1
Shop the perimeter first.
Cheese, meats, fresh fruit. Lock those in before crackers and extras so the cold chain stays tight.
Prep Toolkit · Vol. 01
The Mobile Cart Portion Calculator
Plug in your guest count, pick your format, and walk into the store with exact numbers. No overbuying. No running short. No cart left behind.
How many mouths are you feeding. Min 25, max 600.
Serving format
Pick how you'll plate. Each format has its own portion math.
Prep buffer
A cushion so you never run short mid-event.
Servings to Prep
25
25 cups to pack
Total Ingredient Cost
$188.28
Sourcing estimate, all 6 categories
Cost Per Serving
$7.53
Price your menu with confidence
The breakdown
Portion Breakdown
🧀
Cheese
Brie, sharp cheddar, gouda, goat cheese
Per serving
2.50 oz
Total weight
3.91 lb
3 lb 15 oz
Est. cost
$58.59
🥩
Charcuterie Meats
Prosciutto, salami, soppressata, capicola
Per serving
2.00 oz
Total weight
3.13 lb
3 lb 2 oz
Est. cost
$62.50
🥨
Crackers & Bread
Water crackers, crostini, pretzel crisps, baguette
Per serving
1.50 oz
Total weight
2.34 lb
2 lb 6 oz
Est. cost
$14.06
🍇
Fresh Fruit
Grapes, berries, figs, apple slices
Per serving
2.50 oz
Total weight
3.91 lb
3 lb 15 oz
Est. cost
$15.63
🌰
Nuts
Marcona almonds, candied pecans, pistachios
Per serving
0.75 oz
Total weight
1.17 lb
1 lb 3 oz
Est. cost
$12.89
🫒
Extras & Garnish
Olives, jam, honey, dried apricots, chocolate
Per serving
1.75 oz
Total weight
2.73 lb
2 lb 12 oz
Est. cost
$24.61
Field notes
Pro Tips Before You Shop
CEO-level moves that save you time, money, and stress.
2
Prep 24 hours ahead.
Slice meats, cube cheese, wash fruit. Store in airtight containers. Plate at the venue, never in the kitchen.
3
Pad your buffer for outdoor events.
Heat eats portions. Bump to +15% any time you're outside or serving past 90 minutes.
4
Charge by the head, price by the cost.
Multiply your cost per serving by 3 to 4x. That's your minimum CEO-tier ticket price.
Take it with you
Your Shopping Prep List
Charcuterie Cups · 12 oz, 25 servings, no buffer.
🧀
Cheese
$58.59
3 lb 15 oz
62.5 oz
🥩
Charcuterie Meats
$62.50
3 lb 2 oz
50.0 oz
🥨
Crackers & Bread
$14.06
2 lb 6 oz
37.5 oz
🍇
Fresh Fruit
$15.63
3 lb 15 oz
62.5 oz
🌰
Nuts
$12.89
1 lb 3 oz
18.8 oz
🫒
Extras & Garnish
$24.61
2 lb 12 oz
43.8 oz
Pack & total
Containers
25 cups
Total
$188.28