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Category Archives: Concession Trailers

Concession Trailer Owners No Strangers to Small Business Challenges

13 Dec

200119845-001Operating a food cart or concession trailer business affords proprietors a level of freedom, flexibility and mobility they would be hard-pressed to find in any other line of work. But despite having the ability to call their own shots with regard to schedule, location and offerings, concession trailer owners still face many of the same challenges as other small business operators, with a few twists.

Small Business Challenges

Starting a small business requires hard work, determination and resiliency. New entrepreneurs often spend long days and nights ensuring not only that their enterprise gets off the ground, but that it has a good foundation.

Of course, everything revolves around finances. From start-up costs to ongoing expenditures, it is crucial for small business owners to be very well organized in this make-or-break department in order to remain solvent and eventually establish consistent profitability.

Staffing is another critical area, as it can be a major challenge to find trustworthy and dependable employees.

Before getting into the food trailer business, it is essential to thoroughly research every facet and develop a solid business plan. This includes determining:

• What type of operation they would like to run — whether stationary or mobile.
• Where to purchase foodservice equipment and where it can be serviced.
• The kinds of food, snack, drink and possible novelty items they wish to sell.
• Where to keep a mobile cart during off hours.
• Where to store food and other concession supplies.
• The types of locations that would best fit their strategy.

Licensing, registrations and permits are other areas of constant consideration for the food trailer owner. These and other legalities must be investigated and budgeted before moving to new locations.

Striking out on your own to carve out a niche in the world of commerce is never easy. But with a sound strategy in place, small business owners can work through the challenges to create a viable and profitable product.

 
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Posted by on December 13, 2012 in Concession Industry, Concession Trailers

 

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Food Carts give “New York’s Finest” Another Meaning

21 Jun

New York City, with its fabled culture and rich history, is often referred to as the “center of the universe.”

One traditional aspect of the “Big Apple” is its street vendors. Many food cart and concession trailer owners have made a very good living peddling their wares on the streets of New York. In some cases, food trailer ownership is generational. Fathers and mothers pass their food carts on to sons and daughters who continue to serve loyal customers year after year.

The “Steaks” are High

The competition between food stand owners is fierce. The aroma emanating from pizza warmers, hot dog grills and popcorn poppers drifts throughout the city streets as customers gravitate toward their favorite vendors when hungry.

Seemingly located on just about every street corner, food concession trailers offer a broad variety of menu items that range from ethnic tastes to those purely American. Nacho machines work overtime as wide-eyed customers walk away with plates piled high. And shredded steak, chicken or pork sizzle on a grill as a slice of pita bread waits to be filled.

The availability of Greek, Asian and Mediterranean dishes on opposite street corners make a mealtime decision even more difficult.  But New York’s famous gourmet hot dog carts also beckon. Kabobs, roasted nuts, gourmet pretzels and overstuffed omelets are all part of New York City’s vast food vending tapestry, and that just scratches the surface.

For those considering starting a food stand or concession trailer business in New York City, the costs for permits and licensing are relatively steep. But the biggest challenge might be finding a good location; one that is not already occupied by any number of the Big Apple’s world class vendors.

 
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Posted by on June 21, 2012 in Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurial Business, Concession Industry, customer service, hot dogs, Popcorn Machines, Concession Trailers, Business

 

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Keeping Concession Equipment Clean Good for the “Bottom Line”

07 Feb

Owning a concession trailer or a food cart can be a fun and rewarding way to make a living or earn extra income.

Of course, food stand ownership carries its share of challenges. Licenses, permits, health department inspections and the occasional battle for a good, profitable location all come with the territory. But the process of navigating through obstacles and administrative requirements usually becomes smoother as owners of food carts develop their systems and gain more experience.

Equipment Care Key to Successful Concession Trailer Business

Equipment such as the popcorn machine, nacho dispenser and the sno-kone® maker are the “tools of the trade” within a concession stand. Food cart owners depend on these and other food service devices to be fully operational each time they open for business. Equipment problems can be devastating during a busy day of delivering snacks, and will more often than not send potential customers into the hands of competition. Simply put, food stand owners cannot afford equipment breakdowns!

Therefore, it is extremely important for food stand owners to thoroughly clean their concession stand equipment every time it is used. This is especially true when it comes to machines that tend to get quite messy or sticky, such as a popcorn popper or a cotton candy maker. It’s worth the time and effort to completely empty and wipe down these devices at the end of the day.

It’s very easy for salt, debris or sugary remnants to accumulate inside of intakes or on the moving parts within these machines. The result can cause clogging, loss of performance and breakdowns.

Cleaning tips are usually available within each machine’s instruction manual or through a variety of other sources, such as companies that provide concession equipment. Gold Medal Products, headquartered inCincinnati,Ohio, is a great resource for information on concession equipment maintenance and snack machine replacement parts. Gold Medal is a leader in the industry and a good friend to concession stand owners the world over.

 
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Posted by on February 7, 2012 in Concession Industry, Concession Trailers, cotton candy, Entrepreneurial Business, make money, Nacho Dispenser, New Business, popcorn, Popcorn Machines, Small Businesses, Sno kones, Starting Your Own Business

 

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How to Advertise your Small Business

08 Sep

With unemployment on the rise and many companies tightening their belts, the thought might have crossed your mind as to whether you may be the next to be downsized. Even if the axe should fall in your direction at some point, it’s not the end of the world. In fact, it might be the catalyst for finding the answer on how to start your own business.

There are still many small business opportunities out there. Regardless of the type of business you enter, if you work smart and offer products or services people need or desire, you can make a decent living while also establishing your independence.

Economic uncertainty has also caused many to venture out to earn extra income while keeping their “day job.” In addition to providing more cash flow, a small side business can be something you can fully focus on in the event that you become unemployed.

Landscaping, consulting work and online buying and selling are a few examples of businesses that have allowed some individuals to gain entrepreneurial independence. Many have found the concession trailer business to be profitable as well.

Getting the Word Out

Once you have established a business plan and begun the process of bringing it to life, it’s time to start making the public aware of the products or services offered by your business. Here are a few effective ways of getting the word out:

  • Hand out attractive business cards at every opportunity. Stack flyers and brochures around town.
  • Mail cards or flyers to targeted areas.
  • Place ads in local magazines and newspapers.
  • Have graphics or magnets displaying business information affixed to company vehicles.

There are numerous methods you can employ to grab the attention of prospective customers. Don’t be afraid to be creative and try something new.

Now it’s your turn, tell us how you have grabbed the attention of prospective customers either in marketing or social media?  Tell us about it in the comments section below.

 
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Posted by on September 8, 2011 in Advertising, Business, Concession Industry, Concession Trailers, Entrepreneurs, Fun Foods, increased sales, make money, Marketing, Starting Your Own Business

 

>Concessions Accommodate Snackers for Every Occasion

31 May

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It’s a world of very diverse cultures. Depending on where we go, the social norms in that particular area may be completely unfamiliar to us; completely different than what we’re used to. But we can always find a few similarities between cultures, too. And one thing that most people around the world share is a penchant for snacking.

One would be hard pressed to find a gathering or event without some type of snack stand or series of concession carts nearby. Wherever people converge, whether it’s a festival, a sporting event or even a busy street, vendors will set up shop and have concession food and drinks available.

A concession stand may have a different “look” on a Calcutta street corner as opposed to one in Indianapolis, but the intent is the same: feed hungry people and quench their thirst! Especially during the summertime when festivals, carnivals and fairs are almost daily occurrences, the concession trailer business continues to prosper. On a hot day, refreshment seekers will flock to “snack shacks” for drinks to stay hydrated and may eventually give in to the tantalizing aroma drifting from a hot dog cooker.

Tailored to the Occasion

Concessionaires will do their best to customize the food and drink that they have available to fit the occasion. Hot dog machines and popcorn makers are customary for most concession stands. And you can add a nacho machine or hamburger grill at many youth sporting events or outdoor concerts. Candy bars, bag snacks and canned soft drinks will usually be available to support the “main courses.”

There are also “theme” foods that go hand-in-hand with certain occasions. What would an Oktoberfest celebration be without bratwurst, potato pancakes and Belgian waffles? Or carnivals without cotton candy?

Whatever the reason for a gathering and wherever it takes place, concessions will most likely be available to accommodate hungry and thirsty attendees.

 
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Posted by on May 31, 2011 in Concession Industry, Concession Trailers, cotton candy, hot dogs, New Business, po

 
 
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