Tag Archives: Western New York

Three Summer Concession Staples That Sell Themselves

   Summer is when concession stands thrive, and the right menu choices are critical to your bottom line. Selecting the wrong items can result in excess inventory and wasted staff effort, while popular items sell out quickly.  Three items appear on nearly every successful summer concession menu: frozen slush drinks, frozen novelty treats, and fruit smoothies. These classics […]

Summer Concession Stand Prep: What to Do Before the Season Gets Busy 

A successful summer season depends on preparation done ahead of time. Once events begin and your stand operates every weekend, there is little opportunity to address issues that should have been resolved earlier.  This checklist is designed to simplify your season. While not every item will apply to all operations, those who prepare in advance typically experience […]

Volunteer Refresh: Train A New Crew In 20 Minutes

Parent and student volunteers keep stands going throughout all seasons, yet with full-time jobs, families, and busy schedules, you’ll likely have new faces showing up to help at each event. A short, repeatable huddle can bring any new crew to serviceable speed before doors open. Use this 20-minute plan to cover roles, safety, scripts, and […]

From the Farmers Market to the Fall Festival: Planning for Weekend-Only Profits

As the air turns crisp, and pumpkins and billowing mums start popping up on porches, Western and Central New York becomes a playground of autumnal cheer. From bustling farmers’ markets to harvest festivals, town craft shows, and outdoor flea markets, fall weekends are a goldmine for concession stand operators, especially those looking for low-commitment, high-reward […]

Spring 2025 Fun Food Trends & Festival Guide for Western NY

Spring in Western New York means the return of outdoor festivals, fairs, and all the fun foods that come with them. As temperatures rise, so do opportunities for concession stand operators to delight crowds with trending treats – from gourmet popcorn to frosty slushies. Below we’ll explore the hottest Spring 2025 food trends in the […]