Summer Blockbusters Deserve Blockbuster Snacks
How to Maximize Movie Theater Concession Sales
As blockbuster titles drive consumers to movie theaters this summer, it is time to push that foot traffic straight to the concession stand. Serving up memorable snacks provides a moviegoing experience that exceeds expectations. This is the prime time to make your concession stand the star of the show.
The Classic Crowd-Pleaser
It wouldn’t be the movies if you didn’t have popcorn! High-margin, low-cost, and irresistible, this is a must-have movie time snack.
How do you achieve that unforgettable classic movie theater popcorn taste? The answer is Gold Medal’s Original Flavacol® Popcorn Seasoning Salt. This proprietary blend is made to adhere to the popcorn, giving you that salty, buttery flavor bite after bite.
Popcorn also is a blank canvas for flavor. So, try gourmet flavors like caramel corn, cheese popcorn, and kettle corn. Consider serving limited-time flavors that tie into movies, seasons, or holidays, like strawberry, dill pickle, or birthday cake. (Find our complete lineup of flavorings and seasonings here.)
Boost popcorn sales even more by offering upsized options like souvenir tubs or branded buckets that double as keepsakes.
Channel the Power of Popular Brands
Well-known names can bring a “wow” factor to your concession stand offerings. Consumers gravitate toward brands they know and love. Use this to your advantage by incorporating branded flavor experiences such as Cheetos® Popcorn Mix. Combine Cheetos pieces with savory popcorn to create an unforgettable and authentic snack.
Or give your popcorn a sweet twist with OREO® Popcorn. Enjoy a dessert-like indulgence when popcorn is mixed with OREO cookie pieces and crème. Recognizable brands give guests an extra reason to visit the concession stand.
Get a Competitive Edge with Technology
Want to increase efficiency while reducing labor costs? Self-serve technology can be the solution. It offers convenience and efficiency, plus an engaging experience for customers.
The ReadyPop® is a 16-oz kettle and self-serve popcorn vending machine in one convenient unit. Pop, serve, and pay when you incorporate a cashless payment system.
Already have a popper? The ReadyServe® is a popcorn cabinet you can fill with popped popcorn and then serve from the convenient dispenser. The cashless payment system can be an added option on this machine as well. (Transform the way you serve popcorn with the Ready Series.)
How does nachos-on-demand sound? With Nachos Now™, it can be a reality! Nachos Now is a self-serve nacho vending machine. Serve up warm nachos and creamy cheese with just the push of a button. Your customers will love it!
These innovative solutions help reduce wait times, improve customer satisfaction, and give your theater an advantage over the competition.
How Sweet It Is
For a sweet treat that also delivers results, nothing beats cotton candy. Nostalgic and fun, customers of all ages will be drawn to its colorful, fluffy appearance. Cotton candy is eye-catching, making it an impulse buy, especially for families with children. Attract more attention by spinning cotton candy live on-site. The interaction adds to the moviegoing experience. (Discover the QuickSpin® single-serving cotton candy machine.)
Make cotton candy in special colors or flavors to tie in with movie releases, holidays, or other events. Spin up a seasonal flavor like Summer Passion or do a patriotic red and blue with Cherry Berry and Boo Blue (Blue Raspberry). Selling cotton candy in themed bags is another way to encourage sales.
Consider making cotton candy an add-on for birthday parties. It is a great, affordable party favor for kids to take home. And it even comes in a birthday cake flavor.
Explore our full line of cotton candy supplies and imagine how it can work for you!
Signature Drinks that Sizzle
Up your beverage game with signature drinks that are made for thirst-quenching refreshment on a hot summer day. Create buzzworthy mocktails that will appeal to all ages.
Use Frusheez® frozen slush mixes to make frozen drinks in flavors like pink lemonade, pina colada, or fruit punch. For added visual appeal, try layering different flavors together like cherry and blue raspberry. Sno-Kone® syrups can also be used to create refreshing mocktails like the lime Mojito or “Tequila” Sunrise made with cherry and orange. Get inspired by these six mocktail recipes on our blog.
To boost sales, come up with creative names that tie into current movie releases like Superhero Slush or Princess Punch. Also, increase the perceived value by serving in souvenir cups.
Marketing that Makes an Impact
How will moviegoers discover your latest concession offerings? It all starts with creative promotion. Use eye-catching signage—whether it’s on the counter, digital menu boards, or lobby posters—to grab attention. Take advantage of the big screen by running a concession stand trailer before the movie starts. Build excitement online by tapping into social media: have followers vote on new popcorn flavors or share photos of their snacks using a custom hashtag. Highlight your newest items with special combo deals and offer samples to encourage guests to try something new. The more visibility and engagement you create, the more your concession sales will pop.
This summer, your concession stand has the potential to be more than just a stop before the show. Make it a destination all its own! With delicious flavors, branded snacks, tasty treats, refreshing drinks, and the latest technology, you’ll have all the tools needed to maximize customer satisfaction. Moviegoers are ready to indulge—so provide the snacks that will make their visit unforgettable.
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