Fueling the Action: How C&J Catering Feeds the Mecum Auto Auction

The roaring engines and high-stakes bidding of the Mecum Auto Auction return to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex this week, running from Wednesday, July 22 through Saturday, July 25. As the world’s largest collector car auction company brings tens of thousands of passionate car gurus to Harrisburg, the energy across the million-square-foot facility will be absolutely electric.

Pulling off a national event of this caliber takes massive coordination. While thousands of car enthusiasts focus on the incredible vehicle lineup crossing the block, our team at C&J Catering focuses on a different kind of high-performance operation.

This year marks our fifth consecutive year managing the entire food, beverage, and hospitality footprint for Mecum Harrisburg. It is a major logistical undertaking that highlights our team’s ability to scale operations and execute vastly different service styles all at the same time.

To keep a massive four-day event moving at top speed, our kitchen and service crews operate across multiple distinct zones simultaneously:

Public Concession Stands & Custom Bars

Serving the thousands of spectators who walk the exhibition floors daily requires speed, high volume, and consistent quality. We operate the main concession stands throughout the complex, keeping the crowds fueled with classic favorites so they never miss a single vehicle crossing the block. Also stationed throughout the venue are custom bars, allowing guests to order handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine.

Mecum Crew and Media Dining 

Behind the scenes, a dedicated army works to keep the show running and the TV broadcast live on ESPN+. We provide daily buffet-style breakfast and lunch for approximately 250 Mecum staff members, serving up a welcome touch of comfort and fuel amidst the constant hustle of the four-day event.

In-Seat Dining Services

Beyond the concession stand options, our team runs a complete online ordering and meal delivery service. This allows guests across the entire venue to order off our expanded online menu and have hot food delivered directly to their seats. An operation of this scale requires highly effective timing, sharp execution, and top-tier service standards.

The VIP Gold Bidders Lounge 

Serious buyers need a dedicated space to review their strategies. We manage the premium lounge area for Gold Bidders, keeping it stocked with high-end bites, refreshing beverages, and a full-service bar featuring complimentary beer and wine alongside premium liquor options.

Managing the hospitality for Mecum Harrisburg is an incredible feat, but it is exactly the type of high-energy challenge our team thrives on. From high-volume public concessions to upscale VIP spaces and seat-side delivery, we are proud to spend another year fueling one of the biggest events in the region.

If you are heading to the complex this week to catch the action, stop by one of our service areas and grab a bite with us.