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School Concession Equipment & Supplies

Schools are hubs of community activity, where students, families, and staff come together to celebrate and support their local teams and events. Concession stands play a vital role in these gatherings, providing much-needed refreshments and snacks that enhance the overall experience. From elementary schools to universities, a well-run concession stand can draw people in and foster a sense of community spirit.

For athletic directors and concession stand operators, the success of a school’s concession stand goes beyond just offering food and drinks. It’s about creating an inviting atmosphere that complements the excitement of school events. Whether it’s a Friday night football game, a school play, or a weekend tournament, a well-stocked and efficiently managed concession stand can significantly contribute to the enjoyment of these occasions, while also generating essential revenue to support school programs and activities.

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Top Recommended School Concession Equipment

Investing in the right equipment is crucial to the success of your school’s concession stand. Gold Medal offers a range of top-quality concession equipment designed to meet the needs of any school event. Essential items include popcorn machines, cotton candy makers, hot dog rollers, and nacho cheese dispensers. These pieces of equipment are not only easy to operate but also highly durable, ensuring that your concession stand can serve high volumes of customers efficiently and effectively.

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Top Recommended School Concession Supplies

Equipping your concession stand with the right supplies is equally important. Stock up on popcorn kernels, cotton candy flosssugar, nacho chips and cheese, hot dogs, and pizza from Gold Medal. High-quality supplies ensure that the food you serve is delicious and satisfying, keeping customers coming back for more.

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5 Reasons Why Elementary Schools, High Schools, and Colleges/Universities Need Concession Stands

Concession stands are a vital part of school events, providing a convenient and enjoyable way for attendees to purchase food and beverages. They not only enhance the overall event experience but also serve as a significant fundraising tool. The revenue generated from concession sales can be reinvested into school programs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities, providing much-needed financial support.

  1. Fundraising OpportunitiesConcession stands provide a consistent and profitable fundraising stream for schools. They can help finance various school programs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities, allowing for more focused academic and athletic investments. In fact, often the concession stand outperforms other forms of fundraising.
  2. Enhancing School EventsWhether it's a sports game, a school play, or a community event, concession stands add value by offering refreshments and snacks. This enhances the overall experience for attendees, making school events more enjoyable and encouraging higher attendance rates.
  3. Promoting School PrideFun foods contribute to the school spirit by making events more memorable and enjoyable. School-branded concession items, such as souvenir cups, custom popcorn buckets, or popcorn popped in school colors, can foster a sense of pride and unity among students, staff, and families.
  4. Providing Convenient Food OptionsDuring long events, like sports tournaments or all-day festivals, concession stands offer convenient and accessible food and drink options. This is especially important in keeping attendees satisfied and engaged without needing to leave the premises for refreshments.
  5. Versatility for Various EventsConcession stands are versatile and can be adapted to various school events, from sports games to parent-teacher meetings and school carnivals, making them a valuable asset year-round.

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Best-Selling Concession Stand Items

Photo of popcorn in a red and white bucket

Popcorn

A classic and versatile snack, popcorn is a favorite at any event. Offer options like buttered, caramel, and cheese-flavored popcorn, or even popped popcorn in the school colors.

Pink cotton candy in bags on a sunny day

Cotton Candy

Light and fluffy, cotton candy is a sweet treat that appeals to kids and adults alike. Consider offering various flavors and colors to add a fun element.

Nachos with sour cream, cheese and jalapenos

Nachos

Warm, cheesy nachos are a hit at sports events and fairs. Provide toppings like jalapeños, salsa, and sour cream for added variety.

Close up hot dog with mustard on a bun

Hot Dogs

A staple at concession stands, hot dogs are easy to prepare and serve. Offer classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish, along with additional toppings for customization.

Photo of a hamburger on a brown background

Hamburgers

A crowd-pleaser at any event, hamburgers are a satisfying and filling option for hungry fans. Be sure to offer condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayo.

Photo of two pretzels on a napkin

Pretzels

Soft pretzels, served with cheese sauce or mustard, are a popular snack that’s both filling and tasty.

Snow Cone with red syrup on a blue background

Snow Cones

Perfect for warm weather events, snow cones come in a variety of flavors and colors, providing a refreshing treat for attendees.

Photo of Candy and Chocolate in glass bowls

Candy and Chocolate

Offer a selection of packaged candies and chocolate bars for a quick and easy snack option.

Photo of Ice cream in cones

Ice Cream

Individual ice cream cups or bars are always a favorite, especially during warmer months. Offer a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes.

Photo of pizza

Pizza Slices

Hot, cheesy pizza slices are a great addition to any concession stand menu, providing a more substantial food option for hungry attendees.

Trio of Slushies with different flavors isolated on white background.

Frusheez® / Slushies

Frusheez® / Slushies are incredibly popular with students of all ages. Their vibrant colors and refreshing taste make them a hit at any school event. Slushies are easy to prepare and serve offering quick service during busy events.

Pre-packaged snacks by Gold Medal.

Prepackaged Concession Foods

From popcorn and cotton candy to nachos and cheese and pretzels, prepackaged concession food options are available for convenient grab-n-go options.

Including these fun foods at a school concession stand will ensure there's something for everyone, enhancing the overall experience and increasing the likelihood of repeat customers.

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Top Concession Stand Ideas by Product Category

Selling concession foods is a leading way to generate profits to support school activities year-round. Some foods stand out for their ease of prep and profitability. We’ll outline our top picks, including profit margins and best recommendations.

Pop It Up!

Popcorn ranks at the top of the list of must-have concession stand foods. Simple to prepare, it is an all-time best-seller that brings in average profit margins of 80%. Drive even more sales by popping it in your team’s colors.

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Have you heard of popcorn vending machines? It is the most convenient way to serve fresh popcorn. No more scooping, customers can serve themselves with just the push of a button. Get to know the Ready Series, Gold Medal’s line of self-serve popcorn dispensers or popcorn vending machines. There are both large and small models for venues of any size. Other options include cashless payment systems for ultimate convenience or customized graphics packages.

Sweet Treats

Cotton candy is a hit with all ages. With Gold Medal’s floss machines, it is easy to spin up fluffy cotton candy. It is known for low costs and profits as high as 94%! Plus, you can make cotton candy in custom flavors and colors, adding to the experience.

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The QuickSpin™ is the next generation of cotton candy machines. This compact and practical commercial cotton candy machine is made to easily switch between flavors and create single servings. It is also capable of making cotton candy art, such as flowers.

An Epic Snack

Nachos are not just a best-seller; they are super convenient with two options for serving. Choose from a push-button nacho cheese dispenser or prepackaged chips and cheese. Both are low labor. Average profit margins are 75%, making it an attractive addition to your menu.

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The versatility of nachos means that it can be customized. You can upsell traditional nachos with additional toppings like salsa, jalapeños, chili, sour cream, or guacamole. A build-your-own nacho bar is a way to encourage even larger purchases. (Explore Gold Medal’s line of Nachos Equipment.)

A Ballpark Classic

Hot dogs are a favorite at baseball concession stands, yet they can also be a hit at other sports and events too. Universally loved by all age groups, hot dogs are easily prepared on a roller grill. Profit margins can reach as high as 73%, which is a significant impact on your bottom line.

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Gold Medal’s Hot Diggity Pro Series features One-Touch Digital Controls. It allows you to program heat and hold times and temperatures for two heating zones. These machines are the combo of professional style and unbeatable performance! (Shop all Hot Dog Machines)

Just Chillin’

Slushies or Frusheez® frozen drinks are the ultimate crowd-pleaser at any school or sports concession stand. Refreshing and fun, they make the perfect treat for a hot day. The machines do the work for you! Customers love the bright colors and various flavor options. Earn up to 84% profit margins with slushies!

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As a fun alternative to water or sodas, Frusheez comes in a wide range of flavors. Most popular are cherry and blue raspberry. Or mix it up with pink lemonade or sweet tea. Browse all of our Frusheez supplies.

A Profitable Twist

Warm, salty, and delicious, no school or sports concession stand should be without soft pretzels. Easy prep – just allow them to heat up inside a convenient warmer. Pair with dips like mustard, nacho cheese, or even icing. Generate profit margins as high as 70%!

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With Meister Bake® Pretzels you can even serve straight from the package. They are shelf-stable and do not require freezing. Choose from salted, unsalted, or sweet cinnamon.

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Pre-Season Prep: Pro Tips for Running Your School Concession Stand

Whether you’re working or volunteering at a high school or university, these essential tips will help you efficiently manage your concession stand. From high school football games to elementary school plays, well-run school concession stands enhance the overall experience. Be part of that positive experience by ensuring your concession stand is thoroughly prepared. Follow this guide for tips on what you need to consider:

Know Your Budget
  1. Understand Your Budget: Before stocking up on products and equipment, you need a clear understanding of your budget. At the elementary or high school level, this may be controlled by a booster group, PTO/PTA, or athletic director. At the college level, it might be governed by the athletic department.
  2. Budget Allocation: Once you know your budget, decide how to allocate it. Determine what kind of equipment to purchase, how much of each product to buy, and whether new equipment is affordable.
  3. Pricing Strategy: Calculate your pricing carefully. Concession food costs can be as low as a quarter per serving, offering great flexibility in pricing. For example, popcorn can yield up to 82% profit when sold at $3.00 per serving. A single afternoon at the concession stand can be more lucrative than a month of other fundraising efforts. Click here for more tips on pricing strategies.
Take Care of Your Equipment
  1. Check Your Equipment: Your biggest investment is your equipment. Before considering new machinery, check and double check the functionality of your existing equipment. Ensure the size and capacity is correct. Testing and identifying any potential issues now will help you avoid concerns during the season.
  2. Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance: Grease and debris can hinder performance. Without proper care, your machine’s health is at risk. Regular cleaning ensures your equipment works properly throughout the season.
Manage Your Inventory
  1. Inventory Assessment: Stocking the right supplies is as crucial as having the right equipment. Before buying new products, assess the leftover supplies from the previous season. Check expiration dates on all perishable items.
  2. Stock Up: How do you make sure you are well-stocked with your favorite foods? Start by reviewing sales records from the previous year. Consider any special events like homecoming or state championships. Be sure to order enough supplies to meet demand. Focus on top-sellers like popcorn, hot dogs, and nachos. And don’t forget to upsell by creating special combos and add-ons.
  3. Plan for Your Prepackaged Needs: Streamline your labor needs by offering prepackaged products like caramel corn, cotton candy, and soft pretzels. These items add convenience for both you and your customers. Have them on display for a quick grab-and-go option.
  4. New Ideas to Try: Consider new ways to enhance your concession stand lineup. Try out new cotton candy flavors, add seasonings for popcorn, or dips for pretzels. Experiment with recipes such as rainbow popcorn or red velvet funnel cakes. New ideas will draw in customers and boost sales.
  5. Don’t Neglect Supply Items: Plates, bowls, cups, napkins, utensils, and other concession supplies are essential. Don’t forget to check and maintain stock for these core items.
Prepare Your Team
  1. Team Prep: A well-prepared team is the key to success of any concession stand. We recommend starting early to ensure everyone is on board. Whether they are employees or volunteers, be sure to clearly communicate all responsibilities and the time commitment required. Organize volunteers with a sign-up sheet and schedule and send out reminders.
  2. Training Day: Kicking off the season with a training day ensures everyone will be ready to start. Outline all responsibilities: prepping the stand, taking order, cashiering, making food, and clean-up. Allow your team to sample foods to familiarize themselves with what they’ll be selling. Committing time to training helps to reduce errors and provides an opportunity to address questions. Keep a positive attitude throughout, which will encourage your team to be prepared and enthusiastic.

For more success tips check out this guide. Or if you need help with fundraiser planning download this planning calendar.

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variety of concession snacks surround different balls like a baseball, a basketball, a football, etc.
 

Sports Specific Concession Stands

Whether you're managing a concession stand at a local Little League game, a high school football match, or a basketball game, understanding the unique demands of each sport can help you tailor your concession stand offerings to meet the expectations of your audience, ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience for all. From the classic snack bar to more elaborate setups, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your concession stand a hit.

  • Baseball Concession Stand

    Baseball games are synonymous with great food and snacks. The long innings and laid-back atmosphere provide the perfect opportunity for fans to enjoy a variety of delicious treats. Baseball concession stands are a staple of the game-day experience, offering everything from traditional snacks to modern favorites.

     

    Baseball Concession Stand Menu Ideas:  Classic items like hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts create a nostalgic feel and are always in high demand. For those looking for something heartier, nachos with cheese and soft pretzels provide satisfying options that are easy to enjoy from the stands. Refreshing sweets like ice cream cones and cotton candy cater to fans of all ages, making the concession stand a highlight of the ballpark experience.

  • Football Concession Stand

    Football games are intense, high-energy events that keep fans on the edge of their seats. To keep the excitement going, football concession stands need to offer hearty, satisfying foods that can keep fans fueled throughout the game.

     

    Football Concession Stand Menu Ideas:  Burgers and hot dogs are quintessential choices, offering a quick yet filling meal that fans can enjoy without missing a moment of the action. Chili cheese fries and pulled pork sandwiches provide a rich, flavorful experience that appeals to those seeking comfort food. For a bit of variety, pizza slices and chicken tenders are also popular, providing convenient, tasty options that are easy to handle. To balance out the savory items, candy bars and popcorn offer sweet and salty snacks that fans can munch on throughout the game.

  • Basketball Concession Stand

    Basketball games are fast-paced and thrilling, and fans need quick, easy-to-eat snacks that they can grab during a timeout or halftime. Basketball concession stands should focus on providing a mix of savory and sweet options to satisfy every craving.

     

    Basketball Concession Stand Menu Ideas:  Nachos with cheese and hot dogs are crowd favorites, offering a satisfying bite that’s perfect for the short breaks in action. Soft pretzels and pizza slices provide hearty, flavorful options that are both easy to eat and immensely popular among fans. For those with a sweet tooth, candy bars and ice cream sandwiches offer a quick sugar boost, while cotton candy adds a fun, nostalgic touch. Refreshments like sodas and water are essential to keep fans hydrated, ensuring they stay energized and fully engaged in the game.

  • Soccer Concession Stand

    Soccer matches bring communities together, and a well-stocked concession stand can enhance the experience. Fans look for a mix of traditional and international flavors, reflecting the global appeal of the sport.

     

    Soccer Concession Stand Menu Ideas:  Bratwurst and hot dogs offer familiar, satisfying options that are easy to enjoy while watching the game. Nachos with cheese and popcorn provide convenient and shareable snacks that are always a hit. Consider offering chips and salsa or walking tacos for quick grab-n-go items, and ice cream cups for a cool, refreshing treat. Candy bars provide a quick sweet fix, while beverages like sodas and water keep fans hydrated and ready to cheer on their team.

  • Other Indoor Sports Concession Stands

    Indoor sports like volleyball, wrestling, hockey, and gymnastics also benefit from well-stocked concession stands that cater to the tastes of their enthusiastic crowds.

     

    Indoor Sports Concession Stand Menu Ideas:  Pizza slices and chicken tenders are versatile, filling choices that are easy to eat on the go. Soft pretzels and nachos with cheese are always in demand, providing a satisfying mix of salty and savory flavors. For those looking for a sweet option, cotton candy and ice cream sandwiches add a fun, nostalgic touch. Refreshments such as sodas, water, and sports drinks are crucial to keep fans hydrated and ready to enjoy the high-energy action of indoor sports events.

  • Other Outdoor Sports Concession Stands

    Other outdoor sports, such as track and field, golf, tennis, and rugby, also benefit from a mix of light and hearty concession options.

     

    Outdoor Sports Concession Stand Menu Ideas:  Sandwiches and wraps offer a more substantial meal that is easy to carry and eat on the go. Trail mix and yogurt parfaits provide healthy, energizing snacks that are perfect for active spectators. For those seeking something sweet, ice cream cups and fruit snacks are great choices. Beverages like sports drinks, water, and fresh juice are crucial to keep fans hydrated and refreshed during long outdoor events.

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Resources and Tools

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Fun Food Recipes

Cotton Candy Art

Discover the mesmerizing world of cotton candy art! Learn how to transform this sweet treat into stunning, colorful creations that will delight both your eyes and taste buds.

See Recipe

Glaze Pop® Base Recipe

Unleash the full potential of your popcorn with this Glaze Pop® base recipe! Learn how to create irresistibly sweet and crunchy popcorn that will be the star of any snack table.

See Recipe

Burger Seasonings

Elevate your burger game with this ultimate burger seasoning recipe! Discover the secret blend of spices that will make every bite a flavor-packed experience.

See Recipe

Strawberry Cream Snow Cones

Cool down with the delightful taste of Strawberry Cream Snow Cones! Discover how to make these refreshing treats that blend creamy and fruity flavors for the perfect summer indulgence.

See Recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A - More schools choose to fundraise through a concession stand because of the profitability, the ease, and volunteer participation. Concession foods outperform other fundraising methods with average profit margins of 60% or higher. Simplicity is a key factor for a concession stand, as it is easy to operate. And last, volunteers are more likely to get on board because you can often make more in one event at a concession stand than in an entire month of other fundraisers.


A - Popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, slushies, and hot dogs are some of the most popular concession items for schools.


A - A reputable supplier will consult with you about your specific needs. Some factors to consider include what equipment you already have, the abilities of your team, your budget, seasonality, and how long the stand will be open.


A - With retail shopping, the burden is entirely on you. You may face price increases, out-of-stock items, and time-consuming trips. When working with Gold Medal, you get dedicated customer support, ensuring you have the proper products, training, and continual service.


A - Many of our machines operate on a standard outlet. Your Gold Medal rep will have all the equipment specs and will advise you on the electrical needs and dimensions of all equipment.


A - Gold Medal concession equipment is very user friendly. One example is popcorn kits that come with premeasured amounts of corn, oil, and salt. You’ll save time with no measuring of ingredients. For maximum convenience, you can choose prepackaged items like cotton candy, caramel corn, nachos, and soft pretzels.


A - Plan ahead as much as possible. Prepare popular items in advance, so they can be just grab and go. Train staff to work each task: taking orders, preparing food, and cashiering. If possible, have more than one line of service.


A - Gold Medal will send you a tax-exempt link. Once the form is completed and accepted, it will go into our system and tax will be removed from all future orders.


A - Gold Medal is committed to supporting your efforts through training and ongoing support. Our goal is to make sure you are confident in the operation, cleaning, and maintenance of your equipment. Our team consists of 17 branch locations and a global distribution network. Unmatched in the industry, you’ll find Gold Medal to be a trusted resource.


A - When you purchase new equipment from Gold Medal, you will receive a 2-year parts, 6 months labor warranty at no extra cost.


A - You’re on right track by researching. Collect as much information as you can about what you have, what your needs are, budget, goals, etc. Then contact Gold Medal to be connected to a concession specialist in your area. We’ve worked with schools of all sizes, and we’ll be happy to develop a program for you!


 

Get the Gold Medal Advantage

Choosing a single supplier like Gold Medal for all your concession stand needs offers numerous advantages over shopping at big box stores and multiple locations. With Gold Medal, you benefit from a comprehensive, one-stop-shop experience that ensures consistency in quality and reliability across all your products. This streamlined approach not only saves you valuable time and effort but also provides access to industry-specific expertise and tailored solutions that big box stores simply cannot match. Additionally, partnering with Gold Medal means you receive dedicated customer support, competitive pricing, and the convenience of consolidated shipments, all of which contribute to a more efficient and profitable concession stand operation.

 
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Gold Medal is committed to supporting schools and community sports concession stands. From popcorn poppers to cotton candy machines, hot dog rollers, and nacho cheese dispensers, we have the equipment you need to be successful. Not only that, you can trust Gold Medal for advice on the top supplies, practical operating tips, and supportive resources. Take the next step now and choose your preferred contact method to learn more today.

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Call Gold Medal directly at 800-543-0862.

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