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Should You Pin Your Hopes on Pinterest?

Pinterest is another hot-button social media forum that may burn bright and fade quickly, or it may be the next path to meeting new customers.

It’s a simple concept and extremely addictive once you get on it. Just look at all the pretty pictures of projects you want to do, foods you want to eat, funny things to brighten your day, or places you want to go. Then, pin, pin, pin to your heart’s content. You organize all your thoughts by boards, and you don’t have to take up any computer memory or make a mess in your own home. It’s absolutely brilliant and extremely popular with 11.7 million unique visitors a month.

But it hasn’t been a proven magical bullet yet in the business realm. It simply hasn’t had enough time for a variety of businesses to see definitive traction on it. So no one knows for sure if pins are the secret recipe for success for every company.

That’s why Fox Interactive Consultants looked at three case studies in its article, “Does Pinterest Work for Small Businesses? These Case Studies Would Say Yes!”

Fox determined, “Not all social media platforms are for every business but if your company has visual content, looking to communicate with potential customers by building a community and want to offer your target market more unique ways to connect and engage with your brand, then my friends … it looks like a Pinterest campaign could be in your future.”

And in our business, people eat with their eyes first. Concession foods are made for forums like this, but it doesn’t mean that Pinterest will translate to sales. Just like every other marketing method, you have to dedicate the time and resources (quality, professional photos of the food) to the project. Also, don’t forget to track your ROI and don’t pin all your hopes on Pinterest yet. Keep a proven marketing mix to best reach all your customers and prospects.

 
 

Breaking World Records

Funtastic Traveling Shows Carnival broke a standing World Record! During Cinco de Mayo weekend, Ron Burback’s group hosted an event in Portland, OR where they had 1,008 sombreros at one event. Their goal was to have 800 people to beat the previous Guinness World Record for Largest Gathering of People Wearing Sombreros, which only totaled 500.

The event was sponsored by Acceso Sin Fronteras and held on the Waterfront. Hats were handed out for free and guests were asked to stand in the food court for 10 minutes while the volunteers counted the hats. You can see more photos here. http://www.katu.com/news/local/Portland-goes-for-world-record-of-most-sombreros-150315395.html.

Congratulations to Funtastic Traveling Shows Carnival, Ron Burback, and Acceso Sin Fronteras. Hats off to you.

 
 

The Concession Trailer Business Leaves Room for Creativity

Whether prospective entrepreneurs enter the food vending arena to earn extra income or to start a full-blown concession trailer business, this industry offers many advantages. One of the most attractive aspects of the food trailer business is the ability of owners to “call their own shots.”

Flexibility Comes with the Territory

Leaving a regimented, workaday environment for freedom and flexibility is one of the many reasons that people are drawn toward careers in concessions. This is not to say that food cart and concession trailer proprietors don’t work hard or that there are no administrative hurdles to navigate. But there is a degree of autonomy in food stand ownership that cannot be found in most other professions.

The decision-making process rests with the independent concessionaire in regard to when and where to set up shop, which products to serve and how to market their food stands. Vendors may choose to start with “standard” concession food equipment such as a hot dog roller, popcorn maker or nacho machine. Or they may try something a little more unconventional such as gourmet pretzels or kettle popcorn.

Anything Goes

Successful owners of food carts leave “no stone unturned” when it comes to developing marketing ideas and ways to separate themselves from the competition. It is always wise to survey the territory before venturing into a new event or area. If other food vendors are peddling standard fare, those offering atypical menu items will often reap the rewards.

Vendors may also choose to branch out into areas such as catering or opt to offer an exclusive food item. For instance, having the only funnel cake concession trailer at a particular event can prove to be very profitable.

Food stand owners can also be creative in their marketing endeavors. Robust websites with social media alerts and Facebook pages can stir up customer interest. Discount coupons distributed throughout an area before a festival or other event is a good idea as well.

Concession trailer owners have the freedom to customize their careers and operate on their own terms. Whether they are happy to work on a part-time or “specialized” basis, or whether they set the bar high for sales and profits, the possibilities are wide open.

 

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The Hot, New Food is on the Move

Funnel Swirls™ are the newest twists on a crowd favorite! They have the taste you can’t resist of a funnel cake on easy-to-eat, 12-inch sticks. Funnel Swirls™ are the ultimate walking food, freeing up one hand for increased beverage sales. You can make them in a flash to keep the crowds coming back for more! Simply pour the mix into the Multi-Mold, which makes three Funnel Swirls™ at a time in approximately 30 seconds. (The 12″ sticks are #4158 and packed 5,000 per case; the Multi-Mold is #5180.) You can also follow along with an instructional video that is available online at gmpopcorn.com.

For profit-packed sales and to keep your customers coming back for more, use the highest quality mix that still has a low food cost. Try either the original recipe deluxe Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cake Mix (#5100) or the Old Fashioned Funnel Cake Mix (#5115). The special batter formulas sear quickly and reduce cooking oil absorption, which helps maintain higher temperatures. You’ll cook more funnel cakes per hour for increased profits and they’ll taste better!

Contact us today at (800) 543-0862 or info@gmpopcorn.com to learn more about these products. Ask for your free copy of the catalog. Or, visit gmpopcorn.com to see our complete lines, get free money-making resources, and view the online version of the catalog.

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Since 1931, we’ve helped countless businesses focus on the fun while making money.

What can we do for you? Contact us today.
10700 Medallion Drive | Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 | gmpopcorn.com
twitter.com/GMPopcornFan | gmpopcorn.com/facebook

For more information contact
Bethe Ferguson at 800-543-0862 ext. 2384
or bferguson@gmpopcorn.com.

Go Gold Medal All the Way!

 
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Posted by on May 10, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

Prep for Carnival Season

In the concession business, fun foods are in season all year. However, depending on where you do business, your city or town might have a busy season, especially during the summer months when there are fairs, carnivals, and outdoor sporting events.

If a busy season is approaching your area, there are a few things you can do to be in good shape for it to begin.

Start by taking a look at your equipment. Is your trailer up to date with the proper equipment, such as a fryer or a grill, if needed? If you normally use a cart or a wagon, make sure the parts are in working condition.

It’s also a great idea to clean up your trailer or wagon, and get things sparkling and shining again.

Restock on all of your product. If you’ve been through this season before, take a look at numbers to get a feel for how many people you might be serving this time around. If you can’t purchase your food items too far in advance, you can get a leg up on paper goods, or recipe mix packets.

Are you considering adding a new product to your cart for the season? If so, remember to keep it simple. You don’t want to offer too many items, or anything that’s difficult to make. Consider your market, and if the new item will sell and help profits or not. If you sell popcorn, maybe you add caramel corn, or additional sizes for variety instead of an entirely new item.

If one season is your only “busy” time of the year, consider additional events or locations you could tap into. Also consider selling gift tins to add another option for sales.

By following these steps, you’ll be ready for the busy season. After the season, take a look at your market and see where you can expand to make the entire year your “busy” season.

 

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Built to Last Generations

Close up of
1967 Whiz Bang Gold Medal
Popcorn Machine

Six years ago, Mark Schmidt received a most unexpected call. The popcorn machine that fueled his first car purchase at age 15 was not only still popping, but up for sale 39 years later. His father found the 1967 Whiz Bang Gold Medal popcorn machine in an engine shed at a farm sale, and it was still on its original cabinet that Mark’s dad built to sell the popcorn.

“I told him I didn’t care how much it cost; just buy it! That thing was amazing,” Mark said. He noted he would pop 100 lbs. a weekend at events around town for $.15 or $.25 for a large bag.

“As kids, we thought we hit the jackpot. That’s where I first learned about entrepreneurship. It’s a pretty cool understanding to know what you want to do with your life at such a young age,” Mark remembered.

After buying his car, Mark sold the machine to his brother, Tim and sister Janice who ran it for a few years before they sold it to another family who had a mobile concession stand.

Mark Schmidt with his
1967 Whiz Bang Gold Medal Popcorn Machine

Later after the Schmidt family found the machine again, they brought it to their cabin and eventually their business, AMEK Custom Builders.“For a while, popcorn would be our main food group at the cabin. When my daughter was six months old, she would try to rip the bowl out of our hands. We have a long history with good popcorn from that machine and we are meticulous about real popcorn,” Paul Schmidt, Mark’s son, said. “Now, we pop it about three times a week at the office. Our customers love the aroma, our stories, and reminiscing about it. They appreciate our efforts to restore it.”

The family still gleefully lists popcorn at the top of the food pyramid and takes requests from Mark’s five children and 18 grandchildren. Thankfully, though, they know the Whiz Bang will keep popping for generations to come.

 
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Posted by on April 25, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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More to Concession Trailer Business than Simply Slinging Snacks

Owning a concession trailer or food cart can be a rewarding line of work in many ways. As a full-time job or just to earn extra income, the concession trailer business offers owners a high degree of flexibility and the freedom to customize their careers. However, just like in any profession there are rules, regulations and administrative responsibilities that come with the job.

Each state, city and local municipality has its own set of requirements and zoning laws with which concession stand owners must become familiar. Because food is subject to spoilage and can cause illness if not properly cared for, oversight is extremely important. This encourages vendors to be conscientious when it comes to practices such as storing foods appropriately and strictly adhering to expiration dates.

Rules, IDs and Permits

The cost of a vending permit will vary according to location. Fines for operating a vending business without a permit can be sizeable. Vendors should contact local health departments or municipal offices for information about permits and licenses.

Other requirements often include obtaining an employer identification number for tax purposes and securing a “retail food establishment” license. Additionally, liability, property and commercial car insurance are required for mobile food units in many states. Worker’s comp insurance is usually necessary as well for concession stand employees.

Cleanliness and Inspections

Many of the same rules for restaurants regarding food and equipment also apply to concession trailers and food stands. Standards for the storage of food and other concession supplies as well as requirements for cleaning and maintaining food service equipment are outlined by local health departments. Periodic health board and fire and safety department inspections are also to be expected.

Again, it is essential for owners of concession trailers and food carts to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations that have been established within each area that they plan to set up shop. Legal requirements come with the territory. The more experience a vendor gains in dealing with the administrative necessities surrounding food stand proprietorship, the smoother the process will become.

 
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Posted by on April 24, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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The Concession Trailer Business: Offerings Change with the Seasons

Some concession trailer and food cart owners “pick their spots” and run their business on the side to earn extra income. Others make their living by selling snacks and refreshments year-round.

For those with the desire to enter the world of food stand entrepreneurship, the concession trailer business offers freedom, flexibility and a seemingly endless choice of venues in which a concession cart would be a most welcome addition.

Knowing the Lay of the Land

Many of the keys to running a successful concession stand business are born of practicality, experience and a little common sense. Food stand owners will learn about certain aspects of the business over time, such as which locations have the greatest profit potential and what type of fare is best suited for a particular customer base.

For instance, the hot dog grill roller and nacho dispenser will usually be working overtime at soccer fields and ballparks during the spring and summer, especially around lunch and dinner times. Other summertime favorites are ice cream, cold drinks and, of course, snow cones. The shaved ice business booms during those steamy mid-summer days at any outdoor gathering.

Speaking of the Seasons…

Concession stand success is certainly not restricted to the warm-weather months. The fall brings with it the sweetness of caramel corn, cotton candy and caramel apples. For “Oktoberfest” events, many concessionaires break out the funnel cake equipment and trade traditional hot dogs for sausages and bratwurst.

Cold weather customers will gravitate toward the popcorn poppers and pizza warmers. Warm cones of caramel popcorn are always a coveted wintertime treat. Naturally, concession stands with coffee and hot chocolate available when it’s chilly outside will usually attract a steady stream of patrons.

Food stand owners often choose to mix in a few specialty items according to the season, such as soups in the fall and winter and popsicles and a variety of ice cream bars in the summer. In this business, seasonal adaptability that satisfies customer expectations results in profits!

 
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Posted by on April 19, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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Where to Set Up your Food Cart: The Possibilities are Endless

One of the many benefits of owning a concession trailer business is the ability to set up shop where you want and when you want. If you have your own food cart — or multiple food carts — and it is your desire to cater to a particular customer base, venue or event, you have the freedom to do so.

Many concession trailer owners are content with their “comfort zones.” A consistent rotation at certain sports fields or summer festivals can be advantageous in several ways. Such a system allows concessionaires to develop a fairly good sense of what to expect regarding profit potential and how much product to stock. They also become knowledgeable about the types of food and snacks those customers tend to gravitate toward.

“Branching Out” Has its Rewards

Despite the advantages of keeping a food trailer in familiar territory, some food stand owners may eventually find themselves in a bit of a rut. While some owners are comfortable with consistency and are fine with sticking to what works for them, others eventually begin to feel they might be limiting themselves and missing out on some lucrative opportunities.

Especially for those who make their living operating one or more concession stands, it is advisable to occasionally break out and “test the waters” by researching new locations. Those who “think outside the box” will often land vending locations few other concession trailer owners have occupied. Getting there first and possibly obtaining exclusive rights in a particular area can be as good as gold for the concessionaire.

Large street sales, fishing lakes, trade shows, craft shows, construction sites and corporate outings are just some of the many possibilities vendors can investigate. It might require some ground work, such as making calls to municipalities or scanning local ads to become aware of the availability of viable venues. Depending on the environment, it may also call for the purchase of new and different equipment such as a snow cone maker, pretzel maker or funnel cake equipment. But the ultimate payoff could be very well worth the effort and short-term expenditures.

 
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Posted by on April 17, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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Choose Caramel Corn for Concession Business Success

It is the perfect combination of sweet and salty, in just one bite: Caramel Corn.

This month, caramel corn creators and fans alike have something to cheer for: National Caramel Corn Day! Celebrate with us in a city near you on April 26 for free, hands-on demonstrations, product testing, and to learn how to become a wildly successful caramel corn vendor.

So why sell caramel corn?

Caramel corn is a time-tested treat whose origins can be traced back to the late 1800s. Today, caramel corn continues to sell like hotcakes at theme parks, movie theatres, fairs, tourist attractions, and shopping malls—why not be the one selling it?

It might be hard to believe that such a simple treat such as caramel corn could be a huge profit-maker, but that it is. A 4.5-ounce serving of caramel corn costs the seller $0.40, while it retails for $3.00. Its high profit margin makes caramel corn a great addition to an existing concession business or the perfect product to start a new business with.

Another great thing about selling caramel corn is how easy it is to make. The perfection of caramel corn technology has allowed vendors to make caramel corn with perfectly portioned ingredients, using kettles with built-in timers and sensors. You’ll produce a perfect batch each and every time!

As easy as it is to make, caramel corn is virtually effortless to sell. Since it’s such a well-known treat, it essentially sells itself—its mouthwatering aroma doesn’t hurt! Besides over-the-counter sales, popcorn shops can also make a lot of money with caramel corn sales by shipping gift packages and wholesale cans or cases.

Register for National Caramel Corn Day to learn how to:

• Achieve profit margins of more than 78%.
• Drive sales year-round.
• Make special caramel corn recipes.
• Select the right machine(s) and supplies for your business.

For more information about National Caramel Corn Day, or to register, visit the link below:

http://www.gmpopcorn.com/national-caramel-corn-day.cfm

 

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