Parks & Recreation | Concession Food Equipment & Supplies

Top Recommended Concession Equipment for Parks & Recreational Events

Parks and recreation areas are at the heart of the local community. As a gathering place, visitors appreciate the food and beverage options a concession stand offers. Trust Gold Medal’s top-of-the-line concession stand equipment to deliver a quality experience for your guests. Whether you’re serving up the timeless delight of freshly popped popcorn, the nostalgic fun of cotton candy, or the cool and refreshing taste of snow cones, we’ve got you covered with state-of-the-art popcorn poppers, cotton candy makers, and snow cone machines. Plus, our nacho cheese dispensers and hot dog roller grills will have guests savoring every bite. This collection of recommended concession equipment is filled with products that will ensure you can serve your guests the most popular and profitable fun foods.

Top Recommended Concession Supplies for Parks and Recreational Events

The right concession supplies enable you to serve delicious treats to your customers quickly and efficiently. Gold Medal provides an extensive range of top-quality concession supplies to keep your park’s stand well-stocked. From the freshest popcorn kernels and colorful cotton candy flossugar to crispy nacho chips with creamy cheese, savory hot dogs, and tasty soft pretzels, our products are designed to meet the demands of busy concession stands. With Gold Medal’s concession supplies, you’ll be able to consistently satisfy your customers, making your concession stand a beloved spot for park visitors.

5 Reasons Why Park & Recreation Locations Need a Concession Stand

Incorporating a concession stand into a park and recreation location is more than just a convenience—it's a strategic move that can greatly enhance the overall experience for visitors while bringing numerous benefits to the facility. From boosting revenue and fostering community engagement to supporting local events, a well-run concession stand can transform a park into a vibrant, bustling hub of activity. Here are five reasons why every park and recreation area should consider the addition of a concession stand.

1. Enhanced Visitor Experience: A well-stocked concession stand can significantly enhance the overall visitor experience by providing convenient access to food and beverages, making park visits more enjoyable and comfortable.
2. Revenue Generation: Concession stands are a great way to generate additional revenue for park and recreation facilities, helping to fund maintenance, improvements, and new amenities.
3. Community Engagement: Concession stands serve as a place for community interaction, providing a space where visitors can gather, socialize, and enjoy shared experiences, thereby fostering a stronger sense of community.
4. Supporting Local Events and Activities: Concession stands can support various local events and activities, from sports games to festivals, by offering refreshments that enhance the event experience and keep attendees satisfied.
5. Improved Visitor Retention: Providing convenient and appealing food options can increase the time visitors spend at the park and encourage repeat visits, contributing to higher overall attendance and visitor satisfaction.

Essential Equipment for Park and Recreation Concession Stands

Popcorn Machines:

• Why Popcorn? Popcorn is a timeless favorite that offers high-profit margins and low operational costs. It's a must-have for any concession stand.
• Our Recommendation: Gold Medal's popcorn machines are known for their durability and efficiency. Models like the PopMaxx with PowerOff® Popcorn Machine offer large production capacities and easy maintenance. To save on labor and increased convenience, try the 16-oz ReadyPop^® popcorn vending machine.
• Tip - Add Flavors, Add Profits: With low cost and little effort, you can expand your menu with flavors using Glaze Pop^®. This one-of-a-kind mix is simply added to your kettle with corn and oil. Make caramel, chocolate, or a variety of fruity flavors!

Cotton Candy Machines:

• Why Cotton Candy? This sweet treat is a best-seller, especially among families and children. It’s easy to make, highly profitable, and sells quickly.
• Our Recommendation: The Auto Breeze Cotton Candy Machine is perfect for high-volume environments, providing consistent performance and quality. If you want the ability to make custom single servings, the QuickSpin^® is your best choice.
• Tip - Try Something New: While traditional pink and blue are cotton candy’s best sellers, you can attract attention and sales by promoting gourmet flavor specials. There are seasonal flavors, including summer citrus and fall spice. Plus, if you host birthday parties, you’ll want to try the birthday cake flavor!

Sno-Kones^®, Shave Ice, and Frozen Drinks:

• Why Snow Cones and Frozen Drinks? Refreshing and delightful, snow cones and frozen drinks like slushies or frozen lemonades are perfect for warm days and are very profitable.
• Our Recommendation: For snow cones, the Sno-King Sno-Kone Machine is the heavy-weight champ; for shaving ice, the BluBear^® Ice Shaver shaves the finest snow around; and for slushies, the Twin Bowl Frusheez^® Machine is eye-catching and efficient, perfect for drawing in thirsty customers.
• Tip - An Ice Cream Dream Come True: Create an amazing dessert by combining ice cream with any of our frozen refreshments! It’s like an ice cream float only better. Seen as a special indulgence by your customers, this treat will add to your concession stand’s profits.

Hot Dog Grills and Steamers:

• Why Hot Dogs? Hot dogs are a staple at any concession stand due to their popularity and ease of preparation.
• Our Recommendation: The Gold Medal Hot Diggity Pro Roller Grill series provides even cooking and is easy to clean, making it ideal for busy stands.
• Tip - Pick the Packaging that’s Best for You: We have a wide selection of hot dog bags and trays, so you can choose what makes sense for your venue. Wax bags, foil bags, and cardboard trays are available. Keep your product hot and serve it up right!

Nacho Cheese Dispensers:

• Why Nachos? Nachos are a versatile snack that appeals to a wide audience. They’re quick to serve and offer great profit potential.
• Our Recommendation: The El Nacho Grande Cheese Dispenser ensures warm, delicious cheese at the perfect consistency for nachos every time.
• Tip - A Topping that Goes the Extra Mile: It’s the topping you can count on to be versatile, popular, and, best of all, delicious! Chili has a great flavor, and it can be paired with nachos, hot dogs, pretzels, or served on its own. Plus, for your convenience, we recommend the Dual Cheese & Chili Dispenser.

Pizza & Pretzels:

• Why Pizza and Pretzels? Pizza and pretzels are popular choices that provide a hearty snack option. They are easy to prepare and serve, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
• Our Recommendation: The Small and Large Humidified Warmers keep these items hot and fresh, ensuring they are ready to serve at any time. The visually appealing design also attracts customers.
• Tip - No Freezer, No Problem: Delicious and ready-to-serve, Meister Bake^® Pretzels don’t require freezing, so you can enjoy them right out of the pack or warm them up. Available in salted, unsalted, and cinnamon & sugar flavors. This is a grab-and-go food your customers will want.

Tips for a Successful Concession Stand

Operating a concession stand in a park and recreation setting comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. Here are some essential tips to ensure your concession stand not only meets but exceeds expectations, creating a positive experience for visitors while driving profitability.

Understand Your Audience:

Understanding the demographics and preferences of your audience is crucial. Park-goers can range from families with young children to teenagers and seniors. By offering a diverse menu that includes timeless favorites like popcorn and hot dogs alongside trendy items like gourmet pretzels or healthy snacks, you can appeal to a broader audience. Conduct surveys or casual interviews to gather information on what visitors prefer, and tailor your offerings accordingly.

Focus on Quality and Cleanliness:

Quality and cleanliness are non-negotiable in the food service industry. Using high-quality ingredients ensures that the food tastes great and keeps customers coming back. Equally important is maintaining a clean concession area. Regularly sanitize surfaces, keep equipment clean, and make certain that staff follows strict hygiene practices. A clean and organized stand not only meets health standards but also builds trust with your customers.

Efficient Operations:

Efficiency in operations can significantly impact your concession stand's success. Invest in well-placed, high-quality equipment that meets your stand’s specific needs. Train your staff thoroughly so they can handle peak times with ease, minimizing wait times and maximizing customer satisfaction. Implementing a well-organized workflow and coaching all staff members to be familiar with their roles will help keep operations running smoothly.

Marketing and Promotions:

Effective marketing can draw more visitors to your concession stand. Use clear, attractive signage to highlight your best-selling items and any specials you offer. Leverage social media platforms to reach a broader audience; post about your menu, promotions, and events to keep the community engaged. Offering specials, discounts, or combo deals can also entice more visitors to try your offerings.

Customer Feedback:

Customer feedback is invaluable for the continuous improvement of your concession stand. Encourage customers to share their thoughts through comment cards, online reviews, or casual conversations. Pay attention to their suggestions and complaints, then use this feedback to make informed changes to your menu and service. By showing that you value their input and are willing to make improvements, you can build a loyal customer base and enhance your concession stand’s reputation.

Success Stories and Resources

Fun Food Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q - What is the best equipment for year-round events and activities?+

Q - How much can we earn selling concession foods?+

Q - We don’t have a food handling license. Can we still sell food?+

Q - Do we need a hood for our popcorn machines or other equipment?+

Q - Can we make flavored popcorn in a popcorn machine?+

Q - Should we sell Sno-Kones^® or Frusheez^® frozen slush?+

Q - Should we use a nacho cheese dispenser or a cheese cup warmer?+

Q - Will a Gold Medal representative visit our park district to advise us on what concession equipment is needed?+

Q - Does Gold Medal offer training?+