Cart-based Concessions

• The cart-based concession stand is generally a seasonal endeavor, running mid-spring through mid-autumn, depending on the region's climate. Typically, carts specialize in one item and sell other items to supplement or contrast with it. Items that work well in the cart format are hot dogs, pretzels, churros, popcorn, ice cream and snow cones. Always keep soda products and bottled water in a separate cooler barrel. Include diet sodas. If your main item is salty, include a selection of sweets on the side. If your main item is sweet, include salty snacks. Attach a large umbrella to your cart: On sunny days, it will keep you and your products shaded; if it rains, you won't need to leave the cart attended until the storm passes.
  
  

Outdoor Structure Concessions

• Outdoor concession stands are commonly seen in public parks, amusement parks and fairs. These buildings sometimes have air conditioning and heat for the workers inside. Much larger than a cart, but smaller than the kitchen of a typical fast-food restaurant, these stands are at their best when they serve a variety of snacks in addition to a few lunch and fast-food offerings. Items that work well are hot dogs, corn dogs, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, packaged ice cream, chips, candy, sodas, juice, bottled water, chicken nuggets and fries. In a concession stand of this kind, the best way to turn a profit is to streamline production. Each item on the menu should take no longer than a few minutes to prepare, and the majority should be nearly instantaneous. Otherwise, you'll need to have multiple windows open and more workers to man them, as well as more workers in the kitchen.
  
  

Indoor Concessions

• Indoor concession stands, such as at a movie theater, a performance hall or a sporting event, are air conditioned and heated. The stand often consists of little more than a long bar, entirely visible, appliances behind the bar and sometimes a back room for more utilitarian tasks, such as ice making and storage. Noise is a big factor in an indoor concession stand, and machinery should be moved to the back room or omitted. Depending on the formality of the venue, an indoor stand can feature some of the same foods as its outdoor cousins, such as popcorn, slushes, pretzels and sodas. At a more formal venue, like an opera hall, wine, cheese and sparkling water or ginger ale might be sold, along with salmon pinwheels or other expensive hors d'oeuvres. Remember that any food or container can end up on the floor or in the seats, so avoid items that you don't want the staff to have to clean up.