A School concession stand offers far more than snacks and drinks; it creates powerful opportunities to boost fundraising goals, strengthen community bonds, and fuel school spirit. Whether you’re gearing up for Friday night football, basketball tournaments, or special events, a strategically managed concession stand can become one of your most reliable revenue streams.
Running a successful school concession stand requires more than just setting up a table and hoping for the best. From selecting the most profitable concession stand foods to managing volunteers effectively, every decision impacts your bottom line. The good news? With the right approach, your stand can generate impressive profits while creating memorable experiences for students, families, and community members.
Invest in Your Own Equipment
Purchasing your own concession equipment represents one of the smartest long-term investments you can make. While the initial cost might seem steep, owning machines like popcorn makers, sno-cone machines, and hot dog rollers pays dividends across multiple events throughout the school year.
Consider the math: renting a popcorn machine might cost $50-75 per event, but purchasing one for $200-300 means you break even after just four events. Since most schools host dozens of fundraising opportunities each year – from sports games to school dances and community events – owned equipment quickly becomes profitable.
Popular equipment investments include popcorn machines (with profit margins up to 80%), hot dog rollers, beverage dispensers, and sno-cone makers. These machines handle high-volume service efficiently and produce the most profitable concession stand foods that crowds love.
Maintain Your Equipment
Well-maintained equipment prevents costly breakdowns during peak sales periods and extends the lifespan of your investments.
- Develop a simple maintenance routine that includes cleaning machines after each use, checking for worn parts, and performing seasonal deep cleaning.
- Create a maintenance checklist for each piece of equipment, noting specific cleaning requirements and replacement part schedules.
- Keep backup supplies on hand – extra power cords, replacement parts, and cleaning supplies – so minor issues don’t derail your sales.
Regular maintenance also ensures food safety compliance and keeps your operation running smoothly. Nothing hurts profits like a broken popcorn machine during halftime rush or a malfunctioning drink dispenser on a hot day.
Sell Reusable Containers
Transform ordinary drinks into profit boosters by offering customized reusable containers. Stadium cups, popcorn megaphones, and custom drinkware serve dual purposes: they increase your per-transaction revenue and create lasting reminders of school spirit.
These items command higher prices because customers perceive them as keepsakes rather than disposable cups. A regular soda might sell for $2, but the same drink in a school-branded stadium cup can easily sell for $4-5. The container itself costs just pennies more than disposable options but dramatically improves your profit margins.
Anderson’s offers customizable spirit megaphones and various drinkware options that can be personalized with school colors and logos. These products not only boost immediate sales but also serve as mobile advertisements when fans use them at future events.
Use Portable Sales Tactics
Don’t limit sales to your stationary school concession stand location. Deploy volunteers with trays, coolers, or portable displays to work the crowd directly. Walking vendors can capture impulse purchases from fans who might not otherwise visit your main concession area.
Portable sales work especially well for bottled drinks, packaged snacks, and novelty items. Volunteers can move through bleacher sections, announce special deals over loudspeakers, and create urgency with limited-time offers. This will increase your sales reach and capture customers who prefer to stay in their seats.
Consider using bright signs, Anderson’s spirit gear, or themed decorations to make your mobile vendors easily identifiable and add to the excitement of the event.
Manage School Concession Stand Inventory and Pricing Wisely
Smart inventory management prevents both waste and missed sales opportunities.
- Track your best-sellers and adjust ordering accordingly. Popular items typically include hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, bottled water, and candy.
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies throughout events. Offer bundle deals early to increase average transaction values – pair a hot dog with chips and a drink for a discounted package price. As events wind down, mark down perishable items rather than throwing them away.
- Keep detailed sales records to identify patterns. Friday night football games might drive different purchasing behaviors than afternoon basketball games, and understanding these patterns helps optimize your product mix and pricing.
Focus on Fast-Turn Foods
Choose menu items that prepare quickly and serve efficiently to minimize wait times and maximize sales volume. The most profitable concession stand foods are often the simplest: popcorn, nachos with cheese, hot dogs, packaged chips, and cold beverages.
Avoid complex items requiring extensive preparation or cooking times. Instead, focus on grab-and-go options and items that can be pre-prepared safely. Nachos offer excellent profit margins and require minimal preparation—just chips, cheese sauce, and optional toppings.
Fast service keeps lines moving and prevents potential customers from walking away due to long waits. During peak periods like halftime, efficient service can dramatically impact your total sales volume.
Choose a High-Traffic Location for Your School Concession Stand

Location significantly impacts concession stand success.
- Position your stand near entrances, exits, restrooms, or main walkways where foot traffic naturally concentrates.
- Avoid tucked-away corners or locations that require customers to make special trips.
- Use eye-catching signage, bright decorations, and good lighting to increase visibility. Anderson’s offers colorful banners, signs, and spirit decorations that can help draw attention to your location.
- Ensure adequate lighting during evening events, so customers can easily see your offerings and prices.
- Set up satellite locations for large events or outdoor venues where spreading out your presence can capture more customers across different areas.
Store Non-Perishables Smartly
Proper storage protects your inventory investment and ensures that your products maintain their quality until they’re ready to be sold. By handling your stock with care and attention, you’ll maintain a reputation for quality that customers will rave about!
- Use airtight containers for items like popcorn kernels, candy, or other snacks that can lose freshness if exposed to air or moisture.
- Label each container with clear dates, so you can keep track of inventory rotation and prioritize older stock first. Not only does this minimize waste, but it also ensures every customer receives the best possible product!
- Utilize coolers or refrigerated storage for perishable items whenever possible. Portable refrigeration units can be a festive lifesaver during warmer months, keeping drinks ice cold and treats at their peak.
Offer Healthier Options

Adding healthier choices to your concession stand menu can be a game-changer! Think beyond chips and candy bars. Include options like granola bars, fresh fruit cups, trail mix, or bottled water. These items not only cater to health-conscious buyers but also appeal to parents, athletes, and anyone looking for a lighter snack. Make sure your healthy selections are displayed prominently in neatly organized baskets or eye-catching containers. By doing so, you’ll attract a wider audience and show your commitment to providing choices that suit everyone’s preferences. Healthy is the new delicious!
Keep It Clean
A clean and organized concession stand isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about professionalism and trust. Always clean as you go by wiping counters, organizing supplies, and promptly disposing of trash. A tidy setup will catch the eye of customers and leave a positive impression. After all, first impressions matter, especially when it comes to food sales! When everything looks spotless and inviting, you can bet customers will keep coming back for more.
Organize With Sign-up Sheets
Smooth operations start with solid planning, and keeping an organized system for volunteers is key. Use digital tools like Google Forms or physical sign-up sheets to assign shifts and roles—cashiers, food prep assistants, runners, or restockers. Clear roles help avoid gaps in coverage, especially during busy peak hours. A well-staffed stand ensures no customer is left waiting, making your event run like clockwork.
Appreciate Your Volunteers

Your volunteers are the heart and soul of your concession stand, so show them some love! Offer small tokens of gratitude like bottled water, snacks, or even fun thank-you gifts. Highlight their hard work with announcements during the event or with posts on social media; everyone loves a shoutout! Happy, appreciated volunteers lead to smoother operations and an overall more festive atmosphere, ensuring your stand is a hit.
Running a successful school concession stand doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right equipment, thoughtful planning, and a focus on keeping things fun and functional, you can create a stand that’s both profitable and memorable. These tips will help you boost your sales, delight your customers, and bring a smile to everyone’s face. Get ready to watch your school spirit—and profits—soar to new heights!
Get your stand game-day ready! Shop all the supplies and equipment you need for a profitable concession stand at andersons.com.