Spring has arrived, signaling the preparations for high school spring sports. From baseball diamonds to the track, these events unite players, families, and classmates for an exciting season of competition and community spirit. And what makes game day even better? Delicious snacks from the concession stand! Even better than that? Having an online menu for your customers to order from so they don't wait in a long line. Then, take it to the next level to have a POS system for your program. If you are responsible for setting up the concession stand, it’s time to get everything in order. This guide will provide practical cleaning tips, tempting product ideas, and essential health code considerations to ensure your stand is ready for the crowds.
Cleaning Tips for Your Concession Stand
A clean concession stand creates a welcoming atmosphere and meets health standards. Start by clearing out items from the previous season. Go through all storage areas, removing expired products and clutter.
Gather your cleaning supplies. Invest in non-toxic disinfectants, brooms, mops, and cloths. An essential checklist includes:
All-purpose cleaner
Sanitizing solution
Disposable paper towels
Trash bags
After gathering your supplies, follow these steps:
Wipe down all surfaces: Begin with shelves, counters, and prep areas, reaching every nook and cranny. Areas that are often overlooked can harbor germs.
Deep clean the floors: Sweep and mop to eliminate residue. Spills can happen during busy game days, so ensure the floor is spotless.
Organize your stock: Once cleaned, sort supplies by category. Keep snacks together, drinks in one location, and cooking supplies in another area for easier access.
Check equipment: Ensure that all equipment, such as popcorn machines and grills, are clean and functioning. Schedule repairs if needed.
Product Ideas for Your Menu
A successful concession stand offers a variety of snacks and drinks. It's important to strike a balance between popular favorites and healthier options. Here are product areas ideas to consider when you are stocking your stand:
Classic snacks: Nachos topped with cheese, popcorn, hot dogs, and pretzels are always crowd-pleasers. These are all great ideas, but what about people's dietary needs these days? You want to provide gluten-free, vegetarian, and other unique options but don't want to risk the waste. Blitz Concessions has the option to set up pre-orders from your favorite vendor. This allows for countless possibilities without the risk of leftovers that don't sell. Ask Blitz Concessions for more information on this revenue-generating opportunity.
Refreshments: Offer a selection of soda, bottled water, and energy drinks. For a healthier option, introduce flavored sparkling water or refreshing iced tea. Ensure you keep track of your inventory with proper reports to quickly eliminate slow-moving items. When dealing with valuable cooler space, you want to focus on the items that sell quickly. Remember, you are not a grocery store and should not promote vendors' new products. Stick with what sells well. Avoid too many items that force you to stock your cooler constantly and then have to sell warm drinks.
Sweet treats: Cookies, candy bars, and chocolate-covered snacks can satisfy any sweet tooth. However, exploring healthier options for people with dietary restrictions like diabetes would be a consideration. Low-sugar, not sugar-free, but naturally, low-sugar snacks can be a game changer for your fans. Again, keep your offerings simple and stick to the mainstream items. Candy is unique because your youngest customers can get excited about the newest trends but get into that arena carefully.
Meal options: You may be hosting morning events and would do well to provide breakfast tacos and fruits but then offer lunch items for afternoon events. Track meets are all-day affairs, so plan to offer a variety of options. This is where the pre-order options in Blitz Concessions can help you provide a good range of food with little or no risk of loss. Consider sourcing meals locally. This supports local businesses and promotes school spirit by showcasing local businesses. A community focus can fuel enthusiasm, as shown in a survey where 65% of respondents expressed a preference for locally sourced food.
Research what sells best in your area and what you should stock your stand with for this coming season. Use the data from your concessions management software, Blitz Concessions provides the best reports to help you order the right inventory, for the right events 😉.
Health Code Considerations
Operating a concession stand means following health codes to ensure patron safety. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
Food safety training: Ensure that anyone handling food is trained in food safety practices. This includes proper handwashing, avoiding cross-contamination, and maintaining safe food temperatures.
Temperature control: Keep track of hot and cold food temperatures. Hot items should stay above 140°F, while cold items must remain below 40°F. Investing in a few thermometers can help.
Proper storage: Store meats and dairy in the refrigerator while keeping dry goods in sealed containers to prevent contamination. It is essential to avoid spoilage.
Hygiene practices: Require staff to wear gloves while handling food and ensure that anyone who shows signs of illness stays home to protect public health.
Regular inspections: Stay updated with health department regulations and conduct self-inspections to monitor adherence to guidelines frequently.
Following these health practices can significantly reduce the risks of foodborne illness, which affects about 48 million people in the U.S. annually. Keeping these considerations in mind will provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all your patrons.
Blitz Concessions wants to partner with your organization to help you have the most profitable, efficient and successful stand. Reach out to us to set up a demo to talk about how we can work together. Click here to set up a demo with us.
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