Touchless and Self-Serve Options Make Contactless Concessions Possible

Contactless and self-serve technology lead to more opportunities for serving concession foods

What once may have seemed like science fiction is now becoming a reality. Venues can choose contactless/touchless concession equipment that allows the machine to serve and dispense products, limiting direct contact with foodservice staff. Let’s start by taking a look at the benefits this type of equipment offers.

Why Choose Contactless Concession Equipment?

A contactless or self-serve model provides key advantages that are valuable to operators, particularly in large venues.

1. Reduce Wait Times:  With a self-serve dispenser, you can still provide freshness plus timely service. Guests will have the convenience of a grab-and-go snack.
2. Save on Labor: Minimize labor by allowing customers to serve themselves. Your staff will be able to attend to other responsibilities.
3. Customer Satisfaction & Safety: Customers will appreciate the ability to purchase freshly popped popcorn while maintaining peace of mind with contactless service.
4. The Experience: Give guests a unique experience. A popcorn dispenser is a novelty that guests will enjoy.
5. Receive Benefits: Managers will value the low costs, minimal labor, and attractive profit margins.

Self-Serve Popcorn Machines

For movie theaters, stadiums, and other high-volume venues, popcorn stands out as one of the most popular concession foods. Gold Medal recommends the ReadyServe® Commercial Popcorn Dispenser. This impressive display cabinet features a 48-inch base with a dual auger system, allowing for two different types of popcorn to be offered. Simply fill the cabinet with popcorn, then it is dispensed using a convenient push-button system.

Medium-sized venues can enjoy the same advantages in a smaller size with the ReadyPop® Commercial Popcorn Popper. It is a 16-oz. commercial popcorn machine plus self-serve station in one! Popcorn is popped directly in the unit, then held in the warmed cabinet until dispensed. Pop multiple batches early in the day, then customers can conveniently fill cups and bags. Designed with a compact footprint, it is easy to fit into any available space. Ideal venues include convenience stores, grocery stores, hotels, movie theaters, or other retail or foodservice locations.

Designed with smaller venues in mind, ReadyPop® Jr. makes popcorn dispensing available nearly anywhere. Small, yet mighty, ReadyPop Jr. combines the power of an 8-oz popper and the convenience of a self-serve dispenser in one compact unit. Save on labor by popping multiple batches, then holding the popcorn in the warmed cabinet until it is dispensed. Then customers can fill cups or bags with just the push of a button. Locations will benefit by offering a grab-and-go snack plus a fresh in-store experience that engages the senses. Also available in a No Kettle Model, which allows you to insert your own compatible 8-oz kettle into the unit. Ideal for restaurants, bars, auto dealerships, hardware stores, and other retail or foodservice locations.

Touchless Popcorn Topping Dispensers

One of the best parts of movie theater popcorn is the warm buttery flavored topping. Now, with touchless topping dispensers, you can coat your popcorn without even pushing a button. Photo-eye technology automatically detects when to dispense the product. Available in single-head or dual-head models, it works well for either operator or self-serve setups.

Nacho Cheese Dispensers

If you serve nachos, there are options for how you dispense your cheese. Gold Medal promotes three models that are suitable for self-serve applications. The Single-Button Bag Cheese Dispenser features a one-button dispensing system for maximum convenience. There is also a three-button Bag Cheese Dispenser, which has adjustable settings for the quantity dispensed. Lastly, the Dual Cheese & Chili Dispenser allows customers to dispense both cheese and chili using its labeled buttons.

With ongoing developments in technology, Gold Medal’s line of touchless & self-serve concession equipment will continue to grow. If this type of product interests you, we strongly encourage you to consult with one of our concession specialists by reaching out to your nearest Gold Medal branch or distributor.