Cream colored line art illustration of Yakitori

Animé Los Angeles

Taking Cosplay to a Tokyo Street

The Power of the Fleet

Not a single health code violation, on time loading in and loading out and delicious yatai food among twenty-seven makeshift kitchen setups all staged outside in 80-degree weather.

At a Glance

100,000+ anime fans served over 4 days

27 local Japanese food partners
60,000+ total transactions
$1.5M in sales, up from $200K
27 outdoor kitchens operating in 80°F heat
Zero health code violations

Building an Authentic Japanese Food Court at Anime Expo

In 2016, Anime Expo rethought its food game. The goal was clear: create an experience as immersive as the cosplay, one that celebrated Japanese culture through authentic, local cuisine. That’s where Food Fleet came in.

We helped the Expo move beyond standard convention fare: replacing generic “tenders and dogs” with 27 local Japanese food partners. Guests lined up. Sales took off. Subcontractor revenue jumped from $200K to over $1.5 million, according to our partner at Levy Restaurants.

Fresh dumplings arranged in a large metal steamer, each sitting in a small foil cup with pleated tops visible.

A New Chapter

Skip the conventional arena kiosks. Instead, amber through the inviting yatai, a vibrant Japanese night market where rich aromas tease the senses. Created exclusively for Anime guests, colorful hawking stalls teeming with takoyaki balls, musubi, dim sum and yakitori tempted eager guests. More than 100,000 anime fans munched on sushi sticks, made-to-order hand rolls, and whimsical anime character corndogs. A perfect blend of flavor, fun, and fandom.

Crowd of people, many in colorful cosplay outfits, gathered in front of a Seoulmates food truck decorated with blue flowers and large food photos outside the LA Convention Center.

What Happened Next

Getting Anime-ready takes time, practice, and skillful logistics. From navigating insurance hurdles to tackling health code requirements, it’s no small feat – but that’s where we come in. We support our partners every step of the way, helping them streamline menus, optimize station setups, and speed up transaction times for maximum impact.

Jack, owner of Ghostix – known for their whimsical corndogs with names like Unicorn and Lucifer – shared, “Our most popular items this year were the Goblin corndogs and Bulgogi Fries... The response was nonstop from open to close – we could feel the energy and excitement around our booth all weekend.” More than 60,000 transactions over 4 seventeen-hour days with four Food Fleet team members onsite at all times.

100,000

anime fans served over four days

Group of young people at Animé Los Angeles, chatting and drinking sodas; two wear colorful patterned shirts while another sits with a large cup of noodles in her lap, surrounded by a busy crowd.

The Outcome

Guests enjoyed the culturally rich culinary experience they came for.

Organizers were thrilled to offer a Japanese night market immersive experience

The Real Win

This story isn’t about stepping in – it’s about stepping up. Food Fleet respects bold vision. And when that vision meets the complexities of real-world food service, they’re the partner who ensures it gets across the finish line.