Chef-made hot meals that you can eat in the interval 


The meals cater for a range of tastes, from traditional dishes such as beef stew to more contemporary varieties such as grilled tofu with Asian vegetables and noodles.

"It's time people had a far better choice as they walk down the High Street," said Foodies to Go md Pete Phillips.

"Sandwich bars will always be there and people will always eat burgers and fried chicken but easy-to-eat, quality food has a place among these."

The meals come in recyclable spill-proof, waterproof boxes, with wooden forks and recycled napkins. Phillips said: "I don't believe anyone has created packaging like mine, it's the first of its kind. Many firms fill boxes with hot prepared food in-store but, as far as I'm aware, no-one else cooks their food in the box."

Phillips has chosen theatres as his first route to market. His strategy is to offer venues an additional revenue stream, without their having to invest in new kitchens or skilled staff. All they need is a standard oven or microwave in which to reheat the meals.

"The main advantage I see with the theatres is that many of them have no food offer at present," said Phillips. "They offer crisps, nuts and sweets and I believe many people go to the theatre straight from work, thus are starving by the interval."

His strategy seems to be working. The firm sold more than 1,000 units in the first five weeks of business. At the time of going to press Phillips was expecting to sign a deal with The Dominion Theatre by the end of September.

And plans for retail? "I am formulating a coherent strategy with a retail expert. At present I am hoping to be able to follow the route of Higgerty Pies into EAT.

"A few firms are creating 'hot to go' products and this is the way the market must go."