Concession stands can bump up profits in movie theaters, at outdoor events and in retail environments. In addition, with a small investment, you can purchase a concession stand and concession equipment to start your own food service business. The type of concessions equipment you need depends on the type of food you want to sell — hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn or other quick-serve fare.

With concession stands, you can make money in many places, including:

1. City sidewalks where there is a lot of foot traffic, and street concession stands are permitted.
2. Fairs and carnivals where children and their parents expect to see cotton candy machines, snow cone machines and hot dog machines.
3. Movie theaters where customers are enticed by the buttery aroma of fresh popped popcorn coming from popcorn machines.
4. Retail stores where concession machines offer customers a chance to grab a quick snack.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Popcorn machines and equipment

Popcorn machines - available in models that make buttered popcorn, caramel corn or kettle corn - are proven moneymakers for movie theaters and retail stores. For independent concession stand owners, fairs and carnivals are a great avenue for sales.

I recommend: Snappy Popcorn Co. is a distributor of popcorn, popcorn supplies and popcorn machines. For vintage style popcorn machines and supplies, try Popcorn Machines Direct or PopcornPopper.com. Gold Medal Products Co. offers specialty popcorn concession equipment to make kettle corn, caramel and cheese flavored popcorn. For more vendors of popcorn machines and equipment, check the Business.com directory.

Cotton candy machines and equipment

State and county fairs wouldn't be the same without cotton candy machines. Cotton candy concession equipment includes floss machines that spin sugar into cotton candy, floss pan covers to protect yourself and customers from hot sugar burns and paper cones to catch the spun sugar.

I recommend: Cotton Candy Express sells over 20 different types of cotton candy machines. Popcorn Supply Company also offers cotton candy concession equipment, including floss pan covers, floss machines and floss baggers. Search for cotton candy machines at Business.com.

Hamburger and hot dog machines and equipment

Hot dog concession equipment includes hot dog machines, steamers, grills and bun warmers.

I recommend: Check out Creative Mobile Systems for hot dog push carts and towable hot dog carts. All American Hotdog Co. offers a variety of hot dog machines and concession equipment. Hot Dog World sells hot dog steamers, broilers and grills. Visit Business.com for a list of suppliers of hot dog machines.

Nachos concessions equipment

Of all concession snacks, nachos require the least amount of concession equipment. All you need is a heater or warmer and a way to dispense the cheese.

I recommend: Ricos Products Co. has a variety of nacho cheese heaters and dispensers, plus nacho cheese sauces, chilies and chips for nacho concession machines. Allen Associates offers nachos supplies, including paper nacho trays, chips, sauces and new and used concessions equipment.

Pizza concession equipment

Add pizza concessions equipment to almost any concession stand, and you'll find a hungry audience.

I recommend: The Deuster Company has a variety of concession-friendly pizza ovens and equipment. The Globe Equipment Company sells the Bakers Pride fully insulated double electric pizza oven that fits on a countertop in concession stands.

Shaved ice and snow cone machines and equipment

Snow cone machines are a big hit at outdoor events, in movie theaters or in retail parking lots during the summer months.

I recommend: 1-800-Shaved-Ice.com sells shaved ice and snow cone concessions trailers. Gold Medal Products Co. offers snow cone machines as well as concession equipment to make and serve drinks and frozen beverages. At Business.com, you can additional vendors of snow cone machines.

Condiment servers and concession stand serving accessories

Every concession stand needs concessions equipment like serving utensils, takeaway containers and condiment dispensers.

I recommend: Server Products sells concessions equipment, food warmers, condiment equipment and topping equipment. Foodservicedirect supplies condiment organizers, dispensers, topping bars and takeaway supplies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pizza ovens, popcorn concessions machines and cotton candy floss machines can cause serious burns if not used correctly and with proper training.
• •  Buy protective screens and gloves for working with concession equipment.
• •  If you don't have the right electrical components, your concession equipment can easily overload circuits.
• •  Find out if your concession stands and equipment come with a warranty and where you can go for service.