Gear Up for Game Day: Super Bowl Snack Trends for Concession Sellers


In Western New York, where the football loyalties are as fierce as the winters (lookin’ at you, Bills Mafia), game day always means the snacks are abundant and the camaraderie overfloweth. The Buffalo Bills are a longstanding symbol of resilience in Western New York. Whether we’re suffering through the heartbreak of four consecutive Super Bowl losses in the 1990s or bonding over clinching a playoff spot in 2017 after SO MANY years of struggle, the Bills have always brought us together. What else brings us together? The SNACKS. 

This season, the fans are louder than ever, and so is the buzz around game day snacks. On any given snowy Sunday afternoon, in any Western New York living room,  you’ll likely find warm nachos dripping with cheese, heaps of potato chips, and the pièce de résistance—spicy, tangy Buffalo wings. So while we mourn the loss of the AFC Championship, we’ll wipe our tears and do what we’ve always done: stock up on frozen wings and Frank’s Red Hot and root for the next best thing – a Philadelphia Eagles win on Super Bowl Sunday. Because there’s always next year. This love for food and football underscores why Super Bowl snacks hold a special place in America’s heart.


The History of Game Day Snacks: Why We Love Them

Super Bowl Sunday has grown into a cultural phenomenon far beyond football. While the game itself garners over 100 million viewers annually, the snacks we consume are the real MVP. The tradition of eating during sports events dates back to the early 20th century when stadiums began offering peanuts and Cracker Jacks. Over time, these simple offerings evolved, with concessions introducing nachos, pretzels, and eventually the wide array of snacks we see today.

Psychologists say sharing snacks creates a sense of community. There’s something undeniably joyous about digging into a bowl of chips with friends while debating the legality of the last play. Super Bowl snacks also tap into nostalgia.


Snack Sales by the Numbers: Super Bowl’s Big Impact

The numbers tell a clear story: Super Bowl Week is the pinnacle of snack consumption. Here’s a breakdown of the 2023 statistics to fuel your concession stand strategy:

SnackPounds SoldYear-on-Year Growth
Corn Chips7 million+37%
Tortilla Chips36 million+20.2%
Potato Chips32 million+17.2%
Pretzels1.3 million+16.8%

These figures highlight an insatiable appetite for crunchy, shareable snacks. By focusing on high-demand items like chips, pretzels, and nachos, concession sellers can significantly boost their revenue during this period.


How Concession Sellers Can Maximize Super Bowl Sales

The Super Bowl presents a unique opportunity for vendors to connect with customers and generate impressive profits. Here’s how you can capitalize:

Create Eye-Catching Combos

Bundle snacks with beverages for a value-packed offering. Consider nachos with soda or wings with craft beer for a winning combination.

Offer Shareable Portions

Stock large, party-sized bags and family packs to cater to group gatherings. Snack platters also work well for customers hosting watch parties.

Embrace Themed Promotions

Leverage football-themed decor, jerseys, and giveaways to create a festive atmosphere. Offering discounts for fans wearing team colors can drive engagement and loyalty.

Focus on Quick Service

Speed is critical when serving high-traffic events. Equip your team with easy-to-use tools and keep popular snacks like chips and nachos within arm’s reach for faster turnover.


The Allure of Nachos: An All-Time Favorite

Nachos are a staple of any concession stand, especially during game day. Their origins trace back to Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, a maître d’ in Mexico who first combined tortilla chips, cheese, and jalapeños into a quick snack in the 1940s. Over decades, they’ve become synonymous with casual, shareable dining.

With Allen Associates’ Ricos Nachos Fun Food Programs, vendors can elevate their nacho game effortlessly. The program offers high-quality ingredients, efficient equipment, and Proven Profit Programs tailored to maximize sales. Add exciting toppings like guacamole, chili, or pico de gallo to stand out from the competition.

Buffalo Wings: The Super Bowl Snack King

Buffalo Wings, born in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY, is a true American treasure. These crispy, saucy delights are synonymous with game day. Legend has it that Teressa Bellissimo whipped them up one night as a quick snack, not knowing she was creating a cultural icon. Fast forward to today, and over 1.4 billion wings are consumed during Super Bowl weekend.

For concession sellers, offering wings is a no-brainer. They’re versatile, easy to prepare in bulk, and endlessly customizable. Stock a variety of sauces—hot, BBQ, garlic parmesan—and pair them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for the ultimate fan favorite.


Why Choose Allen Associates for Your Game Day Snacks?

Allen Associates takes the guesswork out of preparing for the Super Bowl. Our partnerships with brands like Ricos provide concession sellers with everything needed to succeed, including:

  • Easy-to-Use Equipment: Seamless operation for high-speed service.
  • High-Quality Ingredients: Trusted products that keep customers coming back.
  • Proven Profit Programs: Tools to maximize revenue during peak seasons.

By working with Allen Associates, you can offer crowd-pleasing options like nachos, chips, and wings without the logistical headaches.


Make This Super Bowl Your Biggest Sales Event Yet

Super Bowl Sunday is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of food, friends, and fandom. By focusing on high-demand snacks and leveraging Allen Associates’ programs, concession sellers can create memorable experiences for customers while driving substantial revenue. This year, seize the opportunity to join the excitement, one Buffalo wing and nacho platter at a time.


FAQs

How can I increase concession sales during the Super Bowl?
Focus on shareable snacks, create themed promotions, and offer quick grab-and-go options for busy crowds.

What are the most popular Super Bowl snacks?
Tortilla chips, potato chips, pretzels, nachos, and Buffalo wings are perennial favorites.

Why are Buffalo Wings popular on Super Bowl Sunday?
Buffalo wings are flavorful, easy to share, and have a rich cultural history tied to football celebrations.

What makes Allen Associates’ programs unique?
Allen Associates provides easy-to-use equipment, high-quality ingredients, and Proven Profit Programs to simplify operations for vendors.

Are nachos profitable for concession stands?
Absolutely. Nachos have high demand, low prep costs, and customizable options that attract diverse customers.

What are the benefits of offering themed promotions?
Themed promotions create a festive atmosphere, engage customers, and boost sales by capitalizing on game day spirit.