RSS

Tag Archives: food

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.

 
Leave a comment

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

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

 
1 Comment

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

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Hot Dog Machines Keep these Concession Food Staples Rolling

25 Apr

Hot DogFit 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.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on April 25, 2013 in Concession Industry, Fun Foods, hot dogs

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Engage the Senses, Engage the Wallet

22 Feb

Do you woo? Buying isn’t a knee-jerk reaction. We’re an information-saturated society and consumers have a wealth of options at their fingertips. You have mere seconds to convince and cajole today’s savvy shoppers into choosing your product or service before they move on to something else. Engaging the senses is the quickest way to returns, and cutting through the constant bombardment of noise and ads.

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.

Cotton Candy Spinner HeadWe 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.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 22, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Starting a New Business and The Advantages of a Distributorship

12 Feb

Starting a New Business and The Advantages of a DistributorshipThere 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.”

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on February 12, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Shaved Ice “Snowball” a Mardi Gras Favorite

07 Feb

Sno-Kone GroupThe streets come alive as thousands of enthusiastic party-goers gather in New Orleans to participate in the Mardi Gras celebration each year. Flashy and sometimes outlandish costumes, parades filled with fascinating floats and attendees adorned with colorful strands of beads are only a few of the many Mardi Gras traditions on display. Of course a diverse array of delectable cuisines, from gourmet eats to creative concession snacks, are always a big part of the festivities as well.

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.

 
1 Comment

Posted by on February 7, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Popcorn Making: Leaving No Kernel Unpopped

29 Jan

Sometimes the little things in life are what we find to be the most frustrating. Take the act of making popcorn. Whether using a stovetop, microwave or store-bought popcorn machine, at the end of a popcorn popping endeavor, there always seems to be at least a handful of unpopped kernels left at the bottom of the cooking vessel.

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

Piece Popcorn in KernelsWhen 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!

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on January 29, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , ,

Spring Time is Fair Time in Florida

10 Jan

cotton candy girl at fairCome 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.

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

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on January 10, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

How concessions are profitable, recession-proof

18 Dec

MoneyIt’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.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 18, 2012 in Concession Industry, Entrepreneurial Business, Entrepreneurs, increased sales, New Business, Small Businesses

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Add Some Spirit to Your Sales with Colored Popcorn

06 Dec

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!

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 6, 2012 in Advertising

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

← Older posts
 
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.