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Discover the Sweet Success of Funnel Cakes and Other Fried Foods with Gold Medal

Gold Medal is the fun food authority, known for transforming everyday treats into extraordinary experiences. From bustling carnivals to charming tourist attractions, funnel cakes and other fried foods like corn dogs, onion rings, fried pickles, and fried cookies have become crowd-pleasers with their delightful taste and timeless appeal. Gold Medal offers top-tier fryers, mixes, and accessories, ensuring that every bite is a golden opportunity for your business. Explore how our products can deliver sweet success for your business.

Funnel Cakes and Fried Food equipment
Funnel Cakes &
Fried Food Equipment
Funnel Cakes and Fried Food accessories
Funnel Cakes &
Fried Food Accessories
Funnel Cakes and Fried Food Supplies
Funnel Cakes &
Fried Food Supplies
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10 Benefits of Selling Funnel Cakes for Your Business

 
  1. Simple Ingredients: Creating funnel cakes is a straightforward process. By combining Gold Medal’s Deluxe Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cake Mix with water, you can consistently produce delicious funnel cakes with minimal effort. Using a pre-made mix ensures uniform quality and convenience for operators.
  2. Ease of Preparation: Funnel cakes are easy to make and require no complicated kitchen equipment or extensive training. The frying process is quick, allowing multiple funnel cakes to be prepared at the same time with the right equipment.
  3. Customizable Options: Funnel cakes offer endless possibilities for customization. Enhance them with drizzles of chocolate, seasonal fruits, whipped cream, or unique toppings like bacon or banana pudding. The batter can also be flavored with options such as red velvet, providing a variety of taste experiences.
  4. High Profit Margins: Funnel cakes are inexpensive to produce but can be sold at a high price, yielding substantial profit margins. Adding gourmet toppings increases their value, and different formats like funnel fingers or funnel swirls can further boost sales.
  5. Strong Customer Appeal: Few foods have the same allure as funnel cakes. They are known for their unique and festive nature, making them a standout choice for many customers. Funnel cakes are not just a dessert; they offer a memorable experience.
  6. Attracts Crowds: The process of making funnel cakes is visually captivating, drawing people in with the sight of sizzling batter. Gourmet toppings make these treats photo-worthy, serving as free promotion that attracts more customers.
  7. Convenient and Portable: Funnel cakes are easy to serve and eat, making them perfect for venues where customers are on the move, such as fairs, festivals, and sporting events. Their portability enhances their appeal and convenience.
  8. Versatile Menu Addition: Funnel cakes can be tailored to suit various seasons and themes. For example, you can offer Halloween-themed funnel cakes with orange sprinkles or Christmas versions with peppermint toppings, ensuring year-round sales.
  9. Cross-Selling Potential: Funnel cakes pair well with other concession items like beverages, ice cream, and coffee. This compatibility provides opportunities for upselling, increasing overall revenue.
  10. Building Customer Loyalty: Offering a beloved treat like funnel cakes can help cultivate customer loyalty. Satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend your business to others, contributing to long-term success.

Incorporating funnel cakes into your concession offerings can significantly enhance profitability and customer satisfaction while providing a unique and enjoyable experience for your patrons.

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10 Reasons to Sell Fried Foods

Golden, crispy, and delicious! From chicken fingers and French fries to corn dogs, donuts, and more, the world of fried foods offers immense potential for your business success. Here’s why:

 
  1. Wide Customer Appeal: Fried foods have a universal attraction, appealing to a broad audience despite varying dietary preferences. Their association with comfort and indulgence makes them a popular choice across cultures and demographics.
  2. Menu Variety: Virtually any food can be fried, from meats and vegetables to desserts. This versatility allows for endless customization with different batters, seasonings, and sauces, helping your menu stand out from the competition.
  3. High Profit Margins: The ingredients for fried foods are typically inexpensive making the profit margins are substantial. You can also offer various serving sizes and combos to cater to different price points.
  4. Quick and Easy Preparation: Fried foods are fast and simple to prepare, making them ideal for quick-service environments like food trucks, concession stands, and fast-food restaurants. This speed allows you to serve more customers efficiently.
  5. Portability: Fried foods are perfect for on-the-go eating. Their portability makes them a convenient choice for busy customers looking for quick, tasty options.
  6. Pairing Opportunities: Fried foods pair well with a variety of beverages and sides, enabling you to create enticing combos that can boost sales and enhance the customer experience.
  7. Visual Appeal: The golden-brown appearance of well-prepared fried foods makes them highly marketable, especially in the age of social media where visually appealing food is a key selling point.
  8. Adaptability: You can adapt fried foods to suit different seasons and occasions, offering special items for holidays or events, which keeps your menu fresh and exciting.
  9. Customer Satisfaction: The satisfying crunch and rich flavor of fried foods often lead to high customer satisfaction, encouraging repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.
  10. Business Growth: The combination of high demand, easy preparation, and attractive profit margins makes fried foods a smart choice for business growth. By offering a variety of fried options, you can attract a larger customer base and increase your revenue.

Incorporating fried foods into your menu can provide a tasty, profitable, and popular addition that appeals to a wide range of customers.

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The History of Funnel Cakes

Funnel cakes have a rich and intriguing history that traces back several centuries, intertwining cultural influences and culinary traditions. Today, they are a beloved treat at fairs, carnivals, and festivals, known for their sweet, crispy texture and intricate designs. Let's explore the journey of funnel cakes through time.

A german medieval baker baking in their shop.

Origins in Europe

The concept of funnel cakes is believed to have originated in medieval Europe. Early versions of this treat can be traced back to the German and Dutch immigrants who brought their culinary traditions to America in the 17th and 18th centuries. These immigrants, particularly the Pennsylvania Dutch, played a significant role in popularizing funnel cakes in the United States. The word "funnel" refers to the method of pouring the batter through a funnel into hot oil, creating the cake's signature lacy pattern.

 
A pennsylvania dutch funnel cake inspiration.

Pennsylvania Dutch Influence

The Pennsylvania Dutch, a group of German-speaking settlers in Pennsylvania, were instrumental in the development of the funnel cake as we know it today. This traditional recipe involved a simple batter made from flour, eggs, sugar, milk, and baking powder. The batter was funneled into hot oil in a circular motion, forming a delicate, web-like cake. Once fried, it was typically dusted with powdered sugar.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, funnel cakes began to gain popularity at community fairs and church events in Pennsylvania and beyond. Their unique appearance and delicious taste made them a hit among attendees. As fairs and carnivals became more widespread in the United States, funnel cakes became a staple treat, often associated with festive occasions and celebrations.

A modern day funnel cake with fruit.

Modern-Day Funnel Cakes

In the 21st century, funnel cakes have become a common presence at fairs, amusement parks, and various outdoor events across the United States and other parts of the world. Their basic recipe has remained largely unchanged, but modern variations have introduced a plethora of toppings and flavors. Today, funnel cakes can be enjoyed with a variety of sweet toppings such as chocolate syrup, fruits, whipped cream, and even ice cream. Some adventurous versions include savory elements like bacon or cheese.

funnel cake sits on and in front of the american flag.

Cultural Significance

Funnel cakes hold a special place in American culture, symbolizing nostalgia and the joy of simple, sweet indulgence. They evoke memories of childhood visits to the fair, summer festivals, and community gatherings. The process of making funnel cakes, with their elaborate patterns and delightful aromas, adds to their charm and appeal.

varying sweet fried dough treats from around the world.

Global Variations

While funnel cakes are distinctly American, similar fried dough treats can be found in various cultures around the world. For example, in Spain, churros are a popular fried dough dessert, while in India, jalebi offers a similar lacy, fried sweetness. These global variations highlight the universal appeal of fried dough treats.

The history of funnel cakes showcases the enduring appeal of simple, delicious foods that bring people together. From their European origins to their current status as a beloved fairground treat, funnel cakes have woven themselves into the fabric of American culinary tradition. As they continue to evolve with new flavors and toppings, funnel cakes remain a delightful indulgence that captures the essence of celebration and festivity.

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Which Commercial Fryer is Right for Me?

Fried foods are a crowd favorite at fairs, carnivals, and festivals, drawing in customers with their irresistible taste and aroma. From crispy funnel cakes to savory corn dogs, deep-fried onion rings, and warm donuts, these treats are in high demand. However, delivering consistent, high-quality fried foods requires more than just a good recipe—it requires the right equipment. Here’s how to find the one that’s best for your needs.

Key Considerations for Selecting a Commercial Fryer

When shopping for a commercial fryer, the first step is to outline your specific requirements.

  1. Food Type: The food that you are cooking determines what type of fryer you need. For example, basket fryers are ideal for items like French fries and onion rings, while shallow fryers work best for funnel cakes and donuts.
  2. Volume & Capacity: How much food will you be frying daily? What are your peak times? These estimates will determine the fryer size and capacity you’ll need to keep up with demand.
  3. Space and Power Requirements: Measure the space available in your kitchen and note the type of electrical outlets. If your operation is outdoors, gas fryers may be your best option.
tubular and ribbon heating elements for fryers isolated on a white background.

Understanding Tubular vs Ribbon Heating Elements

Heating elements determine fryer performance. Each type offers benefits and challenges.

Tubular Elements

Tubular elements are more budget friendly. However, the recovery time is slower and there is more temperature fluctuation. These fryers are best suited for low-medium volume operations.

tubular heating element for a gold medal fryer on white background.

Ribbon Elements

Designed for high-volume frying, the ribbon elements heat oil faster and more evenly. This extends the oil life and improves cooking consistency. The faster recovery time after each batch is ideal for busy operations, reducing downtimes and keeping customers satisfied.

ribbon heating element for a gold medal fryer on white background.

Gas Fryers: An Alternative for Outdoor Operations

If your operation is outdoors and without reliable electricity, gas fryers may be your best option. Unlike electric fryers, gas fryers use a flame to heat the oil. The downside is it takes longer to heat and may result in uneven cooking. Yet, gas fryers are essential when electric power is unavailable.

fried foods with fryer.

Choosing the Right Fryer for Your Menu

Efficiency and high-quality results come from selecting the proper fryer based on the foods you serve. Here are Gold Medal’s top fryer recommendations tailored to specific menu items:

  • Funnel Cakes:
    Funnel cakes will fry up best in shallow fryers. The minimal oil depth means a fast recovery time. So, operators can cook up funnel cakes quickly and keep lines moving.

    Gold Medal’s Deluxe Funnel Cake Fryer FC-4 can cook three 8" funnel cakes simultaneously and requires a 30-amp service. For higher volume operations, the Super King Ultimate Funnel Cake Fryer cooks up to six 8" funnel cakes and is perfect for continuous cooking, however it requires a 50-amp service. The gas alternative is the Six-Cake Funnel Gas Fryer, with 95,000 BTU, it offers fast and efficient frying.
  • Corn Dogs:
    When it comes to corn dogs, larger fryers are more efficient. The Foot-Long King Dog Fryer is perfect for corn dogs up to 12” long, holding up to 50 lbs of oil. It comes with two, six-position skewer clips and is renowned for excellent temperature recovery, making it ideal for high-demand situations.
  • Deep-Fried Onions, Fries, and More:
    For foods like French fries and other basket items, the Small Fryer (208/240V, 3,000 watt) is recommended. Despite its compact size, it meets the needs of operators. For deep-fried onions, which need space to spread and float while cooking, the Battered King 9 is ideal, thanks to its design that accommodates batter crumbs with an ample collection zone at the bottom.
  • Donuts:
    For donuts, the FW-9 Donut Fryer is designed specifically for the task. When used with a Donut Screen, it efficiently fries donuts with its 4,500 watts of power. It can also be used for French waffles. Another option is the FW-9 Shallow Fryer, which operates on a standard 15-amp circuit, though it has longer recovery times between batches. This fryer’s advantage is its compatibility with standard electrical setups.

Make the Right Choice

Investing in the right commercial fryer can significantly boost your business efficiency and customer satisfaction. By understanding your specific needs and choosing a fryer tailored to your menu, you’ll be well-equipped to serve up crowd-pleasing fried foods that keep customers coming back for more.

 
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fried foods, onion rings, wings, cheese sticks, etc in baskets.
 

Funnel Cake and Fried Food Ingredients and Supplies

When it comes to crafting irresistible funnel cakes and mouthwatering fried foods, the secret isn’t just in the fryer, it’s in the ingredients and supplies you use. The perfect batter mixes, high-quality oils, tasty toppings, and practical packaging are all a part of satisfying hungry customers.

Mixes for Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs, Deep Fried Onions, and More

Gold Medal carries the batter mixes that give customers the taste they crave. Each mix is tailor made for quality and taste. Try our funnel cake mixes that deliver a light and crispy texture every time. For a golden, flavorful corn dogs, trust Gold Medal’s corn dog mixes. Make unforgettable deep-fried onions with our savory batter mix. Create French waffles with a delicate texture and crisp edges with our custom French waffle mix. Our well-balanced mixes will produce consistent, mouthwatering results every time.

Flavors, Seasonings and Toppings

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Signature Blends®

Signature Blends® are specialized mixtures or glazes that include sweet flavorings, coloring-only, and flavoring-only options. Typically added during the cooking or baking process, these blends are incredibly versatile. Make funnel cakes in delicious flavors like cherry or birthday cake, and vibrant colors including red, blue, or green. In addition, they can be used to enhance popcorn, waffles, drinks, fudge, cakes, pastries, donuts, and a variety of other treats.

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Signature Shakes®

Signature Shakes® are versatile shake-on flavors designed to be applied after cooking or baking. These flavors enhance not only fried foods but also popcorn, burgers, salads, wings, steaks, pastas, seafood, dips, appetizers, and more. Explore pleasing flavors like bacon & cheese, garlic Parmesan, or honey mustard. They offer a simple way to add delicious seasoning to a wide variety of dishes, making them a valuable addition to any kitchen.

image of toppings - sprinkles, chocolate and more.

Toppings

Offering a wide range of toppings to your customers for funnel cakes, donuts, and other fried foods is a must for any menu. From classic powdered sugar and hot chocolate drizzle to fruity toppings like strawberry, cherry, and apple, there are endless options to satisfy every craving. For a more decadent funnel cake experience, try adding whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or even ice cream. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add visual appeal, making your treats even more irresistible to customers.

pre-packaged products by gold medal.

Serving/Packaging

Gold Medal provides an extensive selection of serving trays and packaging options for funnel cakes, corn dogs, and other fried foods. Durable, multi-use trays, corn dog bags, fry cups and other specialized containers are designed to enhance the customer experience, making it easy to enjoy these delicious foods on the go. With Gold Medal's quality packaging solutions, you can present your fried foods attractively and efficiently, boosting customer satisfaction.

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Funnel Cake & Fried Food Promotions & Business Ideas

Business Ideas for Funnel Cakes and Fried Foods

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Food Truck

Mobile Concession: Operate a food truck specializing in funnel cakes and fried foods. Position the truck at popular events, fairs, festivals, and busy urban areas to attract foot traffic.

Store front with green awning.

Brick-and-Mortar Store

Specialty Dessert Shop: Open a dessert shop that focuses on a variety of fried treats, including funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and fried ice cream. Offer a cozy, fun atmosphere for customers to enjoy their treats.

trays of fried food lined up ready to serve.

Catering Service

Event Catering: Provide catering services for private parties, corporate events, and weddings. Offer customized fried food menus tailored to the event’s theme and guest preferences.

image of kiosk that serves fried waffles and more.

Kiosk or Stand

Mall or Amusement Park Kiosk: Set up a kiosk or stand in high-traffic locations such as shopping malls or partner with an amusement park or stadium. These locations ensure a steady stream of customers.

Photo of people outside shopping at pop up shops.

Pop-Up Shops

Seasonal Pop-Ups: Operate pop-up shops during peak seasons or holidays. Set up temporary stands at holiday markets, summer festivals, and outdoor events to maximize sales during busy periods.

photo of guys at a vendor at a fair for funnel cakes.

Festival and Fair Vendor

Event Booths: Rent booths at local fairs, festivals, and community events. These venues are ideal for selling fried foods, as attendees often seek out unique and indulgent treats.

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School and College Campus Stands

Campus Concessions: Set up stands or kiosks on school and college campuses. Students are often looking for convenient, tasty snacks between classes.

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Farmers' Markets

Market Stalls: Participate in local farmers' markets to sell freshly made funnel cakes and fried foods. This can help build a loyal local customer base.

Photo of someone making funnel cakes in a fryer at a festival.

Fried Food Festivalsy

Host a Festival: Organize and host your own fried food festivals. Invite other vendors, offer a variety of fried treats, and create an event that draws crowds from all around.

Photo of chef teaching students how to cook.

Cooking Classes and Workshops

Fried Food Workshops: Offer cooking classes and workshops where participants can learn how to make their favorite fried foods. Provide all necessary materials and create a fun, educational experience.

 

Promotion Ideas for Funnel Cakes and Fried Foods

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Seasonal Specials

Summer Fun Promotion: Offer a discount or combo deal on funnel cakes and other fried foods during the summer months to attract festival and fair goers.

Holiday Themes: Create themed funnel cakes and fried foods for holidays like Halloween (e.g., orange and black colored batter), Christmas (e.g., peppermint flavors), and Independence Day (e.g., red, white, and blue sprinkles).

a combo meal of fried food isolated on a dark background

Combo Deals

Family Combo: Offer a family-sized combo that includes a mix of funnel cakes, corn dogs, and fries with a selection of dipping sauces.

Meal Combos: Pair popular fried foods like chicken tenders and onion rings with a drink at a discounted price.

a chalkboard with words written in chalk that said flash sale.

Limited-Time Offers

New Flavor Introductions: Introduce new funnel cake flavors or toppings for a limited time to create excitement and urgency.

Flash Sales: Announce flash sales on social media or via email marketing, offering significant discounts on fried foods for a short period.

social media icons on a phone screen.

Social Media Campaigns

Photo Contests: Encourage customers to share pictures of their funnel cakes and fried foods on social media with a specific hashtag for a chance to win free items.

Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with local influencers to promote your fried food offerings and reach a wider audience.

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Event-Based Promotions

Carnival Nights: Host themed nights at your location with special deals on funnel cakes and other fried foods to create a festive atmosphere.

Fundraising Events: Partner with local schools or organizations to host fundraising events where a portion of the sales from fried foods goes to the cause.

a bunch of coupons scattered on top of each other.

Discount Coupons

First-Time Customer Discounts: Offer a discount coupon for first-time customers to encourage them to try your funnel cakes and fried foods.

Birthday Discounts: Provide a special discount or free item for customers on their birthday.

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Cross-Promotions

Local Business Partnerships: Partner with nearby businesses to offer discounts on your fried foods to their customers and vice versa.

Event Sponsorships: Sponsor local events or sports teams and provide coupons for attendees to drive traffic to your business.

a man with blindfold tasting a fried donut

Demonstration Events

Tasting Events: Organize tasting events where customers can sample different types of fried foods and vote on their favorites.

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Menu Innovation

Create Your Own Funnel Cake: Allow customers to customize their own funnel cake with a variety of toppings and sauces.

These promotional strategies can help increase sales, attract new customers, and retain loyal patrons by keeping your offerings fresh, exciting, and relevant.

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Choose Your Industry

Looking for more detailed information on funnel cakes and other fun foods specific for your industry? Select your industry from the list below to learn more. Don't see your industry? Reach out to us today to connect with a dedicated concession specialist who will help you find the perfect solutions for your unique needs.

Stadiums and Arenas
Food Cafes & Food Services
Amusement Parks
Mobile Concessions & Carnivals

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Top Performing Funnel Cake & Fried Foods Blogs

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Unique Concession Food Ideas - Deep-Fried Foods

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Funnel Cake & Fried Food Recipes

Birthday Cake Funnel Cake

A delicious cake batter flavor, topped with icing, sprinkles, and powdered sugar for a festive twist. A delightful treat for any celebration!

See Recipe

Red Velvet Funnel Cakes

This Red Velvet Funnel Cake recipe, featuring the rich, chocolatey flavor and vibrant red hue of classic red velvet, topped with powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting.

See Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cakes

Enjoy the warm, seasonal flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake recipe, made with Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cake Mix and spiced to perfection. This easy-to-make dessert offers a comforting twist on a fair classic, perfect for chilly autumn days.

See Recipe

Deep Fried Onion Blossom (Flowering Onion)

The Deep Fried Onion Blossom recipe offers a crispy, golden-brown, blooming onion perfect for appetizers. Made with a colossal onion and a simple batter mix, the onion is carefully cut, coated, and deep-fried to achieve that mouth-watering crunch. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing snack.

See Recipe
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A - Making funnel cakes is a mix of a science and an art. You have to cook the batter at the right temperature for the proper amount of time. We recommend using a mix that sears on the outside, leaving the inside soft and chewy. We offer more detailed insights in our blog, How Do You Make Funnel Cakes?

A - Most fried foods are in the range of 65-84% profit margins.

A - This depends upon the venue or event. On average, funnel cakes can sell for $5.00-$8.00, yet it costs less than a dollar to make.

A - Gold Medal offers fryers of different sizes to meet the needs of any-sized business. Depending upon the size of the funnel cakes, our fryers can make between 3-8 funnel cakes at one time.

A - The rules and regulations are determined by your local government agencies. It is highly recommended that you reach out to your local agencies, including the health department, to understand what is required prior to making a purchase. A Gold Medal representative can help coach you on what questions to ask.

A - Most fried items are shelf stable and don’t need to be refrigerated unless opened. Exceptions to this would be fresh fruits or any meats.

A - From each case of mix, Gold Medal estimates that you can get as many as 180 – 8-inch funnel cakes or 220 – 6-inch funnel cakes.

A - Gold Medal recommends vegetable or our liquid frying oils for making funnel cakes.

A - No, gas is for outdoors only.

A - Gold Medal’s Funnel Cake Tool Kit includes the following: 1 bucket for mixing, 1 pouring pitcher, 1 whisk, 1 skimmer, 1 spatula, 1 sugaring pan, 1 sugar sifter, and 1 measuring jug.

 

Benefit from Gold Medal’s Expert Guidance and Support

With Gold Medal, selecting the perfect fryer is a seamless process. We provide personal consultations, hands-on demonstrations, and thorough training to ensure you make an informed decision. With 17 branch locations and a worldwide distributor network, we are well-equipped to serve you. For the highest level of support in the industry, trust Gold Medal for all your frying equipment needs.

A commercial fryer can be an excellent investment. By choosing the right fryer, utilizing top-quality ingredients, and exploring various business ideas, you can build a thriving fried food venture. If you're considering investing in a commercial fryer, be sure to explore our range of machines and supplies available on our website.

Ready to learn more? Get connected to a concession specialist by calling us today at 800-543-0862 or completing our contact form. We look forward to serving you!