A Guide to Concession Equipment
Whether you're serving cotton candy at the county fair or peanuts and cracker jacks at a baseball game, concession equipment is necessary for providing sweet and savory fare to bustling crowds. When people gather for special events, they bring their appetites with them, but feeding large groups of people can be costly and complicated. In locations where it doesn't make sense to have a full-service restaurant, a temporary or permanent concession stand, snack kiosk, or light-service eatery can prove remarkably convenient and profitable.
KaTom offers concession equipment made by several manufacturers, including Gold Medal Products, one of America's top concession equipment manufacturers. According to Gold Medal's estimates, concessions sales can net profits as high as 94 percent because of the low food costs associated with concession treats.1 Please note all figures provided here are estimates and don't reflect the profits you should expect or guarantee a return on investment. The costs shown don't include the miscellaneous expenses you may encounter like freight, shipping, and other supplies.
Popcorn
Popcorn is always a popular item and can be kettle cooked, flavored with butter, covered in caramel, or sprinkled with seasonings.
The potential profit margin math: Popcorn provides one of the biggest potentials for profit, according to Gold Medal's experts. Assuming food costs of around 26 cents and a selling price of $1.25 to $2 for a medium-sized bag (which anyone who has visited a typical movie theater lately can tell you is a steal), the potential profit margin is 79 to 87 percent.
Popcorn is always a popular item and can be kettle cooked, flavored with butter, covered in caramel, or sprinkled with seasonings.
The potential profit margin math: Popcorn provides one of the biggest potentials for profit, according to Gold Medal's experts. Assuming food costs of around 26 cents and a selling price of $1.25 to $2 for a medium-sized bag (which anyone who has visited a typical movie theater lately can tell you is a steal), the potential profit margin is 79 to 87 percent.
Concession stand equipment needed: KaTom carries the popcorn machines and supplies every popcorn seller needs. At the very least, you'll need a popper, oil, popcorn kernels, butter, salt, and serving boxes. We also have equipment you need to offer tasty variations on the snack, including caramel corn machines and a variety of popcorn seasonings.
Corn Dogs & Hot Dogs
Corn dogs are hot dogs run through a stick then dipped in a cornmeal batter and fried to golden perfection, typically in a specialty fryer. Because hot dogs are pre-cooked, corn dogs take little time to prepare, and their wooden sticks make them just as simple for patrons to enjoy on the go.
The potential profit margin math: This customer favorite can net profits from 65 to 76 percent, depending on the price point. Estimates run about 71 cents for food costs, so a selling price of $3 would land you on the high end of that scale.
Concession stand equipment needed: Specialty corn dog fryers are a must because they offer space-saving designs and simple operation, which is important for most concession stands.
Like corn dogs, hot dogs are among America's favorite foods, and they're easy for eventgoers to tote down the midway or back to their seats. They're also similar to popcorn in that they're remarkably easy to add to a concession stand menu.
The potential profit margin math: You'll typically have about 86 cents invested by the time you pay for the hot dog, bun, wrapper, and condiments. On the cheap end, hot dogs can sell for about $2, though, depending on the setting and toppings, they can easily fetch double that or more. That means estimated profits start at 57 percent and climb from there. Though that's lower compared than other items on the list, hot dogs are considered a gateway snack, normally leading patrons to buy other, more profitable items. Think about it: you can go to a concession stand and order just nachos or popcorn and be satisfied, but if you get a dog, you'll likely want a companion snack to fill out the meal.
Concession stand equipment needed: Hot dogs can be prepared on a griddle or a hot dog roller, which takes most of the work out of preparation and can even include a bun warming area. You'll also need serving items such as paper trays and napkins. Browse our hot dog equipment category for all offerings related to this snappy snack.
Pretzels & Pizza
Pretzels take relatively little work to make. Simply use premixed batter or your own recipe to create dough, twist it into an interesting shape, and bake it. Pretzels can be topped with salt, cinnamon sugar, and just about anything else in powder or granular form. They can also be served with dips such as beer cheese or cream cheese frosting.
The potential profit margin math: To figure potential profit, Gold Medal uses its Meister Bake pretzels, which are available by the double dozen and come salted, unsalted, or topped with cinnamon sugar. These premade pretzels can bring in 66 to 72 percent profit.2
Pretzels take relatively little work to make. Simply use premixed batter or your own recipe to create dough, twist it into an interesting shape, and bake it. Pretzels can be topped with salt, cinnamon sugar, and just about anything else in powder or granular form. They can also be served with dips such as beer cheese or cream cheese frosting.
The potential profit margin math: To figure potential profit, Gold Medal uses its Meister Bake pretzels, which are available by the double dozen and come salted, unsalted, or topped with cinnamon sugar. These premade pretzels can bring in 66 to 72 percent profit.2
Concession stand equipment needed: If you want to sell fresh-baked pretzels, you'll need a pretzel oven to bake them. We also suggest using a pretzel merchandiser to keep prepared products at proper temperature and humidity levels while offering an attractive display.
Almost everyone loves pizza, and it just so happens to be one of the most portable foods around. Many food suppliers deliver ready-to-bake or prebaked pizzas that you need only heat up and serve, giving you an easy way to cash in on consumers' love of pizza.
The potential profit margin math: Pizza itself can have a high upfront tab with the typical pepperoni slice costing the concession stand about 75 cents to make or buy. Add 10 cents for a plate and you've got total food costs estimated at 85 cents. But with a price point of $2.50 to $3, margins are about 66 to 72 percent, higher than corn dogs, hot dogs, and pretzels.
Concession stand equipment needed: Like the pretzels, if you want to sell fresh-baked pizza, you'll need a pizza oven. KaTom also offers pizza merchandisers that not only provide an enticing display but also keep your pizza warm without drying out.
Shaved Ice, Snow Cones & Slushies
To make shaved ice, a thin layer of ice crystals is shaved off an ice block, put into a cup, and flavored with syrup. Since the bulk of the work is done by machine, shaved ice doesn't take much effort and can bring considerable rewards. If you run a concession stand at the beach, shaved ice is a must.
The potential profit margin math: Food costs are relatively low because all you need is water, a little bit of syrup, and a cup with a spoon. You're likely looking at a 30-cent investment for a return that could reach 80 to 88 percent, depending on whether you offer it for $1.50 or $2.50.
Concession stand equipment needed: To make shaved ice, you'll need a shaved ice machine and shaved ice syrup.
Often mistaken for shaved ice, snow cones are made with crushed ice rather than shaved ice. Because crushed ice contains a higher concentration of water, snow cones don't hold flavoring quite as well as shaved ice, but it does feature a crunchier texture many customers prefer.
The potential profit margin math: Because they use less syrup with the smaller cone cups they're served in as opposed to shaved ice's large foam cups, snow cones are cheaper to produce, with average food costs totaling about 20 cents. However, their retail is also lower, fetching around $1 to $1.50 on average, which still allows for profits of 80 to 87 percent.
Concession stand equipment needed: Making snow cones is a bit easier than producing shaved ice because the latter requires forming blocks of ice in molds. Snow cone machines can crush bagged ice or any type of cube. A successful snow cone business will need some snow cone syrups and snow cone supplies including pumps, disposable cups, and spoon straws.
Slushies are clearly a close cousin of snow cones and shaved ice but are made with a much different process. Slushies are created in machines that freeze a mixture of water and syrup or fruit juice, churning this mixture with an auger to create a consistent texture. This produces a drink that is both icy and smooth – perfect for a hot day.
The potential profit margin math: Using mixes provided by your slushie machine vendor, these frozen drinks can be created for about 44 cents each in food costs. Their expected sales price is $1.25 to $2.25, leading to profits of 65 to 80 percent projected.
Concession stand equipment needed: The slushie mix is just as important as the slushie machine itself. Investing in multiple syrups equips you with a variety of flavors for your customers, so someone always has something they'll enjoy.
Cotton Candy
Cotton candy is floss sugar heated and spun in specialty concession equipment. Flavorings and food colors are used to make different cotton candy types, while the candy floss is typically collected in a paper cone that's moved through the machine by the operator.
The potential profit margin math: Floss sugar is cheap, usually costing about 14 cents per serving. Pair that with a 2-cent cotton candy cone and you've got a 16-cent treat. Assuming a price point of $1 to $2.50, you're looking at an astounding profit margin of 84 to 94 percent – the largest return of any item offered by the typical concession stand.
Cotton candy is floss sugar heated and spun in specialty concession equipment. Flavorings and food colors are used to make different cotton candy types, while the candy floss is typically collected in a paper cone that's moved through the machine by the operator.
The potential profit margin math: Floss sugar is cheap, usually costing about 14 cents per serving. Pair that with a 2-cent cotton candy cone and you've got a 16-cent treat. Assuming a price point of $1 to $2.50, you're looking at an astounding profit margin of 84 to 94 percent – the largest return of any item offered by the typical concession stand.
Concession stand equipment needed: Basic cotton candy equipment includes the sugar spinner, floss sugar, and cones. Bags can be used to sell packaged cotton candy, while domes for the machines and displays keep sugar strands from flying around or becoming contaminated.
Candy Apples & Caramel Apples
Popular at pumpkin patches and crowded amusement parks, these fruity treats start with an apple on a stick to which a sugary or caramel coating is applied. In either case, a warmer is needed to melt the caramel or sugar mixture. Candy apples can be tricky in areas with high humidity, which can prevent the coating from setting. Many concession stands are moving away from the effort it takes to make a caramel apple and toward serving caramel apple chips by cutting apples into wedges and serving them in trays with caramel dip.
The potential profit margin math: Even when purchased in bulk, a single apple can cost 50 cents or more. Top that with a red candy shell or add a side of caramel and you've got a cost of 77 cents per serving for candy apples and 86 cents for caramel apple chips. With price points averaging $2 to $3 for candy apples and $2.50 to $3.50 for caramel apple chips, you're looking at margins of 61 to 74 percent and 56 to 68 percent, respectively.
Concession stand equipment needed: Candy apple supplies include coating mixes, cooling pans, sticks, and bags. The equipment needed for making caramel apples includes sauce warmers, apple wedgers, caramel dip, and serving items.
Funnel Cakes & Doughnuts
The funnel cake is a staple of the midway and amusement park. In its simplest form, batter is fried in a specialty funnel cake fryer then topped with powdered sugar, though other toppings such as chocolate and strawberries can also be added.
The potential profit margin math: Counting the batter, frying oil, sugar, and plate, funnel cakes have an expected food cost of 54 cents and weigh in at a hefty $2 to $3 potential price tag, offering returns of 73 to 82 percent.
The funnel cake is a staple of the midway and amusement park. In its simplest form, batter is fried in a specialty funnel cake fryer then topped with powdered sugar, though other toppings such as chocolate and strawberries can also be added.
The potential profit margin math: Counting the batter, frying oil, sugar, and plate, funnel cakes have an expected food cost of 54 cents and weigh in at a hefty $2 to $3 potential price tag, offering returns of 73 to 82 percent.
Concession stand equipment needed: The batter mix, molds to keep the cake in shape, oil, and serving plates are all necessary supplies for funnel cake creators. Of course, you'll also need a funnel cake fryer, which is designed without an element in the vat to prevent burning and improve quality.
Doughnuts can draw a crowd all by themselves, so they're perfect to sell on their own or add to a concession stand menu. They offer added attraction over your competition and give you the potential for tag-along sales. All it takes is a little batter, some hot oil, and sugar.
The potential profit margin math: Even with the batter, oil, toppings, and a bag or box to serve the rings of dough in, you're likely looking at costs around 35 cents per serving with 18 cents for batter, 6 cents for oil, 6 cents for a bag, and 5 cents for toppings. If you consider that simple rings sell for anywhere from $2.50 to $4 per bag, and you're looking at profits of 86 to 91 percent.
Concession stand equipment needed: You'll need a doughnut fryer and batter dispenser to make doughnuts from scratch and bags or plates for serving. Peruse our disposable servingware to get everything you'll need.
Nachos
Nachos are corn tortilla chips covered in or accompanied by warm cheese sauce. They can be topped with other things, including salsa, jalapenos, ground beef, and pulled barbecue pork. Nachos are big sellers at fairs, amusement parks, sporting events, and anywhere else concession stands coexist with hungry people.
The potential profit margin math: The typical serving of chips runs 45 cents and serving trays add another 9 cents. The bulk of the food costs comes from the cheese sauce, which runs 70 cents per serving and brings total costs to $1.15. That's the highest of any item in this article, but nachos retail for anywhere from $3 to $5 on average, yielding profit margins of 58 to 75 percent.
Concession stand equipment needed: Besides the chips and cheese, you'll need a chip warmer or nacho display merchandiser, a heated pump for the cheese, and serving trays.
Ice Cream
Soft serve ice cream is a popular concession stand treat in warm weather. Adding this offering to your menu can stretch your lines around the block when the dog days of summer arrive, though many people love this frozen food year round. Creating it means simply pouring a premade mix into a machine, letting it chill to a creamy consistency, and dispensing the product into a cone. This simple process makes it one of the easiest treats to offer.
The potential profit margin math: You'll probably invest about 15 cents per cone in the mix, 16 cents in the cone itself, and another 4 cents in a paper "boot" for the cone if you choose to offer those. Given that 36-cent food cost and a sales price of $1.75 to $2.75, you're looking at 79 to 87 percent profit potential.
Concession stand equipment needed: KaTom offers all the equipment you need to serve ice cream, including soft serve machines and waffle cone bakers.
Frosted Nuts
Frosted nuts are just nuts tossed in a premixed coating and vanilla flavoring. People expect more than just peanuts to be offered at concession stands, with many preferring options such as cashews or almonds.
The potential profit margin math: The most expensive part of the recipe is the nuts themselves. Each serving costs around $1.25, while the coating mix runs about 19 cents, a splash of vanilla for extra flavor is 4 cents, and a cone for serving is 4 cents. Given total costs of $1.52 and a price point of $3 to $4, the profit potential is about 49 to 70 percent.
Frosted nuts are just nuts tossed in a premixed coating and vanilla flavoring. People expect more than just peanuts to be offered at concession stands, with many preferring options such as cashews or almonds.
The potential profit margin math: The most expensive part of the recipe is the nuts themselves. Each serving costs around $1.25, while the coating mix runs about 19 cents, a splash of vanilla for extra flavor is 4 cents, and a cone for serving is 4 cents. Given total costs of $1.52 and a price point of $3 to $4, the profit potential is about 49 to 70 percent.
Concession stand equipment needed: You'll need several candied nut supplies, including peanut roasters, mix, and serving cones. You might also want to check out our food pans category and our selection of scoops.
Concession Accessories
KaTom also has all the accessories you need to stock your concession stand. Check the concession trays and cups category for serving items that attractively present your product, including food trays, cups, and drink carriers. We offer stations for both dispensed condiments and packaged condiments.
In addition to accessories, KaTom also offers carnival games. These games can draw in a crowd that could be interested in purchasing from your concessions.
References
- Guide To Your Profit Potential. Gold Medal. Accessed August 2022.
- Why These 4 Fun Foods Are the Best Choices for Your Fundraiser Event. Gold Medal. Accessed August 2022.
