Apr 25th 2024
How to Run a Successful Concession Stand
Some of childhood's greatest moments are made huddled around a concession stand, can of Hawaiian punch in one hand and a hot dog in the other (Chicago style, of course!).
Running a successful concession stand, whether you're serving families on the soccer field, movie theatre patrons, or concert-goers at a large venue, is no easy feat. It is a labor of love that takes strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Run a Successful Concession Stand with These Tips
- Choosing Your Menu
Deciding what items to offer your customers can be a massive hurdle for many concession stand owners! Offering items that you can serve in a snap is key, as customers want to be in and out quickly. Grab and go items such as chips, candy, and bottled water are always a hit, and other fast items such as hot dogs, nachos and pretzels allow you to serve more filling items without dragging out wait times. While offering a wide variety of items may be tempting, keep in mind the more items you have, the longer people will spend making up their minds, and the more items you'll need to have on hand. Keeping your offerings to a minimum will save time, which is always the name of the game for concession stands!
- Prep for Success
Ensuring you have all of the equipment and supplies you need to serve the items on your menu is key! Aim to have a bit more than you need so that you never find yourself running short. Be sure you have obtained all of the permits you need to run your operation legally. Check with your city to ensure you're covered.
- Get Organized
Because concession stands are so fast-paced, having your work area clean and organized will significantly increase your staff's ability to process transactions quickly. Be sure each team member has specific roles and is clear on what those are, and encourage teamwork so that your operation runs like a well-oiled machine. Every single item should have a place, and all team members should know where everything belongs.
- Think Ahead
If your concession stand caters to recreational sporting events, having your teams order their post-game snacks before their game is a great way to ensure your game days run efficiently! Consider making this process even easier by allowing for online ordering.