It’s that time of year. People are getting outside and are ready to create memories at fairs, special events, tourist destinations (local or major out-of-state attractions), sporting events, and weekend getaways. Warm weather also means the perfect opportunity to cash in with concessions. An often overlooked, but easy to add, option is cold drinks. Think of them as your Fountain of Wealth. Beside the standard bottled water, sodas, or adult beverages, the top money-makers are Lemonade Shake-Ups, slushes, and fruit smoothies. Below are four secrets to increased drink sales.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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Fit for either a meal or snack, the hot dog has long been one of the most popular concession foods. Whether at the ballpark, a festival, shopping mall or wherever people gather, more often than not we can detect that mouthwatering aroma emanating from a hot dog machine somewhere in the vicinity.
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.
There are numerous reasons why people contemplate starting a new business. These may include limitations or frustrations within a current job or profession; a downsizing on the horizon; or a burning desire to call one’s own shots.
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.”
Come on down! Get your popcorn, kettle corn, caramel corn, corn dogs, cotton candy, candy apple, nachos or whatever your guilty pleasure is when Fair time comes around! There is nothing like spring time in Florida. The weather makes for a great day to spend at a fair and when it comes to Fairs, there are plenty to choose from in the Sunshine State. The visitors to this state can keep plenty busy choosing where to go and which concession stands they are going to choose.
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.
It’s easy to think that treats such as snow cones, caramel corn, and hot pretzels won’t sell in a down economy. The truth is, although people are spending their money a little wiser, they still make a budget for fun, and fun includes great food.
When people venture to the movie theatre, they prepare to spend at least $2-$5 for sweet treats and salty snacks. On the flip side, a $2.00 bag of caramel corn only costs the seller $0.25!
Of course, movie theatres aren’t the only places selling popcorn and cotton candy, think about all of the places concession stand food is necessary. Parks are a great example. Whether it’s an amusement park or a theme park, your concession stand will get business.
In some parks, there is no other option for food. Since competition is low, people will wait in lines, and purchase the food you offer. That’s not to say park the cart in a high traffic area and throw business ethics to the wind. It’s more about learning where you can make the most profit, no matter what the economy is like.
Fairs are also great for concession stands, even during a recession. People look forward to their city fair, since it only comes once each year. Chances are, they’re going to the fair for the food; they’re prepared to pay for unique treats they might not get during the rest of the year.
Shopping malls is also another option. While people might not be hitting the shopping mall quite as often during a down economy, the concession stand will be the most affordable option in the mall when it comes to snacks and meal options. With the aroma of your freshly popped caramel corn wafting through the mall, you’re a sure seller.
Don’t get discouraged when it comes to the world’s money troubles. Businesses can succeed, and luckily, people always want to have fun and enjoy great food while doing so.
Operating 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.
Remember the thrill of eating brightly colored treats as a kid? Whether it was a blueberry-colored shaved ice at the fair or a bubblegum-pink cupcake at a birthday party, there was just something exciting and special about getting to enjoy a colorful snack. While today, we know that food coloring is responsible for those fun colors, we still associate colorful foods with special occasions and fantastic flavors.
Food coloring is a safe way to make food fun. As a popcorn concessionaire, you should definitely consider offering colored popcorn for holidays or special occasions. Think red or pink popcorn for Valentine’s Day, green popcorn for St. Patrick’s Day, or mixed colors to represent team colors at a high school, college or national sports team game.
With the right products, colored popcorn is super easy to make. One way to make colored popcorn is to simply use Color-Popcorn salt instead of regular salt. This will provide a fun color to the popcorn without changing the flavor. You can also produce a wide variety of popcorn colors and flavors using Corn Treats Mixes.
Sometimes, you may wish to use the above Gold Medal Products popcorn colorings to provide color only. For example, you might want to use plain-flavored Color Popcorn salt or Corn Treats Color-Only to make an orange-and-green Miami Dolphins popcorn mix or some orange-and-black Cincinnati Bengals popcorn. Alternatively, you can add flavored Corn Treat Mixes to create popcorn that is both colored and flavored, such as red raspberry popcorn or green apple popcorn.
Besides plain and sweet flavors, colored popcorn can also be savory. Some ideas for savory colored popcorn include spicy-red and white cheddar popcorn to cheer on the Cincinnati Reds, or orange nacho cheese popcorn served in black bags for Halloween. Use Gold Medal Popcorn Co.’s Savory Shake Mixes, Alarm Blazen additive, and Cheddar Pure Gold mix to make savory and colorful popcorn.
Some approaching events that you might think about making colored popcorn mixes for include upcoming college football championship games and the 2013 Super Bowl! Local sports games and holiday fairs and festivals are also great opportunities to serve colored popcorn.
Whatever the occasion, use colored popcorn to help customers get into a festive spirit, and they’ll reward you by brightening your sales!
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!
We are beckoned to amusement parks by the thrills of roller coasters, the spills of water rides and the skills we put on display in our attempted mastery of gaming. But the “grill” is also a big part of our day at the amusement park, as all the activity is bound to cause us to work up a good appetite.
Large amusement parks offer a vast array of food choices and cuisines, from snack shops to sit-down restaurants. Concession stands can be spotted just about everywhere we look, presenting those seeking to grab a quick bite with a large selection of “fun” foods and tasty treats.
The Top “Fun” Foods
A “fun food” can be described as a “snacky” sweet or a rib-sticking food item that is fast, easy and delectable. Hamburger and hot dog grills are always working overtime on days where the weather is agreeable and a park is packed with visitors. But aside from these ever-popular staples, here are ten of the most favored fun foods found at amusement parks:
Belgian waffles and funnel cakes: Both of these treats can be placed in the same category, as Belgian waffles are often made with funnel cake mix, and vice versa. These delightful dishes emerge from the Belgian waffle maker or the deep fryer a tempting golden-brown. They can be topped with powdered sugar, fruit, ice cream or whipped cream.
Sno Kones: An icy, flavor-filled refreshment that is perfect on a hot day.
Cotton candy: A sweet and fluffy kid-favorite that melts in your mouth.
Caramel corn: A crunchy snack that bursts with sweetness on every bite.
Nachos: A snack food staple topped with meat, cheese and peppers. The nacho machine is a very popular piece of equipment at just about every public event or gathering.
Pizza: By the slice or in pie form, need more be said about this international favorite?
Pretzels: Whether soft and warm, salty, sweet or cheesy, pretzels at amusement parks, festivals and ballgames are a timeless tradition.
Ice cream: No food-furnishing affair would be complete without this sweet and creamy offering.
The fun foods deserving “honorable mention” are countless. From chili cheese fries to warm cinnamon almonds to potato ribbons, the list goes on and on. From the traditional to the unique, snacks and treats round out the amusement park experience. Quite often, their packaging and presentation is half the fun!
Fireworks are only part of the countless traditions that take place on the Fourth of July. Patriotic displays abound throughout cities and towns as capacity crowds fill festival grounds and line the streets for parades.
Of course, food and drinks are no less than a necessity whenever the masses assemble for an event. Therefore, with all of the activities and celebrations going on, the Fourth of July is a “boom” time for the concession business.
Fourth-Themed Snacks and Concessions
One fun Fourth of July tradition is concocting red, white and blue snacks. The cooks in the family take the opportunity to let the creative juices flow in the making of everything from stars-and-stripes-adorned pastries to dishes devised of red, white and blue fruits.
From a concessionaire’s standpoint, event attendees enjoy the novelty of patriotic snacks such as:
Red, white and blue popcorn: With a splash of blue food coloring, a blend of basic corn treat mix and red, cinnamon-flavored corn treat glaze, this colorful bounty will have festival and parade goers turning their heads and coming in for a closer look. Conventional caramel corn can also be used for the “red” in this patriotic treat.
Fourth of July Nachos: Nacho warmers can be filled with blue nacho chips, and then dispensed along with red salsa and a white cheese dip in order to display the nation’s colors.
Red, white and blue colorings for the cotton candy machine and blueberry and strawberry flavorings for the Sno-Kone® maker are a few more star spangled snack ideas for the concession trailer. Whether at the festival food counter or the family barbeque, Fourth-themed treats will add spirit to any Independence Day celebration.
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Remember the thrill of eating brightly colored treats as a kid? Whether it was a blueberry-colored shaved ice at the fair or a bubblegum-pink cupcake at a birthday party, there was just something exciting and special about getting to enjoy a colorful snack. While today, we know that food coloring is responsible for those fun colors, we still associate colorful foods with special occasions and fantastic flavors.
