Concession Stand Ideas: Serving up Success

Running a concession stand can be a blast, especially when it doubles as a fantastic fundraiser. With the right mix of food options, you can raise money for your cause while keeping everyone satisfied. Let’s dive into some awesome concession stand ideas and how Cheddar Up can make your life easier.

Concession Stand Menu

Choosing the menu is crucial to maximizing sales. A well-planned concession stand menu can elevate the entire experience. Here are a few concession stand ideas for every event:

Football Concession Stand

Football games are high-energy events, perfect for hearty and easy-to-eat foods. Think classic stadium fare that pairs well with the outdoor weather:

Hot Dogs and Sausages:

Offer a variety of toppings like sauerkraut, relish, and spicy mustard.

Nachos:

Loaded with cheese, jalapeños, and optional extras like chili or guacamole.

Pretzels:

Soft, warm, and served with cheese or mustard dipping sauces.

Chili:

Towards the end of the season, a bowl of chili with an ‘add your own toppings bar’ will be a big hit

Hot Cocoa:

Also great for the colder games and don’t forget the marshmallows!

Baseball Concession Stand

Baseball games are all about tradition and comfort food:

Popcorn:

A classic snack that’s easy to munch on between innings.

Peanuts and Cracker Jacks:

Timeless snacks that fans of all ages enjoy.

Ice Cream:

Serve in cups or cones for a sweet treat.

Cotton Candy:

Everyone’s favorite sticky snack is great at the ballgame!

Concessions at School Plays and Performances

For quieter events like plays, think of items that are easy to eat and won’t cause a distraction:

Popcorn:

Immerse yourself in the show, just like you would at the movie theater.

Candy:

Small enough to enjoy without being disruptive.

Cookies and Brownies:

Delicious desserts that are easy to handle.

Additional Concession Stand Ideas to Meet Every Need

When planning your concession stand menu, it’s important to offer items that cater to the needs of your audience. Let’s explore some key considerations to keep in mind.

Allergies

Being mindful of food allergies is crucial. Here’s how you can accommodate everyone:

Label Everything:

Clearly mark items that contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Offer Alternatives:

Have options like gluten-free pretzels or nut-free cookies.

Healthy Options

Not everyone wants indulgent snacks. Including healthy choices can broaden your appeal:

Veggie Sticks and Dip:

Fresh vegetables with hummus or ranch dip.

Fruit Kabobs:

Fun and colorful, these are a hit with both kids and adults.

Granola Bars:

A wholesome snack that provides a quick energy boost.

Beverages

Keeping your audience hydrated is essential, and offering non-sugary options can cater to health-conscious attendees:

Water:

Always have plenty of bottled water or water stations available.

Flavored Waters:

Offer a variety of naturally flavored waters for a refreshing alternative.

Unsweetened Iced Tea:

A great option for those avoiding sugary drinks.

Concession Stand Ideas to Make Things Run Smoothly

Simplifying the logistics of your concession stand is essential for a stress-free experience. Here’s how you can leverage Cheddar Up to make your life easier.

Accepting Payments

Gone are the days of fumbling with cash and coins. Cheddar Up simplifies the in-person payment process:

Easy Setup:

Create an account and set up a custom payment page for your concession stand in minutes.

Multiple Payment Options:

 Accept credit cards, e-checks, and even cash.

Collect with Ease:

 Download the Cheddar Up app to collect with our tap-on-mobile feature or snag a card reader for simple swiping.

Organizing Volunteers

Managing volunteers efficiently is key to running a smooth and successful concession stand. Cheddar Up makes organizing your volunteer team a breeze:

Sign-Up Sheets:

Create custom sign-up sheets where volunteers can choose their shifts and roles.

Automated Reminders:

Set up automated email or text reminders to keep your volunteers informed about their commitments.

Getting Started with a Template

Setting up your concession stand payment system is even easier with Cheddar Up templates:

Choose a Template:

Pick from a variety of templates designed for concession stands.

Customize It:

Add your specific items, prices, and any special instructions.

Share the Event Code:

Share the event code with team members so they can collect payments through the Cheddar Up app.

Running a successful concession stand is all about offering the right mix of food and considering everyone’s needs. Whether you’re serving up hot dogs at a game or healthy snacks at a school play, these tips will help you keep things running smoothly. So, get out there and make your concession stand the talk of the event!

Before you go

Using Cheddar Up for your concession stand will enhance your overall success of your fundraiser. Get started today to experience the ease of managing payments and volunteers like a pro!

Collect for FREE

Whether you’re collecting dues and fees, fundraising, managing an event, creating a sign up, or selling something online or in-person, you can do it with a Cheddar Up collection.