5 Tough Questions Concession Operators Should Be Asking
There’s no sugar coating it. The bottom line is if you want to increase the performance of your concession business, you have to take the time to ask yourself some serious questions. Here are five we suggest to get you started:
- Am I settling for the status quo?
Be honest with yourself. Are you too caught up in managing the day-to-day responsibilities? Routine can stifle your productivity. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much before an average performing stand can become a “has-been.” Be determined to set aside regular time to gauge where you are and set both short-term and long-term goals for what you want to accomplish.
- What is influencing my food service decisions?
If you keep doing the same things you have been doing, you’re not going to get different results. In addition to tracking sales and profitability of current items, seek out new items to try. You don’t have to do it alone. Consult with industry specialists to find out what’s working for concession stands that are similar to yours.
- Are there profit makers that I’m overlooking?
There may be opportunities that you are missing, even within your existing line-up. For example, if you are selling hot dogs, you can upsell them by adding chili. Use a dispenser for minimum prep. For beverages, add a fresh alternative to soda and bottle water with Lemon Shake-Ups. Just combine squeezed lemon with ice, water and a slush base. If you’re not ready to add items, think about how you are promoting your offerings. Could you use more signage? What about combining items to make combos? Be creative and discover the best ways to increase your sales.
- Do I stay up on current trends in the concession industry?
You may wonder if trends really matter. The answer is yes, because if you’re not doing it, someone else will be. To get your share of the market, collaborate with your suppliers to find out what’s new. Visit other concession stands in your area to see what they may doing differently. Research articles and blogs for the latest industry news. And last, but not least, get feedback from your customers on what they’d like to see.
- Am I falling behind in technology?
Technology is a broad category that can impact your business in multiple ways. Stadiums, for instance, are finding mobile ordering apps becoming increasingly popular, challenging the way they do business. Other venues may evaluate how current their equipment is. It may be time to invest in a new machine if yours is outdated. Popcorn poppers can now come with a number of different features, including digitally monitored temperature and E-Z Kleen kettles, which make operation more efficient. Lastly, you’ll want to consider how your organization uses social media and ways you can promote concessions via that channel as well.
Tap into your full potential. We can help. Let us connect you to a concession professional in your area. Call 800-543-0862 or email [email protected] today.