Is Your Concession Business Ready for the Holiday Rush?
As the holiday season approaches, concession businesses can expect an influx of customers looking for festive treats and drinks to enhance their seasonal celebrations. To make the most of this busy and profitable time, here are five holiday concession prep tips to ensure your business is well-prepared. From equipment maintenance to stocking up on seasonal products, a smooth operation can make all the difference.
Here’s a helpful checklist to get your concession business ready for the holiday rush, with tips on how Allen Associates can support your needs.
1. Check Your Equipment
The last thing you want is for equipment malfunctions to slow down your business during the busiest time of the year. Make sure all beverage dispensers, popcorn machines, ice cream makers, and other food equipment are in top condition.
Maintenance Tips:
Schedule a professional inspection to catch any potential issues.
Clean all machines thoroughly and replace any worn-out parts.
Test equipment before the season kicks off to avoid mid-rush breakdowns.
2. Stock Up on Seasonal Specialty Products
Customers love indulging in seasonal flavors during the holidays. Be sure to have enough stock of crowd favorites like hot chocolate, warm apple cider, pumpkin-flavored treats, and more.
Seasonal Favorites to Consider:
Hot chocolate with customizable toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and flavored syrups.
Spiced beverages, such as hot apple cider or chai lattes.
Holiday-themed snacks, like festive popcorn varieties and pretzels with holiday-themed dips.
Allen Associates’ Seasonal Beverage Offerings:
Allen Associates provides a range of specialty beverage programs from Eight O’Clock Coffee, New England Coffee, Heritage Cafe Coffee, Cappuccino brand hot chocolate and cappuccino, and Java coffee, all designed to fit perfectly into your holiday menu, giving your business a competitive edge.
3. Holiday Concession Staff Training
With an expected increase in customer traffic, it’s important that your staff is well-trained to handle the demand efficiently and with excellent service. Ensure they know how to operate the equipment properly, serve products quickly, and provide great customer experiences.
Holiday Concession Training Tips:
Conduct refresher courses on beverage machine operation and customer service skills.
Make sure everyone is comfortable with the holiday menu and product offerings.
Allen Associates’ Training Programs:
Allen Associates offers training sessions to ensure your team is equipped with the knowledge to maximize efficiency and customer satisfaction during the holiday season.
4. Plan for Extra Holiday Concession Supplies
Running out of key products mid-season is a headache no business wants to face. Estimate your needs based on previous holiday sales and order more than your typical stock to accommodate the increase in demand.
Holiday Concession Stocking Tips:
Plan your inventory based on expected foot traffic, allowing room for an increase in customers.
Order extra cups, napkins, packaging, and other essentials to avoid running out during peak times.
Allen Associates’ Concession Supplies:
From point-of-sale materials to equipment to additional seasonal products, Allen Associates can ensure you have everything you need to keep operations running smoothly.
5. Promote Your Holiday Concession Specials
Make sure customers know about your seasonal offerings through creative promotions. Use eye-catching signs, social media posts, and in-store displays to attract attention to your holiday treats.
Holiday Promotion Tips:
Create special holiday combos, like a hot beverage and snack bundle.
Use social media to highlight your seasonal menu and any special promotions.
Engage customers with festive decor and music to enhance the holiday experience.
Make the Most of the Holiday Season with Allen Associates
The holiday season offers a prime opportunity for concession businesses to boost sales and attract loyal customers. By ensuring your equipment is in top condition, stocking up on seasonal favorites, and providing excellent service, you can make the most of this busy time. With the support of Allen Associates, your business will be ready to shine throughout the holiday rush.