August is peak season for sunshine, fresh air, and spontaneous adventures, which means people are out and about everywhere. From lakeside boardwalks to community parks and bustling farmers markets, warm-weather destinations are full of hungry customers looking for a quick treat to enjoy on the go.
For concession stand operators, this is the perfect time to think outside the booth and bring your fun food offerings into the open air. Whether you’re a seasoned vendor or just testing the waters, pop-up concessions offer a flexible, low-overhead way to boost profits, gain visibility, and create memorable customer experiences.
Here’s how to make the most of pop-up season—and the best foods to bring along.
Why Pop-Up Concessions Work
Pop-up concessions thrive in outdoor settings because they’re:
Low-cost to operate – No need for permanent infrastructure
Easy to transport – Perfect for parks, beaches, athletic fields, and local festivals
Ideal for impulse sales – People are more likely to treat themselves when they’re relaxed and enjoying an event
Best of all, with the right food, equipment, and signage, a well-placed stand can generate serious revenue—especially in high-traffic spots like waterfronts, hiking trailheads, playgrounds, and weekend markets.
Top Pop-Up Friendly Concession Foods
When selecting foods for your portable setup, aim for options that are:
- Easy to prep
- Quick to serve
- Portable for customers
- Eye-catching and craveable
Here are the MVPs of pop-up concession menus:
Mini Melts® Ice Cream
Bright, beaded, and totally unique, Mini Melts® are a crowd magnet—especially in the heat of August. They require minimal labor, come in pre-packaged cups, and sell themselves with their novelty and bold colors. Just stock a freezer and you’re good to go.
Slush Puppie® Frozen Drinks
With the unmistakable swirl and iconic mascot, Slush Puppie® is a nostalgic favorite for all ages. These drinks are perfect for pop-up settings thanks to simple equipment and a wide range of syrup flavors. Plus, they’re the perfect upsell for anyone grabbing a salty snack.
Popcorn
Classic, craveable, and oh-so-fragrant. Popcorn is a low-cost, high-profit item that works well in open-air venues where the scent can draw people in. Pre-bag it ahead of time or pop it fresh on-site if you have the setup.
Cotton Candy
Few things scream “summer fun” like a big puff of pastel cotton candy. It’s light, dramatic, and perfect for impulse buys at outdoor events. You can spin it live for extra spectacle or sell it in clear bags for grab-and-go ease.
Soft Pretzels
Warm, handheld, and hearty, soft pretzels are ideal for customers looking for something savory. They hold up well in warmer weather and pair perfectly with bottled drinks or slushies.
Where to Set Up: Smart Pop-Up Locations
Not sure where to bring your stand? Here are some tried-and-true pop-up opportunities:
Local parks and playgrounds – Set up near picnic areas, splash pads, or walking paths
Beaches and waterfronts – Families and sunbathers love cool treats
Weekend farmers markets and art fairs – Capture foot traffic and impulse snackers
Outdoor sports tournaments – Baseball fields, soccer matches, or swim meets
Downtown or town square events – First Fridays, food truck rallies, or sidewalk sales
Pro Tip: Check with your local parks department or city special events office to find out how to get on the approved vendor list or reserve a pop-up space.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Whether you’re using a mobile cart, small tent setup, or even a compact trailer, here’s a quick checklist to keep your operation smooth:
Portable equipment (freezers, slush machines, popcorn poppers, etc.)
Display signage and price boards
Power source (generator, outlet, or solar if permitted)
Cold storage for perishables and drinks
POS system or cash box
Serving supplies (cups, napkins, trays, etc.)
Permits or vendor licenses required by your town or county
And of course, you’ll want to stock up on high-margin, top-performing products, which is where we come in.
Partner with Allen Associates for Pop-Up Success
At Allen Associates, we help concessionaires across Western and Central NY bring fun food to every corner of the community, whether you’re setting up at a high school fundraiser or a lakeside boardwalk.
We supply:
Mini Melts® freezers and inventory
Slush Puppie® equipment and syrups
Gold Medal® popcorn and cotton candy machines
Soft pretzels and warmers
Point-of-sale materials, signage, and expert advice
We even offer delivery and on-call customer service to make your pop-up setup seamless from start to finish.
Final Thoughts: Pop Up, Cash In, and Have Fun
Pop-up concessions are more than just a way to boost sales—they’re a way to build your brand, connect with the community, and create experiences that stick.
So grab your gear, find the perfect park bench or boardwalk, and let Allen Associates help you serve up smiles, one snack at a time.
Ready to roll? Call us today or visit AllenPrograms.com to get your pop-up stand stocked and ready for the rest of summer!