A specially designed combination propane bbq and trailer unit is making Marine Harvest’s involvement in community events efficient, user friendly and food safe. “We designed it in-house to allow us to prep, serve, and clean up, all from the same place,” said Owen Green. “It’s a ‘grab and go’ unit that is much more convenient than our old set-up”.
The unit has large cast iron grills (especially suitable for cooking salmon!), two fridges, four sinks and built-in cabinets for storing supplies. It can carry up to 35 gallons of water. The 30 square feet of prep area and 45 square feet of serving space means that about 200 people can be served freshly prepared food in a matter of a couple of hours. The unit can be plugged into a wall and operated that way or by using a generator that accompanies it. A 10 x 20 tent completes the package.
“It’s one of a kind, that’s for sure, and it’s fun to see people’s reaction when we arrive at events,” Owen added. Since its completion almost two months ago, it’s been a hit at a variety of events already. These include both Port Hardy and Campbell River’s Relay for Life, the PAA ball tourney, and the annual company bbq.
This specialized piece of equipment has been inspected, approved, and permitted by health inspectors from the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) as required. Both the Food Safety Plan and Sanitation Plan we did has set the standard for how these requirements should be met, said Owen.
Local companies involved in the construction include Underwood Marine and Welding, who built the custom cabinets and Powerserve Energy Systems, who did the electrical work. Kal Tire and Lordco Parts looked after the rims and tires on the trailer. All the suppliers who helped out with this project worked really hard and paid particular attention to detail. It’s due in large part to their efforts that we’ve ended up with such a great result, said Owen. Not only that, Boatland has agreed to provide Marine Harvest with complimentary ice for all events that the super bbq attends.
Owen is excited about another aspect of the so-called “Charity Chariot”. It’s available for use by any Marine Harvest employee who has successfully completed the one day Food Safe course. If you or your kids are members of a non-profit organization, you can use it at your group’s fundraising event. VIHA requires that a Marine Harvest employee who is Food Safe certified be present throughout the entire event. The unit comes with its own training binder that outlines proper procedures. Onsite training and orientation is required before users are authorized to use it.