Ice Cream Cart Rentals St. Charles | Event Catering Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Gourmet ice cream carts in St. Charles MO deliver premium, small-batch treats to parties, corporate events, and community gatherings while attracting attention with retro-chic carts and speedy, personable service.
  • Provide customizable flavor lineups consisting of local artisan specialties, seasonal rotations and limited-edition options so event planners may cater to match tastes and themes for guests of all ages.
  • Offer everyone vegan, dairy-free, and allergy-friendly frozen novelties so that no one is left out at school events, church gatherings, or family celebrations.
  • Delight your guests with interactive options such as mobile sundae bars, topping stations, and more to bring a little flavor, fun, and hands-on experiences to your event with simple setup and cleanup.
  • Design customized packages, curated music, and collaborate with local St. Charles County vendors to provide bespoke, locally sourced events that promote small businesses in our community!
  • Focus on professional staff, sustainable serving ware, and a clear menu of flavors and toppings to simplify planning and ensure a seamless, delicious dessert experience.

St. Charles, MO ice cream cart for events includes mobile vendors and rentals that serve scooped ice cream, soft serve and novelty treats for weddings, festivals, corporate and block parties.

Local vendors typically provide personalized menus, allergy-friendly selections and attendants to handle servings and maintain hygiene. Rates differ by guest count and hours, with most vendors catering to 50 to 300 attendees per event.

Additionally, they often provide extras like branded signage.

1. Gourmet Ice Cream Cart Rentals

Gourmet Ice Cream Cart Rentals provide a variety of delicious popsicles and frozen treats that fit perfectly for private parties, corporate events, and festivals in St Charles, MO. Ice Cream Cart for Events features fun, specialty flavors like Pineapple Strawberry Sorbet and Mississippi Mud. Several carts change up seasonal offerings, so guests can opt for bright fruit sorbets in the summer and heartier flavors during the fall.

A few vendors allow hosts to add warm cookies or fresh waffle cones to the package for a warm and cold combo that guests remember and appreciate. For instance, imagine the combination of Mississippi Mud and a warm chocolate chip cookie, which is an effortless dessert upgrade at birthday parties.

Serve up speed and smiles with cool-time carts optimized for rapid scooping and effortless traffic flow at any occasion. Event service trained staff man lines and scoop sizes so service flows during peak minutes. Standard rental units make use of insulated carts and mini freezers that maintain product at serving temperature while remaining mobile around parks, patios, or reception halls.

One of the most popular rental durations is around an hour and a half, which is perfect timing for cake-cut or cocktail hour at weddings. For bigger shindigs, many vendors provide an extendable-hour opportunity.

One-of-a-kind memories are made with quality ingredients and signature dessert packages. Most packages come with curated flavor sets, premium toppings, and beautiful serviceware that can be matched to wedding palettes or corporate branding. Packages can start around $800.00, but they vary depending on headcount, travel, and extras such as hot cookies or waffle cone service.

Most vendors ask for a deposit to book, with the balance due a certain number of days before the event. A few of the companies even provide a one-on-one tasting, so hosts have the opportunity to taste test flavors and decide on a menu before booking. That personal tasting helps select crowd-pleasers and steer clear of flavor surprises.

Draw crowds and create buzz at block parties, playgrounds, and local events with attention-grabbing carts and custom-branded trucks. We’ve seen mobile carts attracting attention with colorful umbrellas and bold signage encouraging kids, families, and pedestrians to stop by.

At school functions or neighborhood festivals, a hands-on experience where visitors select flavors and toppings transforms dessert into a mini project that maintains momentum and happy faces. Rentals for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and school events are popular because they bring a personal, interactive element that traditional catering is missing.

Gourmet ice cream cart rentals can be a fun and unique add-on that helps personalize the guest experience.

2. Customizable Flavor Options

Customizable Flavor Options allow guests to choose flavors they really crave, from traditional to adventurous, and make occasions feel intimate. Let customers pick from classic staples like vanilla and chocolate as well as daring, fruity explosions. A St Charles MO Ice Cream Cart for Events typically carries base flavors that play well across all ages.

Vanilla and chocolate are for toddlers and traditionalists, while mango, passion fruit, or espresso are for teens and adults. Offer examples: a double-scoop cup with vanilla and salted caramel for adults or a chocolate popsicle dipped in rainbow sprinkles for kids. To each their own, but customizable flavor options rule! That keeps morale high and aids in catering to fussy diners.

Let the event planner generate a customized list or table of flavors associated with the party theme and the guest mix. Construct an easy kids, teen, and adult chart, and indicate vegan and gluten-free options. Example layout: Kids — strawberry, chocolate; Teens — matcha, cookies and cream; Adults — bourbon vanilla, espresso.

Custom lists keep track of inventory and serve you faster. Customizable flavor choices may be especially helpful for those with dietary limitations or tastes, like vegan or gluten-free. Just keep in mind that certain specialty flavors might require more time to prepare or an additional charge.

Include special edition flavors and local favorites to make every event unique. Take it a step further with Missouri-sourced ingredients like Missouri blackberry or local honey in a seasonal sorbet. Limited runs generate buzz and provide guests with an excuse to experiment.

Others like to play with wacky flavor combos, and customization options let them do just that. For instance, combine a peach sorbet with basil syrup or lemon poppyseed pops with blueberry compote. These options make for happier customers and repeat business when they depart with a taste memory.

Take requests for custom jams to jam-cart during festivities. Customize it a step further by syncing a curated playlist that fits the flavor, such as energetic pop for younger flavors or laid-back jazz for more grown-up pairings.

Customizable flavor selections to some, the customizable flavor options are overwhelming. Provide default pairings and a convenient tasting flight to guide choices. Be clear about costs and timing: in some cases, customizable flavor options may come at an additional cost or require a longer production time.

3. Vegan and Dairy-Free Selections

Vegan and dairy-free selections make sure everyone can enjoy a frozen treat at your St Charles MO Ice Cream Cart for Events. Offer a clear lineup of plant-based frozen novelties so guests with dietary limits feel included and can choose quickly.

A variety of vegan and dairy-free frozen novelties is essential. Think Frios gourmet pops, fruit bars, sorbets and non-dairy ice cream sandwiches. We love the almond milk vanilla, soy chocolate, coconut mango sorbet and fruit-only pops. For example, a family picnic gets almond milk vanilla pops and coconut mango sorbet on hand, which fills both kids and adults.

Vegan and dairy-free options are taking off as many people note that they are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy. Feature Frios gourmet pops and other plant-based choices that complement local happenings. Frios pops have fruit and nut milks for texture, so they stand up well from a cart in the hot summer sun that is typical around St. Charles parks.

They suit school functions, church events, and family reunions as they are individually wrapped and have clear ingredient labels. For example, at a church ice cream social, Frios mango and chocolate-dipped almond bars meet allergy needs while keeping service smooth and fast.

Enumerate all vegan and dairy-free flavors so guests can scan options at a glance. Provide a printed menu at the cart and a small dry-erase board with categories: fruit pops (strawberry, mango, lemon), non-dairy creams (almond vanilla, soy chocolate, oat coffee), sorbets (raspberry, lemon), and novelty bars (chocolate almond, coconut dipped).

A parent with a toddler checks the board and picks raspberry sorbet and a chocolate almond bar without asking staff about ingredients. Encourage vegan and dairy-free options for babies, toddlers, and younger elementary grades at town celebrations.

Nut-free vegan options are necessary and should be labeled as nut-free or made in a nut facility. Almond and soy milks are obvious plant-based options, but providing oat or rice alternatives means you cover more bases for those with intolerances.

Vegan and dairy-free options can be more expensive, but as demand increases and more vendors in St. Charles add them, prices are falling. While many restaurants and vendors locally now offer similar options, availability is still limited in some neighborhoods, so plan events accordingly.

4. Local Artisan Ice Cream Partnerships

Local Artisan Ice Cream Partnerships deliver premium, small batch goodness to your St. Charles, MO Ice Cream Cart for Events and enhance the experience with fresh flavors and local pride. Partner with local St Charles County ice cream makers and cafes and offer some exceptional, small-batch treats at your event.

Local artisan ice cream partnerships typically mean direct connections between small-batch ice cream producers and local shops or event organizers. Contracts usually delineate flavor rosters, delivery windows, and serving temperatures. For example, partner with a downtown St. Charles creamery to feature three rotating pints: vanilla bean, salted caramel, and bourbon peach for a two-hour block. That creamery will be providing labeled tubs and a small ingredient sheet for allergic guests.

Support your local communities and businesses by highlighting artisan flavors and unique creations from local partners. These partnerships can support the local economy and promote community engagement through revenue sharing or fixed donation models. For example, a school fundraiser where a portion of each scoop sold goes to the PTA while the artisan gets exposure and repeat customers.

Add the vendor’s story to your event menu for increased local connection and trust. Highlight the combination of traditional and new-school ice cream flavors from reliable local partners. Local artisan ice cream makers have the advantage of offering flavors you won’t find in the big mass-produced brands.

Offer a mix of classic chocolate and strawberry for broad appeal, and experimental flavors like lavender honey or pretzel maple for buzz. Certain collaborations may even provide bespoke ice cream flavors and packages for events. For example, request a limited-run flavor—St. Charles apple pie—to match a fall festival, produced in small batches and clearly dated for freshness.

Highlight your dedication to quality and freshness with local ingredients in every ice cream cart package. Partnerships mean we get access to amazing small-batch ice creams that stand up better when served and tasted. Local vendors can provide toppings such as warm cookies, waffle cones, or toasted nuts that make every cup or cone a special event.

These local artisan ice cream partnerships frequently necessitate planning and coordination in advance, such as choosing flavors and making payments. Set timelines: confirm flavors three weeks out, finalize headcount and payment one week before, and arrange delivery the day of the event.

These collaborations make for a fun, one-of-a-kind customer experience and can be customized for fundraisers, private parties or corporate events. For example, a company picnic offering build-your-own sundaes with local gelato, seasonal fruit compote and branded waffle cones creates a memorable local feel.

5. Seasonal Flavor Specials

Seasonal Flavor Specials add fresh, timely options to keep St Charles MO Ice Cream Cart for Events interesting and on-trend. Change up the flavors to fit the season and local preferences so visitors at summer BBQs, fall festivals, or winter markets get something that is on trend.

Serve summer fruits like Michigan cherry and ripe peach sorbet for the warm months, spiced pumpkin and caramel apple in October, and peppermint bark or eggnog gelato for December events. Keep in mind that seasonal flavor specials tend to drop around holidays and special events, so schedule menus around summer, Halloween, and Christmas dates.

Ice Cream Cart Rentals St. Charles | Event Catering Guide
Ice Cream Cart Rentals St. Charles | Event Catering Guide

Post the new seasonal flavors and updates on your emails and on Facebook and Instagram so clients and followers can stay up to date. Post Instagram reels of a scoop of salted caramel apple or a close-up of crushed candy cane in winter.

Create Facebook event pages for local St. Charles community outreach and to demonstrate regional availability. With seasonal flavors being a regional thing, mention the St. Charles flavors that are available so clients have an idea of what to anticipate!

Tempt guests with limited-time specials that give every party a special, in-the-moment appeal. Get signage that labels flavors as ‘Limited run’ or ‘Seasonal’ and a short flavor origin line, like ‘Pumpkin spice made with local cinnamon’.

Some of us like to play with the entrees and enjoy sampling new and unique flavors that are available for limited windows. Specialty flavors for a limited time offer a sense of urgency and can invigorate scoop sales for just one event.

For instance, roll up to a fall wedding with a mini-tasting tray of apple cider sorbet and you’ll have the word spreading fast. Make a table of seasonal flavors available for booking to assist planners in making the right choices for their celebration date.

For example, add columns for Season, Flavor Name, Description, and booking window. Example entries:

SeasonFlavor NameDescriptionBooking Window
SummerPeach Mango SorbetBright, low-fat fruit sorbetJune through August
FallPumpkin Spice GelatoNutmeg and clove with local pumpkinSeptember through November
WinterPeppermint BarkDark chocolate pieces with peppermintNovember through January

This simple format assists event planners in St. Charles to reserve flavors that complement the theme, menu, and guest preferences.

Whether classic twists on seasonal flavors or new experiments, they evoke nostalgia for many from childhood treats to holiday traditions. Limited runs encourage timely visits and create experience-defining sensory moments at each occasion.

6. Mobile Sundae Bar Experience

Mobile Sundae Bar Experience transforms a party into an active, interactive dessert experience with transparent options and vivid flavors. St Charles MO Ice Cream Cart for Events is a mobile sundae bar that approaches casual parties and polished corporate events with equal care and detail.

Our sundae bar experience is all about variety and freshness. It features a rotating selection of two to four flavors of ice cream, house-made hot fudge and caramel, fruit compotes, and chilled sauces. Toppings range from traditional crushed peanuts, rainbow sprinkles, and hot brownie bites to regional accents such as toasted Missouri pecans and local berry compote.

Guests discover the choices displayed on a stylish, hygienic cart that keeps cold items cold and sauces at serving temperature. A summer courtyard event might pair vanilla, chocolate, and a seasonal peach ice cream with warm caramel and fresh-cut strawberries.

Make it personal with a mobile sundae bar, where guests build their own sundaes. This setup inspires selections that combine traditional combos and edgier blends. Offer marked scoops and sample cards that feature suggested blends, such as “St. Charles Classic” with hot fudge and pecans or “City Bright” with lemon curd and blueberry compote.

Less hanging out, less inquiries, more happiness. At a student event at Lindenwood University, a ‘build-your-own’ card can expedite service while allowing groups to experiment with new flavor combinations.

Packages come with all the essentials so hosts don’t have to track down spoons or toppings. All standard packages include the number of servings, bowls, spoons, napkins, and a full toppings bar with locking storage bins. Add-on options include branded napkins, eco-friendly disposables, and themed candies for a holiday or branded corporate event.

For example, a mid-size package for 75 guests commonly includes 80 compostable bowls, 100 spoons, three main toppings bins, two sauce dispensers, and one staff member to manage the station.

Easy setup and cleanup is key to any event logistics. The cart sets up in 20 to 30 minutes and staff can leave the area factory clean. Plumbing is kept to a minimum and transported in portable jugs for sites without hookups.

We take care of the temperature, replenish the favorites, and have swift waste removal. For Main Street locations in St. Charles or riverside parks, the mobile cart easily handles uneven terrain and restricted power conditions with battery chill units.

7. Interactive Topping Stations

Interactive Topping Stations allow guests to construct their own sundae at a St Charles MO Ice Cream Cart for Events. Assemble lines of labeled bins containing cookies, fruit, candy, cereal, and bubbles for texture. Use transparent containers and scoops so people can see the options and serve themselves easily. Serve warm toppings such as hot fudge in insulated pumps and cold ones such as fresh berries on ice packs. A station with Oreo pieces, fresh strawberries, mini marshmallows, and caramel sauce lets a teen make a cookies-and-cream sundae or a kid mix fruit and marshmallows.

This brings us to the age of interactive topping stations. These stations usually have a variety of sweet and savory toppings to choose from like sprinkles, whipped cream, and chocolate chips. Strategically place a no-frills printed list of toppings provided near the station so guests can scheme combos before they construct.

Example list: rainbow sprinkles, rainbow candies, crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, banana slices, and whipped cream. That list assists frazzled parents and students choose rapidly at outdoor festivals or chaotic school functions.

Interactive topping stations are fun for kids and adults and they spur creativity. Others prefer the artsy liberty of fashioning their own concoctions at interactive topping stations. With fun little sample cards displaying mix ideas like “Berry Crunch” or “Chocolate Overload,” you can entice choices for guests who like a little direction.

This format allows you to easily accommodate different tastes and dietary restrictions by labeling gluten-free, nut-free, or dairy-free options. Have non-dairy ice cream and sugar-free sauces so everyone can get in on the action.

Topping stations can be overwhelming for some people. To maintain an organized layout, group similar items and limit choices to 12 to 15 top options for clarity. An easy, clean way to serve utensils and napkins is essential.

Topping stations are messy, very messy, particularly for little kids who are totally oblivious to care in the application of toppings. Station attendants and transparent trash cans nearby reduce cleanup time and maintain tidiness.

Interactive topping stations are awesome to accommodate various preferences and dietary restrictions, all the while generating laughs and social moments. Due to their popularity, interactive topping stations can now be found in various establishments and event services throughout the St. Charles area.

8. Themed Ice Cream Events

Themed Ice Cream Events bring clear benefits. They boost engagement, create shareable moments, and match food to purpose. St Charles MO Ice Cream Cart for Events – It’s easy to host themed ice cream events that taste refined and local.

Host themed events like summer challenges, fundraiser days, or milestone celebrations with corresponding ice cream flavors and decor. Design flavor lineups that resonate with the theme, such as mango-lime and coconut for a summer challenge or salted caramel and peanut butter for milestone parties. Use color-coordinated scoops and napkins and display little signs with flavor backstories.

For fundraising days, include a signature sundae where a percentage of sales is donated to a local cause. For example, a Fourth of July block party in St. Charles used red, white, and blue sprinkles and sold a patriot sundae to raise money for a community park cleanup.

Customize your packages for events such as graduation, a sporting event or a library party, where everything is on theme. Graduation packages can feature school-color cones, edible wafer caps and a photo backdrop that suits an alfresco campus ambience.

To-go packs offer a game-day experience with team-colored toppings, concession-style cups and quick-service setups for tailgates in O’Fallon or Wentzville. Library party packages emphasize the calm, kid-centric options and “taste of culture” selections tied to a reading list.

For example, a library system event featured small portions of international flavors such as green tea, dulce de leche, and rosewater paired with storytime for a learning and tasting experience.

Add in some personalized tunes, custom songs or steel drum music for the ultimate party vibe! Curate theme-matching playlists, record quick custom jingles for looping announcements, or have an area steel drum player for summer street fair along the Missouri River.

Music timing matters. Have upbeat tracks during arrival, softer instrumental during dining, and a short jingle before any special announcements. Example: A graduation party in St. Charles added a three-minute custom song celebrating the class year every hour, which became a hit on social feeds.

Feature previous popular themes in St. Charles, O’Fallon, Wentzville, and the surrounding areas as motivation for new bookings. Record results such as attendance, favorite flavors, and social footprint.

A vintage-themed market in Wentzville experienced long lines for traditional vanilla floats and led foot traffic to three surrounding bakeries. A Harry Potter-themed pop-up near O’Fallon used butterbeer ice cream and themed signage that attracted families and local influencers.

These run the gamut from fun and educational to nostalgic and community-driven, to perfect for small vendors.

9. Eco-Friendly Serving Solutions

Green servingware slashes event waste and sends a strong statement. St Charles MO Ice Cream Cart for Events can offer compostable or recyclable serving options to minimize the environmental footprint of every event. Biodegradable options include plant-based cutlery, sugarcane trays, and paper cups with compostable lining. They decompose more quickly than plastic and reduce landfill mass.

For instance, sugarcane sundae bowls or paper cones with a compostable sleeve swap out single-use plastic without impacting the guest experience. Let them be your education in making eco decisions work. Your guests require immediate, obvious signage of which bins are for compost, recycling, and trash.

Short labels that say “Compost: cups, spoons, napkins” and “Recycle: clean paper, cans” improve sorting at events in St. Charles County. Servers can provide a one-line reminder when serving, and a flyer on a service table can list what is compostable or recyclable. It’s important to educate. A lot of folks love the idea of eco-friendly serving solutions because it aligns with their personal values toward sustainability and responsible use.

Provide reusable options when possible to reduce continuous waste. Reusable containers and cups in stainless steel or glass suit festivals, corporate events, and private parties. Rentable deposit cups or a swap system work well at local fairs in St. Charles, and they cut down on single-use plastics, a leading contributor to ocean pollution.

Remember that reusables need wash stations and logistics, which complicates planning and creates sustainable waste reductions. Anticipate the cost variances and budget for them. These eco-friendly serving solutions do tend to be pricier than your standard options.

Budget for higher per-item costs or mix approaches: use compostable spoons for ice cream samples and reusable bowls for plated desserts. Give sponsorships or add a small eco-fee in ticketed events to absorb those higher prices without shocking attendees.

Work with local green initiatives to spread the impact. Coordinate with St. Charles County waste services, community compost programs or local nonprofits to offer compost collection or recycling drop-offs at events. A partnership example is to coordinate with a county compost program to haul event compostables to a local facility or team with a local sustainability group for volunteer sorting stations.

These bonds build neighborhood trust and facilitate appropriate disposal. Market sustainability as a brand. Highlight your eco efforts on menus, on your booking page, and on social posts to demonstrate your values and community involvement.

Transparent, reality-based communication about materials and local partnerships allows guests to witness the specific actions taken.

10. Professional Staff for Events

Events professional staff for events provide seamless service and trusted guest care when you hire a St Charles MO Ice Cream Cart for Events. Professional, courteous staff take care of serving, restocking and topping stations with defined responsibilities. Event coordinators and assistants handle timing and flow so lines keep moving.

Servers portion uniform scoops, bartenders or beverage staff coordinate timing for dessert courses, and security or crowd control assist at bigger fairs. For instance, at a 200-person corporate picnic, a lead attendant times each serving to keep waits under five minutes while an assistant refills cones and tubs every 20 minutes.

Professional look and smooth running count for hosts who want to chill. Staff show up in clean, branded uniforms and adhere to a checklist for setup, sanitation, and presentation. They have handheld order pads or small tablets to track special requests, allergens, and topping counts.

Your standard wedding has two attendants who orchestrate the cart, assemble a basic toppings table, and keep a steady pace so pictures and speeches don’t run over. That sort of coordination minimizes host stress and keeps the event on track.

It’s not just at the event where staff support is crucial. Professional teams send appointment reminders, confirm arrival windows and take care of setup and breakdown within specified agreed times. They arrive with backup ice, cleaning wipes and disposable servingware for a seamless operation.

Professional staff for events – for outdoor festivals in St. Charles during the summer, we arrange with the venue for power and garbage disposals and then clear the site and remove equipment immediately following the last service. This hands-off approach makes it hassle-free for customers.

Top-notch event staff span all types and sizes of events and excel in fast-paced environments. Staff for a neighborhood block party will be great at fast sales and servicing kids. For a major public festival, teams consist of numerous servers, a supervisor, and walkie-talkies to resolve problems quickly.

Top-notch communications and troubleshooting skills allow staff to redirect service during a surprise downpour or manage an unexpected influx of guests. Their behind-the-scenes magic is often underappreciated and is paramount to a seamless experience.

Professional staff for events calm planner nerves, liaise with vendors and provide such good service that guests walk away happy. They tailor roles to weddings, corporate events, or festivals and provide hands-on experience that makes everything flow smoother.

Conclusion

St. Charles events get an instant rise with a hometown ice cream cart. Little weddings, street fairs, and office socials get an obvious crowd draw. Pop local carts with craft scoops, vegan picks, and seasonal flavors from local makers. Setup is quick. Employees hustle and bust lines. Topping bars are a blast and allow guests to customize and mix their own cones! Try compost cups and wooden spoons to slash waste at August park parties and summer markets along the Missouri River. Rentals can be just a few hours for a pop-up or all day for a neighborhood festival. Book now for the warm months. Contact a local vendor, view menus and prices, and book the date so your event has a delicious, local flair!

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas in St. Charles, MO do ice cream cart rentals serve?

Majority of carts operate in St. Charles County, downtown St. Charles, O’Fallon, Chesterfield and surrounding suburbs. We recommend securing provider(s) early to ensure availability for specific neighborhoods and venue access.

How far in advance should I book an ice cream cart for my event?

Book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance for prime seasons. For summer weekends or hot dates, book 8 to 12 weeks in advance to guarantee flavors and team members.

Can carts accommodate dietary needs like vegan or dairy-free?

Yes. Several carts provide vegan and dairy-free alternatives, including coconut or almond milk bases. Inquire about cross-contact protocols if allergies are an issue.

Do vendors supply cones, bowls, and eco-friendly servingware?

Almost all of the vendors come with paper cones, biodegradable bowls, and compostable spoons. Double check if you require fully compostable or zero waste options for your event.

Are mobile sundae bars and interactive topping stations available for private events?

Yes. You can upgrade to a mobile sundae bar or interactive topping station. These are great guest experiences and they can be theme customized as well.

What’s included in the rental price and are staff costs separate?

Base price typically includes setup, serving for a designated time, and basic supplies. Attendants, travel, gourmet flavors, and additional hours are frequently extra. Obtain a comprehensive written quote.

Can carts partner with local artisan ice cream makers for specialty flavors?

Yes. Many partner with St. Louis and St. Charles area creameries for artisan flavors and seasonal specialties. Ask for local partnerships when you book.

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