February school events provide hungry, time-strapped crowds for successful concession sales. Dances, talent shows, concerts, family movie nights, and fundraisers bring families into gyms and cafeterias on tight schedules. A well-planned concession table can serve quickly, raise money, and keep lines short. Use this guide to pre-sell snack packs, streamline pickup, and price bundles that work for busy evenings.
Choose Events That Convert
Look for predictable turnout and clear start and end times. School dances and family movie nights are ideal because arrivals cluster before the program and again at intermission. Publish your menu early, keep choices tight, and feature bundles that are easy to prep and hand off.
Build Three Bundles
Keep a small à la carte section for walkups, but let bundles do the heavy lifting. Use round pricing and cover one savory, one sweet, and one family option.
- Dance Combos: soft pretzel plus two cold drinks provide sustenance and quench thirst for anyone busting moves out on the dance floor.
- Family Movie Pack: large bag of popcorn, 2-4 small hot cocoas, and 2-4 bottled waters covers all the bases for a family getting settled for the main feature.
- Sugar Rush: if it’s an active event like a dance, roller skating night, or something where it’s okay for kids to run around, feel free to serve up sweet treats like Mini Melts, cotton candy, pre-packaged candy, with hot cocoa and Slush Puppie. Parents won’t worry about kids getting the sugar zoomies if they’re meant to be up and moving about anyway.
Pre-Sell To Reduce Lines
Collect orders through a simple form or school platform three to five days in advance. Add a clear note on flyers with a tear-off order portion. Offer a small pre-order perk, such as complimentary marshmallows on cocoa or small school merch items for kids. Close pre-orders by noon the day before the event so you can portion accurately. Print a pickup list grouped by classroom or by last name to speed fulfillment.
Stage And Pack For Speed
Pack each bundle in a handled bag with a large label. Color code by bundle so student volunteers can grab the correct order at a glance. Pre-bag popcorn in barrier bags and keep a warmer on for aroma and top-ups. Spin and seal cotton candy earlier in the day to avoid last-minute bottlenecks. Brew coffee and prepare cocoa to spec. Place lids, sleeves, and napkins on a side table so the pass window stays clear.
Design A Flow That Works For Families
Create two lines: one for pre-order pickup and one for walk-up sales. Place the pickup table closest to the entrance so families can grab and go. Use a single, clean board for walkups with three bundles at the top and a short list of à la carte items below. Offer tap and card payments, with a small cash float for convenience.
Assign Roles And Scripts
One cashier manages walkups and uses a simple upsell line: “Most families choose the Movie Pack. Would you like whipped cream on your cocoa?” One runner operates the pickup table. One hot station lead pours and lids drinks. If the gym is crowded, add a second runner to restock the front rack and verify names at pickup.
Buy What Moves And Stays Simple
Lean on items with broad appeal and straightforward labels: Gold Medal popcorn and caramel supplies, soft pretzels, cocoa, New England Coffee or Eight O’Clock coffee, cotton candy floss and bags, bottled water, and Mini Melts. Slush Puppie can work for earlier showtimes with younger students.
How Allen Associates Can Help
We can help you stock your event with fun food profit programs such as popcorn and cotton candy, soft pretzels and warmers, cocoa, coffee, Mini Melts freezers, Slush Puppie equipment, and more.