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Unraveling the Myths About Caramel Corn: Part II

09 May

Butter, Caramel, & Cheese CornPart I gave you some basic recipes for success, and now we’re on to debunking a few more caramel corn myths. Read on for the simple truths on how you can cash in with caramel corn and other gourmet flavors.

1. I must have a dedicated store to sell caramel corn.

False—While there are many opportunities to add onto existing businesses, there are also countless ways to follow the crowds and create your own prospects. You can quickly attract attention and cook onsite with any of the caramel corn merchandisers. You can also bring your own using stay-fresh containers, or sell pre-packaged caramel corn.

2. This will only be a seasonal business.

False—Gourmet popcorn is a 2013 Food Trend. New flavor sensations are taking over the nation and consumers are craving twists to classically loved popcorn. While it’s still a money-maker for holiday and corporate gifts, it’s also a perfect solution for fundraising, a memorable wedding favor, a decadent anytime treat, or an unexpected dessert at restaurants and food trucks.

3. I must clean my machine between each batch.

True and False—Some people will steam and clean between every batch to ensure there are no residual flavors, and others will clean the machine every two to three batches if they are using like flavors. It will depend on if you are changing flavors/colors, and how dirty the cooker/mixer gets.

4. The weather will not affect my caramel corn.

False—Humidity and altitude will have a large impact on cooking caramel corn. To combat these fluctuations, increase your heat as the humidity increases and lower your heat as the humidity decreases. (Once you’ve made the caramel corn, be sure to pack it in stay-fresh containers with a tight-fitting lid to prevent any further moisture from getting in.) Also, water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes. To prevent the glaze from crystallizing (or looking dull), add a little more water to prolong the cooking cycle.

5. My state doesn’t allow Trans Fats, so also I can’t sell cheese corn.

False—There are delicious 0g Trans Fat cheese pastes that your let customers savor the rich taste and are in line with regulations.

6. Finding the right caramel corn machine is impossible.

False—There is an easy-to-follow chart that can answer many of your initial questions. Plus, many authorized Gold Medal locations will be able to answer your questions and offer demonstrations.

 
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Posted by on May 9, 2013 in Caramel Corn, Fun Foods, Gourmet Popcorn, popcorn

 

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Unraveling the Myths About Caramel Corn: Part 1

07 May
Unraveling the Myths About Caramel Corn

Unraveling the Myths About Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is an undeniably sweet treat that has amazing profit potential. It’s the perfect solution for an easy add-on to existing businesses, or can launch a whole new career path. But, like any other new venture, there are countless questions and myths floating around that can make or break a new endeavor before it even starts. Below, we’ve answered some of the great caramel corn questions, and given you some recipes to success.

1. I can’t make caramel corn, if I don’t have a machine.

False—If you already have a popcorn machine, Caramel Glaze Pop® is an easy way to make great-tasting caramel corn right in your kettle with your corn and oil. Any of the Glaze Pop flavors are a great way to mix up your offerings and test the candy-coated popcorn market before investing in a cooker/mixer.

Other Candy-Coated Corn—There are nine other popular mixes to sweeten your sales. Try Pop-N-Glaze for a simple, sugary kick, or fruit flavors like Grape and Cherry Pink, or pop up sales with Maple and Chocolate.

2. Corn Treat Mixes and Glaze Pop® will look the same.

False—The Corn Treat Mix-coated batches will be thickly covered. The Glaze Pop-coated batches will be mostly, but not entirely, covered for just the right overall, sweet finish. This is because the Corn Treat Mixes are continually “painted” as they are cooked and stirred in the mixer. When you use Glaze Pop, there is a set amount of mix in the kettle; it is heated and sets onto the popping kernels. The popped corn takes the mixture with it as it leaves the kettle, which means there is less to coat the corn at the end of the popping cycle.

3. I don’t know how to make caramel corn, so I can’t sell it.

False—The Complete Corn Treat Mixes are perfect for those who have a mixer, but unsure of the preparation steps. Just add water to these all-in-one packets for delicious, full-flavored caramel corn. Or, try the One-Step Corn Treat Mix; simply add sugar and water for the best, buttery, sweet caramel corn.

4. There isn’t a mix that let’s me put my own spin on caramel corn.

False—You can put your own signature on caramel corn with the Caramel Corn Treat Mix. Use the mix, then add your own creative flare, sugar, oil, and water.

5. There are more ways to increase my profits.

Absolutely True—Boost sales by creating specialty corn. You can mix and match flavors and colors for schools, holidays, businesses, wedding favors, and so much more. Use the color-only and flavor-only Corn Treat Mixes with the Basic Corn Treat Mix to create items like Black Cherry for Halloween or Vanilla with no color if there are color sensitivities (food allergies).

Now, that we have the basic ingredients, it’s on to finding the right machine and debunking more caramel corn myths. Stay tuned for our next blog on Thursday for additional answers.

 
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Posted by on May 7, 2013 in Caramel Corn, Fun Foods, increased sales, make money, popcorn

 

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How to Prep for Your First Gig

19 Sep

The first time for anything can be a little scary, especially when it comes to running your own business. But have no fear, running a concession stand is possible and you are the one to make it happen.

Since you’ve already thought about getting into the business of concessions, it’s time to focus your thinking on certain items of the shop.

Start by getting some ideas for brochures, so you can eventually create your own. Look at brochures that you know sell items, and see how they list products.

Know that a successful shop makes money in three ways: 1. From over the counter sales, 2. Shipping sales, and 3. Wholesale or packaged goods. Start thinking of good locations where your shop can accomplish all three of these ideas.

Visit at least two successful concession stands, so you can start thinking about ideas for product presentation, interior décor, display, and even uniforms for your employees. Only use what you see for ideas, it is important that you create your own, unique brand.

Next, do some investigating. Make sure this is what you want to do before you invest your money in the business.

Decide what you’re going to sell at your shop. Create a good balance of sweet and salty, and remember to keep it simple, especially in the beginning. In fact, your best bet is to limit the menu items, but vary the sizes they come in. Or, perhaps you offer popcorn, but sell different flavors. You also want to sell items that are easy to prepare.

Create a business plan based on your location and the products you plan to sell. A business plan will help you determine the costs for the first year, how to promote yourself and the products, and how much you need to make to succeed.

By following these tips, you’ll be on the right track in the concessions business before you sell your first bag of popcorn!

 
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Posted by on September 19, 2012 in Advertising, avoid burnout, Business, Concession Industry, Fun Foods, make money, New Business, popcorn, self-employment, Small Businesses, Starting Your Own Business

 

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Increase Your Popcorn Stand Profits by Adding Caramel Corn and Cheese Corn

13 Jun

Caramel Corn Close Up ShotAlthough popcorn is a great concession stand/food cart offering, customers often want something more exciting than plain popcorn to satisfy their grumbling tummies. Thinking about adding some sweet and savory options to your popcorn cart? With just a few extra supplies, you can add gourmet caramel corn and cheese corn to the menu!

Here’s what you’ll need to make caramel corn: some popped popcorn, a caramel corn mixing machine or aluminum mixing kettle, caramel corn mix (and appropriate amounts of oil, butter, sugar, and/or water, depending on the type of mix), a kernel separation aid, popcorn scoops, a cooling rack, and some popcorn bags/containers to serve the caramel corn in. That’s it!

Optionally, you may also want to purchase some caramel corn posters, displays and signs to help you market your product, and a wood mixing paddle, if you prefer to make your caramel popcorn the old-fashioned way.

To make cheese popcorn you’ll also need popped popcorn, some mix, and a cheese popcorn machine or mixing bowl to mix the solution with your popcorn, along with a scoop and containers/bags to distribute the cheese corn.

Gold Medal offers all of the items you need to produce, serve, and market your caramel corn and cheese corn in one place. We sell caramel corn machines and cheese corn mixers in a variety of sizes and styles, as well as accessories like cooling racks, popcorn scoops, and mixing paddles. We also sell high-quality product mixes, containers, and merchandizers. For caramel corn, we even offer pre-packaged product and all-in-one merchandising wagons!

But just how does adding gourmet popcorn increase your popcorn stand profits? Well, it’s quite simple: gourmet popcorn has a higher profit margin than regular popcorn. Caramel corn, for example, has a profit margin of 72 to 82 percent. To learn more about how to boost your concession business profits, visit the resource section of our website.

 
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Posted by on June 13, 2012 in Concession Industry, make money, New Business, popcorn, Starting Your Own Business

 

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The Concession Trailer Business Leaves Room for Creativity

17 May

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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Posted by on May 17, 2012 in Concession Industry, Entrepreneurial Business, Entrepreneurs, make money, New Business, popcorn, Starting Your Own Business

 

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Choose Caramel Corn for Concession Business Success

12 Apr

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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Posted by on April 12, 2012 in Caramel Corn, Entrepreneurial Business, Fun Foods, increased sales, make money, popcorn, self-employment

 

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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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Great Films Set to POP Up in 2012

31 Jan

Written by: Emily Gertenbach
Emily works as a content writer at WEBstaurant Restaurant Supply in Lancaster, PA

Few things sound more classic, tried, true and beloved than the combination of dinner and a movie. Just about everyone loves a trip to the cinema – from silent films to drive-ins to the huge 3D blockbusters of today, motion pictures have been a big part of Americana for decades. Even during recent economic downturns, movie attendance went up, not down. And what could be better to go hand-in-hand with a movie than popcorn?

Concession stand blockbuster

Popcorn is found at concession stands nationwide not only because of its status as a fan favorite – it’s also a great money maker for businesses! According to the national Popcorn Board, Two tablespoons of unpopped kernels only cost about 25 cents, but produce a quart of popcorn that will be eagerly snapped up by excited patrons. Americans love their popcorn just as much, if not more, than movies. Each year, the average American ingests 52 quarts of the buttery, airy, kernels!

Silver screen selections

Film fans will find plenty of reasons to go grab some movie popcorn during 2012. The year’s great lineup of movies has everything from animated family films to action packed adventures, sweet romantic comedies, and poignant dramas. According to the Movie Insider, lot of the new films for 2012 have one thing in common: they got their start on a printed page, be it a book, graphic novel, or short story.

The Lorax
Release Date: March 2, 2012
Starring: Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Betty White
Based on: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

More than just a whimsical children’s tale, The Lorax deals with underlying issues of environmental and moral responsibility. Originally published as a book in 1971 and made into a successful TV movie in 1972, The Lorax has been a favorite of children and adults for decades. Setting out to find a real tree in his artificial world, a young boy encounters the mysterious Once-ler and learns about what nature used to look like – and gets a special responsibility regarding the future of the Earth.  Learn more about this beloved tale before hitting the theaters!

The Hunger Games
Release Date: March 23, 2012
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Based on: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl living in a futuristic world where poverty is widespread and selected children are made to fight to the death on live television each year. It is based around the first book in a trilogy of extremely popular young adult novels.

The Avengers
Release Date: May 4, 2012
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johannson, Samuel L. Jackson
Based on: Marvel Comics’ The Avengers

With all the Marvel Comics superheroes under one roof and directed by cult favorite Joss Whedon, The Avengers may just prove to be one of the biggest movies of the year! The original actors from previous Marvel Comics movies such as Iron Man and Captain America will reprise their roles for this film.

Snow White and the Huntsman
Release Date: June 1, 2012
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth
Based on: Snow White, a German fairy tale popularized by the Grimm Brothers

The well known story of hunted princess Snow White continues in this new live-action adaptation. Snow White’s evil stepmother orders a huntsman to kill the princess – but he disobeys orders and teaches her how to fight back instead, putting a new, adventurous spin on this old tale.

The Dark Knight Rises
Release Date: July 20, 2012
Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Morgan Freeman
Based on: DC Comics’ Batman

Set eight years after The Dark Knight, this movie concludes the latest series of films about Bruce Wayne/Batman. While many details have been kept tightly under wraps, the film expected to follow Batman’s return to Gotham City and deliver a fitting end to the acclaimed trilogy.

Skyfall
Release Date: November 9, 2012
Starring: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench
Based on: The James Bond novels, originated by Ian Fleming in 1953

The 23rd in the James Bond franchise, Skyfall, may find 007′s loyalty to his mentor tested, leading him to track down and destroy a threat – some of what Bond does best. Sure to feature stylish cars, beautiful women, and a healthy dose of action, the movie helps to mark the 50th anniversary of the very first James Bond film. Visit Reuters or the film’s official site for more.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Release Date: December 14, 2012
Starring: Ian McKellen, Hugo Weaving, Martin Freeman
Based on: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

With the same director and a similar cast to that of the Lord of the Rings films, The Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf on a journey that introduces Gollum and puts Bilbo in possession of the One Ring, setting in place the storyline for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Whether you like action, fantasy, mystery or classics, pick a movie and grab your favorite popcorn – your new favorite film is about to begin!

 
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Posted by on January 31, 2012 in Advertising, Fun Foods, increased sales, popcorn, theater, theatre, Uncategorized

 

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America’s oldest snack: Popcorn!

19 Jan

Today we’re turning up the heat and popping up the fun to celebrate America’s oldest snack: Popcorn.

Did you know that Americans consume some 16 billion quarts of this whole grain treat each year? That’s 52 quarts per man, woman, and child!

Yummy Popcorn
Do you remember where you were when you had your first bite?

It doesn’t matter how you cover it: butter, caramel, or dusted with black truffle oil and parmesan cheese. Popcorn is the tasty treat that’s dominated the world’s snacking culture for centuries. Popcorn is also so much more than a snack; it’s a unifying factor across the globe. Everyone fondly remembers when they had their first taste and exactly where they were.

I clearly remember going to the movies as a kid and nudging my siblings in the ribs to get a leg up on the popcorn scarfing. Next it was Jiffy Pop on the stove and gleefully watching as the fluffy, white kernels exploded all over the kitchen (sorry for the mess, Mom). Then microwave popcorn became all the rage and it was a game to see how much you could pop before it burned to a crisp. But nothing will ever compare to that fresh-popped flavor from the kettle that just melts in your mouth.

Popcorn and any of the classic fun foods tie us to places and spaces in time. They’re passed down through generations like fine heirlooms to be treasured. So I say raise your glass today and celebrate all that is good and buttery with popcorn. Share it with your loved ones or take a relaxing moment for yourself and remember that child-like joy of the first taste.

Fun Popcorn Facts From the Popcorn Board (www.popcorn.org)

  • The oldest ears of popcorn ever found were discovered in the bat cave of West Central New Mexico in 1948 and 1950. Ranging from smaller than a penny to about 2 inches, the oldest Bat Cave ears are about 4,000 years old.
  • Most U.S. popcorn is grown in the Midwest, primarily in Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri.
  • The world’s largest popcorn ball was created by volunteers in Sac City, Iowa in February, 2009.  It weighed 5,000 lbs., stood over 8 ft. tall, and measured 28.8 ft. in circumference.
  • Compared to most snack foods, popcorn is low in calories. Air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories  per cup. Oil-popped is only 55 per cup.
  • In 1519, Cortes got his first sight of popcorn when he invaded Mexico and came into contact with the Aztecs. Popcorn was an important food for the Aztec Indians, who also used popcorn as decoration for ceremonial headdresses, necklaces and ornaments on statues of their gods.
 
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Posted by on January 19, 2012 in Caramel Corn, Concession Industry, popcorn, Popcorn Machines, theater, theatre

 

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Tasty Popcorn Recipes!

22 Sep

Everyone loves popcorn, but the standard way with butter and salt might get old after a little while. That’s why, from time to time, we like to spice things up a bit! Next time you’re planning a movie night, why not try some of these more exotic popcorn mixtures!

Spicy Cheesy Popcorn

Ingredients:

Directions:

Set aside popcorn. Microwave Laughing Cow cheese wedge just until melted. Stir in several drops of hot sauce. Toss/roll popcorn in cheese mixture until coated. Enjoy!

Banana Nut Popcorn:

Ingredients:

  • One bag of Gold Medal popcorn
  • 1/4 cup (about 12 pieces) dried banana chips (unsweetened without added oils)
  • 1/2 oz. (about 2 tbsp.) honey-roasted peanuts

Directions:

Empty popcorn into a large bowl and add banana chips and peanuts. Mix well. Enjoy!

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Popcorn:

Ingredients:

Directions:

Empty popcorn into a large bowl and add dried cherries and chocolate chips. Mix well. Enjoy!

 
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Posted by on September 22, 2011 in popcorn

 
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