School concession stands play a crucial role in supporting events and fundraising efforts for schools. These stands offer snacks and beverages during sports games, school plays and community gatherings. In this article, we’ll explore how concession stands can help schools raise money while keeping costs low, provide insights into popular items and highlight key statistics that can guide decision-making.
Table of Contents
Free Templates, Ideas and Tools
- 119 School Concession Stand Menu Ideas That Work!
- Free Editable School Concession Stand Menu Template
School Concession Stand Guide
- Why Are Concession Stands Important?
- High-Profit Foods to Offer
- Adding Healthy Options
- Seasonal Offerings to Boost Sales
- What Makes a Concession Stand Successful?
- Pricing Strategies for Profitability
- Managing Inventory
- Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
- Balancing Labor Costs and Volunteer Efforts
- Tips for Managing Supplies
- Marketing Your School Concession Stand
- Compliance and Regulations
- Best Practices for Operations
- Sustainability Practices
- Tracking Success
119 School Concession Stand Menu Ideas That Work!
Choosing the right food for your school concession stand is key to satisfying customers and boosting concession sales. A well-rounded menu should include classic favorites, healthy options and seasonal specialties to cater to a wide audience. Here is a comprehensive list of 119 concession stand food ideas, organized by category, to help you create a menu that’s both exciting and profitable.
Classic Favorites
These are the tried-and-true staples that customers expect at any concession stand.
- Hot dogs
- Hamburgers
- Cheeseburgers
- Nachos with cheese
- Soft pretzels
- Popcorn
- French fries
- Chili cheese fries
- Corn dogs
- Pizza slices
- Mozzarella sticks
- Onion rings
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Chicken tenders
- Cheese quesadillas
Sweet Treats
Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
- Cotton candy
- Funnel cakes
- Churros
- Ice cream cups
- Milkshakes
- Root beer floats
- Snow cones
- Candy bars (Snickers, M&M’s, Reese’s, etc.)
- Skittles and gummy candies
- Caramel apples
- Chocolate-dipped bananas
- Mini donuts
- Cookies (chocolate chip, sugar, etc.)
- Brownies
- Rice Krispies Treats
Healthy Options
These cater to health-conscious customers.
- Fresh fruit cups
- Veggie sticks with ranch dip
- Yogurt parfaits
- Granola bars
- Hummus with pita chips
- Smoothies
- Trail mix
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Hard-boiled eggs
- String cheese
- Salad cups
- Baked chips
- Dried fruit packets
- Whole-grain crackers
- Low-sugar applesauce pouches
Seasonal Specials
Great for attracting customers during specific times of the year.
- Hot cocoa (winter)
- Pumpkin spice lattes (fall)
- Spiced cider (fall)
- Lemonade (summer)
- Iced tea (summer)
- Frozen lemonade cups (summer)
- S’mores kits (campfire season)
- Holiday-themed cookies (e.g., Christmas or Halloween shapes)
- Candy canes (Christmas)
- Peppermint bark (Christmas)
Drinks
Stay hydrated with a variety of beverages.
- Bottled water
- Soda (Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, etc.)
- Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade)
- Coffee (regular and iced)
- Energy drinks
- Milk cartons
- Chocolate milk
- Sparkling water
- Fruit juice boxes
- Hot tea
- Iced coffee
Ethnic and Specialty Items
These options add variety and uniqueness.
- Tacos (hard and soft shells)
- Burritos
- Egg rolls
- Spring rolls
- Fried rice cups
- Sushi rolls
- Pita pockets
- Shawarma wraps
- BBQ pulled pork sandwiches
- Meatball subs
- Greek salad wraps
- Curry bowls
- Dumplings
- Chicken kebabs
Kid-Friendly Items
Easy, fun foods that kids love.
- Mini corndogs
- PB&J sandwiches
- Cheese sticks
- Fruit snacks
- Goldfish crackers
- Animal crackers
- Cupcakes
- Macaroni and cheese cups
- Mini sliders
- Tater tots
- Juice pouches
Premium Gourmet Items
Upscale options for those willing to pay a bit more.
- Gourmet hot dogs (e.g., chili-cheese or bacon-wrapped)
- Specialty burgers (e.g., black bean, bison)
- Artisan flatbreads
- Hand-cut fries with truffle oil
- Gourmet pretzels with fancy dipping sauces
- Ice cream sundaes
- Fancy cupcakes (e.g., red velvet, salted caramel)
- Charcuterie snack boxes
- Freshly squeezed lemonade
Bulk and Budget-Friendly Items
These options are low-cost and easy to produce in large quantities.
- Chips (small bags)
- Pretzel rods
- Popcorn balls
- Jello cups
- Pickles (individually wrapped or speared)
- Peanuts in shells
- Cheese puffs
- Marshmallow pops
- Rice crackers
- Peanut butter sandwich crackers
Unique and Trendy Items
Modern options inspired by food trends.
- Loaded fries (e.g., topped with cheese, bacon, jalapeños)
- Walking tacos (chips topped with taco fixings, served in a chip bag)
- Fried pickles
- Bubble tea
- Flavored popcorn (e.g., caramel, cheddar, spicy)
- Pretzel bites with beer cheese dip
- Avocado toast
- Nitro cold brew coffee
- Street corn (elote)
Free Editable School Concession Stand Menu Template
You and your team of volunteers are busy. That’s why we built a free menu template that you can use for your school. Simply click the image to access it.
[Free Template]
Why Are Concession Stands Important?
Concession stands aren't just about selling snacks. They are a cornerstone of school fundraising, offering a simple way to bring in extra money. Here are a few reasons why they matter:
- Profitability: Popular concession items like popcorn and soft drinks can have profit margins of up to 70% to 80% (GMPopcorn).
- Community engagement: They create a welcoming atmosphere where students, parents and staff can connect.
- Low overhead costs: Concession stands require minimal up-front investment in food and equipment.
High-Profit Foods to Offer
According to Lunchbox, concession stand profit margins typically range from 5% to 20%. That’s why choosing the right food is critical to a concession stand's success. Below are some of the most profitable items you can sell:
- Popcorn, typically up to 80%
- Hot dogs, up to 73%
- Nachos, up to 900%
- Coffee, up to 300%
Additional High-Profit Items
- Hot chocolate
- Soft drinks
- Pretzels
Adding Healthy Options
Healthy snacks are becoming more popular at concession stands. According to a study by the University of Iowa and Cornell University, adding healthier items like fruit cups and yogurt parfaits accounted for 9% of total sales and overall sales increased by 4% (Good News Network).
Here are some healthy options you can consider:
- Fresh fruit cups
- Veggie sticks with dip
- Yogurt parfaits
- Low-sugar granola bars
Seasonal Offerings to Boost Sales
Adjusting your school concession stand menu based on the season can increase customer interest. For example:
- Winter: Hot cocoa, warm pretzels
- Summer: Lemonade, ice cream cups
- Fall: Caramel apples, cider
These seasonal adjustments can make your stand more appealing and increase repeat customers.
What Makes a Concession Stand Successful?
A successful school concession stand depends on a combination of:
- Menu variety: Offer both classic and healthy options.
- Affordable pricing: Keep prices family-friendly while maintaining profitability.
- Efficient operations: Use essential equipment like popcorn machines, beverage dispensers and warming trays.
Pricing Strategies for Profitability
Setting the right prices is crucial for balancing affordability and profit. Here are a few methods to consider:
- Cost analysis: Calculate the cost of goods sold (COGS) for concession stand items. For example:
- If popcorn costs $0.25 per serving to make, selling it at $1.50 provides a profit margin of 82% (GMPopcorn).
- Bundle deals: Combine popular items for better value, for example sell a hot dog + chips + drink for $5 to increase the average transaction value.
- Seasonal pricing: Adjust prices slightly for premium items, such as hot cocoa during winter events.
Tips:
- Test different pricing models at smaller events before implementing them at larger ones.
- Check out Vanco’s free school concession pricing guide to better understand how to price your menu items.
Managing Inventory
Efficient inventory management is essential to avoid waste and keep costs low. Follow these tips to manage stock effectively.
1. Stock Rotation
Use the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method to ensure older inventory gets used first. This prevents items like chips and candy bars from expiring.
2. Demand Forecasting
Analyze past sales to estimate how much stock is needed for future events. For example, if soda sales increase during football games, order extra drinks for the next game.
3. Track Popular Items
Identify bestsellers and focus on stocking them in higher quantities.
Recruiting and Managing Volunteers
Running a concession stand efficiently often relies on volunteers. Here's how to recruit and manage them effectively.
1. Recruitment Strategies
- Engage parents: Promote the opportunity in parent newsletters and during PTA meetings.
- Student volunteers: Offer service hours for high school students who participate.
2. Training Volunteers
Provide quick, hands-on training on:
- Using equipment (e.g., popcorn machines and beverage dispensers)
- Handling cash or operating point-of-sale (POS) systems
- Safety protocols for handling food to ensure compliance with health regulations and other key areas of import
If you're looking for help, check out this helpful training guide from Extension Missouri, which you can use to help build your own guide.
3. Scheduling Tools
Make sure to create a schedule for your volunteers. To help your event coordinator, check out this free schedule template.
4. Create a Policy and Rules Guide
Having guidelines and rules will help volunteers avoid significant pitfalls, reducing your school’s risk of accidents and other problems. That’s why Vanco created a free school concession stand rules guide. It will serve as an excellent launching pad for your policies.
Balancing Labor Costs and Volunteer Efforts
While volunteers reduce labor costs, some schools choose to hire part-time workers for high-traffic events. Here's a breakdown:
Event Type |
Preferred Staffing |
Small events |
Volunteers |
Large tournaments |
Volunteers + paid staff |
Key Takeaway: Ensure that staff-to-customer ratio aligns with the expected crowd size. For instance, having at least one volunteer per 20 attendees helps keep lines short and service efficient.
Tips for Managing Supplies
- Bulk purchasing: Partner with suppliers for bulk deals on high-demand items like chips, candy and drinks.
- Eco-friendly options: Offer compostable utensils and packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious customers.
Marketing Your School Concession Stand
Attracting customers is essential for boosting sales. Here are proven strategies to ensure your concession stand gets noticed.
1. Eye-Catching Signage
- Use large, colorful menu boards with clear pricing.
- Highlight combo deals or specials like “Game-Day Meal: Hot Dog, Chips and Drink for $5.”
- Include images of the food to make it more appealing.
2. Social Media Promotions
- Share posts on school and community platforms:
- Announce the school concession stand menu ahead of big events.
- Post behind-the-scenes photos of volunteers preparing food.
- Example: "🎉 Come hungry to tonight’s football game! Grab a hot dog, chips and drink combo at the concession stand for just $5! All proceeds support our athletics program."
3. Announcements and Flyers
- Ask event organizers to make live announcements about the concession stand during games or performances.
- Distribute flyers in classrooms, newsletters and at PTA meetings.
4. Game-Day Promotions
- Offer limited-time discounts, such as: "Halftime Happy Hour: All snacks $1 off during halftime."
- Encourage purchases with loyalty incentives like punch cards, for example: “Buy 5 items, get 1 free!”
Compliance and Regulations
Complying with local food and safety laws, including considering allergies, is nonnegotiable. Here's what you need to know.
1. Health and Safety Standards
- Volunteers handling food must have food handler permits.
- Follow these guidelines for food safety:
- Keep hot foods above 140°F and cold foods below 40°F.
- Use gloves or utensils when handling ready-to-eat items.
- Learn more about food safety standards from the FDA’s updated Food Code.
2. Permits and Licenses
- Check with local health departments for required permits.
- Some jurisdictions may require:
- Temporary food service permits for event-specific stands.
- Annual operating permits for ongoing concession stands.
3. Liability Insurance
- Schools should secure liability insurance to protect against accidents, such as foodborne illnesses or injuries.
4. Equipment Safety
- Regularly inspect equipment like popcorn machines and hot dog rollers for cleanliness and proper functioning.
Best Practices for Operations
To create a smooth, enjoyable experience for customers, follow these operational tips.
1. Manage Peak Times
- Anticipate high-traffic periods like halftime or intermission.
- Ensure adequate staffing during these times to reduce wait times.
2. Use an Efficient Layout
- Organize the concession stand for easy access to supplies.
- Use separate stations for food preparation, serving and payment.
3. Offer Multiple Payment Options
- Many customers prefer cashless payments. Invest in a credit card reader or POS system to accommodate them.
- According to data from GMPopcorn, offering card payments can increase sales by 15% to 20%.
4. Provide Excellent Customer Service
- Train volunteers to greet customers warmly and handle transactions efficiently.
- Ensure food is served quickly and accurately to maintain customer satisfaction.
Sustainability Practices
Show customers that your concession stand cares about the environment:
- Use compostable utensils and plates.
- Offer incentives for bringing reusable water bottles.
- Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.
Tracking Success
Finally, regularly evaluate the performance of your concession stand:
- Track sales: Use simple spreadsheets or POS systems to monitor revenue.
- Analyze trends: Identify bestsellers and adjust inventory accordingly.
- Gather feedback: Ask customers for suggestions to improve the school concession stand menu or service.
Example Table: Tracking Sales and Profit Margins
Item |
Cost per Unit |
Selling Price |
Profit Margin |
Popcorn |
$0.25 |
$1.50 |
82% |
Hot Dogs |
$0.75 |
$3.00 |
75% |
Nachos |
$0.50 |
$2.50 |
80% |
Bottled Water |
$0.40 |
$1.50 |
73% |
The "I Can't Believe This Is Free" Concession Stand Survival Kit
Running a concession stand shouldn't make you want to hide in the supply closet. Get our ridiculously awesome free kit and become the concession stand hero you were meant to be. It Includes:
- A no-stress menu template (no more guesswork!)
- Pricing guides that actually make sense
- A time-saving volunteer schedule template
- A free rules template to ensure your stand is safe
- An easy-to-follow how-to video
- A complete guide explaining how to master school concession stands.
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Life is too short for concession stand stress!