Dreaming of caramel corn and big fair food but don’t want to struggle through the crowded crowds at the Illinois State Fair?
In an age where Netflix doesn’t require DVD boxes and kitchens can operate under other names, like ghost restaurants, COVID has irreparably altered the course of the decade, but a group of business-savvy entrepreneurs are delivering faire straight to your doorstep, DoorDash-style.
Fair Dash is an online delivery and pickup service that will bring fair food right to your door, skipping the lines and the $20 admission and parking fees.
Here’s what you need to know:
Read more: There’s just nothing fair about these new foods being sold at the 2024 Illinois State Fair
What is FairDash?
The business is the brainchild of owner Jordan Privett, who acts as the middleman between the fair’s food vendors and customers. The five-employee business takes orders, queues them, picks them up and then either hands them out or dispatches certified DoorDash or UberEats drivers to deliver food from the fair.
Is there a minimum order amount?
The minimum order starts at $15 and there is no extra charge for food at the fair. Delivery is made within 30 minutes, according to the website. Delivery fees vary depending on the fair’s location.
Is Fair Dash affiliated with the Illinois State Fair?
No, not directly. Instead, we work with vendors who are present at the fair.
What kind of fair food is there?
Menu items are available for purchase from the food stands below.
Classic Kitchen Creek Paum Concession Colors French Fries Fried What! Heater’s Hot Chicken Village of Cultures Jamaican Cuisine Island Noodles Paulette’s Funnel Cake and Lemonade O’Brien’s Food Service The Donut Family Schneider’s Elephant Ears
A combo menu for just $15 that meets delivery requirements is also available for purchase on the website.
Do you offer curbside delivery?
For fair-goers who want to skip the lines, there will be designated parking at 1168 E. Sangamon Ave. for curbside delivery.
What if I request a refund?
If the item you ordered is out of stock or the food is damaged during shipping, you can get a refund. According to the website, refunds must be requested via Facebook or email and usually take 1-3 business days.
How long do I have left to order?
The Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 8-18 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, featuring more than 100 different food vendors on-site.
Will Fair Dash return next year?
It’s too early to tell: This is the first event FairDash will be catering, but if sales are strong, the group plans to hit the road in mid-September with the Collinsville Italian Fest as its next stop.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth, development and other news for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com and on X (formerly Twitter): @Claire_Granted.
