Marketing & Copy Blocks

• Email subject: “This Friday: Bao & Blood Orange Spritz — 60 seats only.”
• Caption template: “Friday Fizz Pop-Up • 5–8pm • Guest trader @handle • £18 plate + spritz (AF option) • Book via link.”
• Community Love: Tag the trader, local market, plus tourism accounts; offer two comp bundles for micro influencers who cover the night.
• In-pub signage: Clipboards with bundle photo + QR. Place at bar line and bathrooms by Wednesday.

Ops, Compliance, and Service Tips

• Keep the trader’s kit outside the main kitchen to avoid cross-contamination. Use portable induction hobs or plan for cold service boards.
• Log allergens yourself, do not rely on “see trader.” Provide laminated cheat-sheets at the till.
• Separate till buttons for Bundle vs À la carte so you can see actual uptake.
• If licensing covers only your staff serving alcohol, station a team member next to any fizz taps that the trader touches.
• Post-event deep clean the borrowed area immediately; send trader a thank-you + next open date within 12 hours.

Metrics to Track

Mini FAQ

Do I need a TEN? If the trader cooks similar food and you’re within normal hours, no. Need a TEN only if trading outside licensed hours or using outdoor space beyond your plan.

What if the trader bails? Always keep a house-led “Plan B” board (cheese + charcuterie) so you can still honour bookings with a fizz bundle.

How do I keep service aligned with the main kitchen? Stagger pop-up pick-up times with 10-minute windows and route all orders through a single host so chefs see consolidated tickets.

How can I involve suppliers? Ask your prosecco or mixer rep for POS, free stock, or comp glasses in exchange for tagging them in reels and featuring their pour in the bundle description.

Nail one format, promote it like a weekly ritual, and Friday pop-ups become the reason locals clock off early to see you first.