1. Add a Splash to Sodas—There are many ways to flavor your sodas, but one of the simplest solutions is to add a dash of Sno-Kone^® syrups to the bottom of the cup, then add your beverage. This will mix the products without losing the carbonation. Or, if you have a fountain drink system and are comfortable with the mechanism, you can disconnect one syrup line. Then, simply use the carbonated beverage and Sno-Kone^® syrup to create a variety of flavors. (Check your manufacturer’s manual before proceeding with any disconnection.)
2. Event or Souvenir Cups—These hard-plastic cups are the answer to generate repeat/refill sales, plus your customers will love the durability. They’ll pay more on the front-end for a better-perceived product. Guests will often take them with them, which cuts down on the trash at the event. It’s a win for everyone.
3. Slushes and Fruit Smoothies—Don’t forget the power of a tall glass of cool, refreshing goodness. Slushes are popular with children of all ages. The slush mixes can also be paired with alcohol after they are made to give you more options with one product. Fruit smoothies are another great option for children and those wanting a “fresher” drink alternative.
4. When Life Hands You Lemons—Shake-Ups have enormous profit potential with low food costs. Unfortunately, this is another product that some may overlook because they think Shake-Ups are too hard to make. But it’s easy to turn lemons into liquid gold with just water, ice, and a neutral slush base. Plus, as you can see in the video, sales of all sizes are possible, as even the 52-oz. event cups fit beneath the Lemonator.

For More information fill out the form below on how to make money with snacks

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.

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.

There’s Something About a Ballpark Hot Dog

A hot dog off the grill at home can certainly be as tasty as any other hot dog. However, we often hear people claim there’s no better dog than those sold at the ballpark. This could be due in part to the atmosphere or the fact that the hot dog is woven into the fabric of our overall ballpark experience. But actually, the equipment for cooking hot dogs at the ballpark usually isn’t much different than the hot dog machines found in stores or in concession stands at other venues and events.

The Machinery

Hot dogs can be cooked in a number of different ways, including grilling, steaming and boiling. But for concession and vending purposes, the hot dog grill roller is the preferred piece of equipment for producing hot, delicious dogs.

These machines come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are generally built from sturdy, heavy-duty stainless steel. They contain a series of rollers placed closely together, and at least one heat-regulating dial for adjusting roller temperatures.

Hot dogs placed on the slowly-rotating heated rollers are cooked evenly throughout. The dog’s natural flavors are “locked in” as a result. After the cooking process is completed, roller temperatures can be dialed to keep the hot dogs fresh and warm for whenever they will be served.

Hot dog roller machines typically contain drip pans. And the rollers themselves can easily be removed for cleaning. The capacity of these machines varies from being capable of producing several dozen to several hundred hot dogs per hour. Regardless of its location, a well-maintained stainless steel hot dog roller machine will produce plump and juicy dogs for many years and seasons.

To Beat the Heat, Ice is Nice

Depending on where you live, some summer — or even late-spring — afternoons reach a point where the heat is almost suffocating, especially in parts of the country notorious for high humidity.

At this point, our instincts usually kick in and we begin to search for something that will help us cool down a bit. Cold drinks, ice cream and even those little spay water bottles with the fans attached to them all seem like viable options. But we set our sights on the one thing that we know will satisfy our craving for coolness: Ice!

Therefore, our next step is to head directly to the snow cone vendor, where we will be able to choose from a variety of flavors to top our crushed ice treat. We don’t think much about it as we dive into this frozen delight. But eating crushed ice on a sultry day actually carries with it a number of benefits. We immediately realize the cooling effects of our snow cone consumption, but the ice will obviously turn back into its original form, water, which will keep us hydrated.

Additionally, for young children, seniors and those who sometimes experience physical problems in the heat, the ice from a snow cone can lower one’s core body temperature by a few degrees. This can help prevent the possibility of developing conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

So, the next time the heat begins to become somewhat unbearable at an outdoor affair, look for the nearest snow cone machine. Not only will your taste buds appreciate this flavorful icy delicacy, but its rejuvenating impact on your body may help you to at least temporarily avoid the withering effects of the heat!

Smells trigger memories. They also will lure customers into your store, make their mouths water for increased profits, and inspire relaxed buying atmospheres. That’s why countless food service locations vent aromas, and companies will spend millions in market research to develop the right smell to pull you in. You can spend a lot less, and get the same allure, by making items fresh during high-traffic times.

We eat first with our eyes. Keep this in mind for everything from your logo to plating. Warm colors like reds inspire hunger and are ideal for interior designs or signs. Action draws crowds. Did you ever see the mesmerizing motion of a cotton candy machine? The light glistens on all the spinning soft, sugary goodness and you instantly crave that candy cloud. And bold colors attract attention. That’s why our eyes are instantly drawn to the shockingly bright syrup, as it splashes onto the barren white ice of a Sno-Kone^®.

Tune them in. Popping corn is one of the most recognizable sounds in the world. It’s like sweet music to the cash register’s ears. Find the other sounds that will trigger stop-ins and second glances.

Get in touch with textures. There are numerous sense-appealing serving options. Seek out the best ways to boost buys and get noticed with a variety of consistencies, sizes, and materials.

Taste turns a sale into a repeat customer. Whether it’s simply sweet, jalapeño hot, or buttery rich, the flavors and high-quality ingredients must sing through in all your products.

Immersing customers in a total sensory experience is the best way to hook in new buyers, and create one-of-a-kind events that will keep them coming back for more. Fun foods make it easy to set the scene and tempt taste buds. Classic sights, smells, and tastes bring back cherished memories. Fresh, bold flavors and fares appeal to foodies and give your customers ways to form new memorable moments. So woo away. We’ll be here to help. Gold Medal has everything you need to turn straightforward sales into an unforgettable, crave-inducing and bring them back to the door experiences.

There are also many who long to strike out on their own, but are uncertain which route to take. However, there are ways to test the waters regarding the feasibility and marketability of new business ideas or new products.

Although there may be significant growing pains involved in a particular venture, many business start-up stories have ended in success through hard work, organization and sheer determination.

For budding entrepreneurs who seek to eliminate some of the uncertainties surrounding building a new business from the ground up, entering into a distributorship may be worth serious consideration.

Hitting the Ground Running

Not many “sure things” exist in any aspect of life. This is especially true in the business world, where many more companies have fallen by the wayside than have become successful and stood the test of time. But becoming a wholesale distributor offers some distinct advantages over starting a brand new business.

Many manufacturers and product producers that offer distributorship opportunities are already established in the marketplace or have shown consistency over time in selling their products to a target market. This gives distributors that these entities choose to bring on board a “head start,” especially if a brand is well known.

Many product producers will offer training and the peripheral materials or supplies necessary to give new distributors the tools they need to maximize their chances of eventual success. Of course, distributors must have a degree of business savvy, good interpersonal and relationship development skills, a solid business plan and whatever capital, equipment and warehousing that may be required.

But whether the product is machine parts, food service equipment, or any one of an infinite number of goods or merchandise, with the right opportunity, wholesale distributors often do indeed have the opportunity to “hit the ground running.”

Ice is Nice, but Snow Steals the Show

Mint Juleps, King Cakes and seafood gumbo are among the famous palate-pleasing traditions of Mardi Gras. But when it comes to cool refreshments, the “snowball” is not only a flavorful icy treat, but is a bona fide New Orleans original, woven into the very fabric of the “Big Easy.”

As opposed to the widely-recognized “snow cone,” which consists of chopped ice of a thicker, chunkier texture, snowballs are made from thinly shaved ice, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture that closely resembles snow.

Snowballs have actually been a part of New Orleans fare since the 1930s. Big Easy history tells us that when struggling Depression-era grocer George Ortolano noticed that a nearby snow cone vendor never seemed to be lacking for customers, he decided to refine the whole idea behind “crushed ice.” Mr. Ortolano then took it upon himself to create a shaved ice machine that produced a finer, flakier brand of snow cone that held truer to the consistency of actual snow than its coarser counterpart. Thus, the snowball was born.

Word of Mr. Ortolano’s newly-created delicacy began to spread. With the addition of a growing variety of sweet-flavored syrups and toppings, snowballs began to become a highly sought-after treat. Today, shops, stores and stands that serve up snowballs are not only commonplace in the New Orleans area, but they can be found in just about every corner of Louisiana and the surrounding region.

Although crushed-ice snow cones and variations of soft ice machine products are enjoyed by millions on hot summer days throughout the land, there is only one “snowball,” as first-time visitors to the Mardi Gras are often quick to discover.

Unpopped kernels can be an unwelcome and somewhat painful surprise if they should find their way to your teeth. It’s also a shame when leftover kernels end up in the garbage instead of your mouth in popped form. For snack vendors and concession business owners, discarded unpopped kernels translate into dollars and cents. But steps can be taken to greatly improve the percentages and keep unpopped kernels to a bare minimum.

Increasing the Popping Percentage

When it comes to popcorn poppers and popcorn making techniques, there are many variables. But the constant is the popcorn itself. Choosing the right brand of popcorn is a major factor in achieving a thoroughly popped batch of popcorn. This may take some trial and error. But just like any product, some brands of popcorn are simply better than others.

For concessionaires, popcorn and cooking oil will often come in pre-measured bags and popping machines will generally be programmed for maximum popping efficiency. But small adjustments can still be made in regard to heating, oil amounts and agitation.

This is also important for the rest of us. Other than when using “air” popcorn machines that are built to evenly distribute kernels throughout the popping process, popcorn must continuously be agitated or shaken to allow as many kernels as possible to reach the heat source.

Other factors for popcorn popping success are being a good listener and popcorn storage. After the machine gun-like cadence at the height of a popping endeavor, listen carefully for when the popping slows down. Wait until there is a second or two between pops before removing the popcorn from the heat source. But don’t wait too long, or the popcorn will begin to burn.

Popcorn also contains a certain amount of moisture that allows it to pop effectively. So store popcorn in a tightly-sealed glass or plastic container in a cool area away from heat or sunlight.

Don’t forget that any unpopped kernels can be reused. Just add a few drops of water to moisten them up, re-insert them into your popcorn maker … and happy popping!

The two largest events attended during this season are the Florida State Fair, which is always held in February and The Strawberry Festival which is always late February to early March.  Both of these events pull many vendors, concession stands and visitors.  Between the entertainment, the rides and the food trailers there is never a lack of something to do or something to eat!

Along with those big fairs are several other events that pull people in.  There is the Kumquat Festival, Pioneer Days, Fly Wheelers (4 weekends a year), the Manatee Fair and Pasco Fairs.  All of these fairs are spaced out nicely so that snowbirds always have something to do and visitors can usually hit one or two on a visit as well.  It is a great way to welcome in the spring weather…rides, food, entertainment and fun.

Steve Loew – Tampa Branch Manager
http://www.goldmedaltampa.com