Concession Stand Food Ideas: Traditional Options & New Twists

As stadiums and ballparks open for the season, concession areas are getting ready to serve hungry crowds during any game or event. So what should be on the menu? There are several traditional standbys to consider, and you can always elevate your game by adding a modern twist to the classics. Here are just a few concession stand food ideas you’ll surely want to include.

The Classics

Everyone loves the welcoming smells of popcorn and hotdogs when entering a stadium. Give your customers their favorites that they’ve been waiting for this summer. This doesn’t mean you can’t offer something that sets you apart from the rest like a new dipping sauce or pretzel topping.

Popcorn

When the smell of popcorn wafts to your nostrils, it’s hard to think about anything but shoving a handful of crunchy, buttery kernels in your mouth. There is, perhaps, no food better suited to concessions than aromatic popcorn, which is sure to bring in a line of customers.

Even better, when your machine is well-maintained, it won’t need much attention. You’ll have to add popcorn, oil, and salt periodically, but a batch can last quite a while and serve a bevy of patrons without someone having to watch it like a hawk. While you can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true classic, you can always add:

• Kettle corn seasoning


• Drizzle popped corn with chocolate


• Caramel corn

Pretzels

There are a couple of ways you can go with pretzels. You may want to cook them hot and fresh on-site or have them pre-made so that you just have to keep them warm in a food warmer. Your choice will depend on the capacity of your staff and your establishment. Either way, these salted twists are a popular snack, especially when served with mustard, cheese sauce or other dipping options.

Nachos

If we could only have two food groups, chips and cheese would satisfy just about everyone. When you smother crispy, salty chips in spicy, liquid cheese, you’ve pretty much made a meal. But if you want to take it to the next level, consider adding toppings like:

• Pico de gallo


• Black olives


• Cotija cheese


• Sliced jalapeños


• Sour cream


• Guacamole drizzle

Hot Dogs/Corn Dogs

Whether you’re working at the ballpark or the beach, it’s hard to argue with the popularity of hot dogs, which can serve as a snack or a main course. If you don’t want to deal with slathering sauces and extras on buns, a dip-in batter and a deep-fry will suffice, and you can add condiments on the side.

Cold Treats

During the summer months, you’re going to have many customers looking for ways to cool off. That is why it’s so important to keep your reach-in freezer in good working order and filled with cold treats like:

• Ice cream cones


• Vanilla ice cream bars


• Ice cream sandwiches

If you’re looking for something you can make on the fly, snow cones and shaved ice allow you to offer customizable treats that are quick and easy to prepare. Depending on your setup, you might also consider the nostalgic appeal of fountain treats like root beer floats or even milkshakes.

Fun Additions

You don’t have to be afraid of branching out. When it comes to a concession food stand, you want to be different from the rest so you can stand out from your competition. Maybe this means serving something outside of the box. Here are a few ideas to try.

• Cotton Candy – This sweet treat will require some specialized equipment and time spent spinning colorful clouds onto sticks, but bagged cones can be prepped in advance to save you some time when a rush hits.


• Cake Pops – If you want to raise the bar on typical sweets like boxed candy, consider adding this fun food-on-a-stick to your menu.


• Roasted Nuts – Though there may be a peanut guy walking around, offer roasted nuts with a variety of flavors to break up the monotony.


• Grilled Cheese – Grilled cheese is an American favorite. Dress it up with some chives and bacon bits and you’ll have a hit.


• Potato Bar – Adding a potato bar gives customers access to baked potatoes, loaded fries and more that they can enjoy while watching the night’s game or concert.