Concession Industry Details to Keep in Mind Running a small business is one of the most challenging and rewarding ventures you can take on, and selling food brings an even more unique set of circumstances. If you’re thinking about taking the leap and opening a food concession business, here are some factors you should consider before you get started. Laws and Regulations Small business regulations vary by province and locality. Start by checking your city or county government website to find out what kinds of licenses and permits you may need. If you have trouble finding relevant information, a good strategy is to speak with as many people in your industry as possible and get their input. Visit fairs, festivals,...
Unless you’re committed to being a one-person concession operator, the success of your business measurably depends on finding, developing, and retaining effective staff to help with concession food stand management and operations. This can be a surprisingly big challenge for a small business in the concession industry, especially with the changes in today’s hourly workforce, which is largely comprised of millennials. Staffing Challenges Today’s small business owners are experiencing a new evolution of culture (see the infographic above for the statistics). There is often a high turnover of hourly/part-time employees, partly because it’s difficult to match a competitive payroll while also maintaining the profitability of a small business. At a time when millennials are prime candidates for...
When Is It Time to Hire Help in Your Popcorn Shop? You’ve worked hard to get your popcorn shop off the ground. Now you have an organized storefront or mobile business, excellent products, and a strong customer base – and it’s great! But how many hours are you putting in? How often are you able to take a break from your business and spend time with your family or enjoy your hobbies? If you can’t remember the last time you really relaxed, it’s time to think about hiring some help. Deciding When to Hire Employees Balancing the need for more workers with your budget and profit margins can be tricky. But there are plenty of circumstances in which not hiring...
4 Ways Gourmet Popcorn Can Show Customers You Care Your customers are what keeps your business running, so of course it’s important to show them your appreciation. There are countless ways to do so, and in this article we’ll focus on one versatile, fun, and affordable option: popcorn! Whether you’re looking to add a quick smile to a walk-in customer’s face or craft a special event for your top clients, popcorn can do it all. 1. Offer Complimentary Popcorn in Your Lobby or Showroom The simplest way to recognize all customers who enter your business is by providing fresh popcorn free of charge. A popcorn cart in your public space is an eye-catcher, and the aroma will draw customers’ attention....
Unique Concession Food Ideas for Valentine’s Day What are the top occasions for holiday spending? #1 is Christmas and Hanukkah, #2 is Mother’s Day, and #3 is Valentine’s Day.* Less than a month away, there are plenty of ways to drive sales that center around a Valentine theme – you just have to think outside of the (chocolate) box. Here are some unique food ideas for putting a relevant twist on your concession products for February 14. Be Ready with Red Rely on red-inspired colors and flavors to set the tone. Cinnamon or strawberry-flavored popcorn can be served year-round, but February is the perfect time to put these center stage. Serve them in clear and/or heart-shaped packaging to add interest, so that they...
