From the neon glow of arcade halls to the unmistakable crunch of a fresh bag of Bugles, the snacks of the ’80s and ’90s hold a special place in our hearts. Today, this nostalgia is more than just a trip down memory lane—it’s a powerful force driving consumer choices, especially in the world of concessions.
The Allure of ‘Newstalgia’
“Newstalgia” blends the comfort of familiar flavors with modern twists, creating a unique appeal that resonates across generations. For concession stand operators, tapping into this trend means offering products that evoke cherished memories while satisfying contemporary tastes.
Iconic Treats Making a Comeback
While many of the treats that defined the childhood of kids growing up in the 80s and 90s never left the shelves (looking at you, Sunny D, Totinos Pizza Rolls, Fruit Roll-Ups, Cosmic Brownies, etc.), several beloved discontinued snacks are experiencing a resurgence:
- Dunkaroos: These cookie-and-frosting combos have returned, delighting fans old and new.
- Viennetta: Who can forget the commercial? It was the quintessential “fancy” dessert at every family gathering. And now the layered ice cream dessert is back, offering a touch of elegance to nostalgic indulgence.
- Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape: The fun, tape-like gum continues to be a hit among those seeking a chewy blast from the past. Just don’t be a hero and try to fit the whole roll in your mouth in one sitting.
These snacks serve as excellent conversation starters, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Capitalizing on Nostalgia at Your Concession Stand
To effectively leverage the power of nostalgia:
- Curate a Retro Menu: Incorporate classic items like soft pretzels, caramel popcorn, and slushies in flavors reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s. Make grab-and-go pre-packaged retro snacks visible to customers to add to their purchases.
- Themed Events: Host ‘Throwback Thursdays’ or ‘Retro Weekends’ featuring music, attire, and snacks from the era.
- Social Media Engagement: Encourage customers to share their nostalgic moments at your stand, creating organic promotion and community engagement.
Partnering with Allen Associates
At Allen Associates, we understand the significance of nostalgia in today’s market. Our range of products includes:
- Gold Medal® Popcorn Supplies: Perfect for recreating that classic movie theater experience.
- Slush Puppie® Machines: Delivering the iconic frozen drinks that defined a generation.
- Mini Melts® Ice Cream: Offering a modern twist on the traditional scoop, these beaded ice creams are both fun and flavorful.
And so much more! By integrating these offerings, you can create a concession stand that not only serves delicious treats but also transports customers back to their favorite decades.
Embrace the Past, Delight the Present
Nostalgia is a potent tool in the concession industry, bridging the gap between generations and creating memorable experiences. By embracing the flavors and fun of the ’80s and ’90s, you can captivate your audience and boost your sales.
Ready to bring a taste of the past to your concession stand? Contact Allen Associates today and let’s make nostalgia your newest revenue stream!