How to Make Money in the Food Concession

Stadiums fill, and feed, hungry crowds.

Everyone gets hungry, so selling food can be very profitable. Concession stands are a good way to capitalize on this fact; they combine the convenience of already prepared food with a well-situated location. Usually found at stadiums, movie theaters, theme parks, fairs, arenas and other entertainment venues, concession stands are a convenient place for hungry crowds to grab a bite. One way to ensure your concession stand makes money is to sell the right foods.

Things You'll Need

• Concession food

Instructions

1. 

   Traditional concession fare: nachos and cheese.

   Stick with what works. Grab-and-go food options are concession stand fare proven to sell well. Traditional examples include snack bags, soft pretzels, nachos, hot dogs, candy, peanuts, popcorn, candy and chips. Mobility is key at venues, and these types of foods can be easily transported by patrons back to their seats.

2. 

   Hot dogs and French fries could be big sellers.

   If appropriate, sell more substantial options. At all-day events, or in a situation where the crowds are expecting a meal or in an area with great location to sit and eat, snack foods may be inadequate. Pizza always is a good option. Or try hamburgers or hot dogs and French fries, barbecued chicken or ribs and potato salad or sandwiches and chips.

3. 

   Sell ice-cold milkshakes during the hot summer months.

   Boost your profits with an expanded selection of beverages. Soda is the conventional concession stand beverage, but try offering other drinks. During cold fall and winter, sell hot chocolate, coffee and cider. During the summer, sell ice-cold milkshakes and slushees. Or set up a drinks-only concession stand offering all manner of refreshing beverages, from chocolate milk and sodas to fresh-squeezed fruit juices.

4. 

   Who can pass up a candied apple?

   Appealing to the sweet tooth could turn a profit. Instead of the usual M&Ms and Snickers, sell homemade candies: marzipan, divinity, candied apples, fudge squares and peanut brittle. Or sell home-baked goods such as pies, cupcakes and slices of cake. If the event at which you'll be selling your concessions takes place on or close to a holiday, sell sugar cookies decorated to reflect the season, with little flags for the Fourth of July, Santa Clauses for Christmas, hearts for Valentine's Day, turkeys for Thanksgiving and ghosts for Halloween.

References

• BuyItListIt.com: The Concession Business - Types of Food Possibilities

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish