The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the smell of freshly cut grass… and is that the irresistible aroma of warm, buttery popcorn? You guessed it! Spring sports are just around the corner, and for many, that means it’s time to dust off the concession stand and get ready for a season of fundraising, community, and delicious treats.
Here at Popity Popcorn, we know that running a concession stand, especially with a team of dedicated volunteers, can feel like a marathon itself. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate checklist to help you hit a grand slam on opening day and keep the snacks flowing all season long!
Why Start Now? Spring Will Be Here Before You Know It!
While it might still feel chilly outside, successful concession stands start planning now. Baseball, soccer, tennis, and track seasons will be here in a flash. Getting a head start on your supplies, equipment, and volunteer roster means less stress, better organization, and ultimately, more profit for your team. Don't get caught in a last-minute scramble—let's get you ready!
Your Popity Popcorn Pre-Season Checklist
Part 1: Equipment & Setup (The Foundation of Flavor!)
Think of your equipment as your star players. Are they ready for action?
-
Inspect & Clean All Equipment:
-
Popcorn Machines: Give them a thorough cleaning. Check kettles and warming decks for any leftover debris.
-
Pretzel Warmers & Nacho Cheese Dispensers: Ensure your display cases are sparkling and your cheese pumps are sanitized and flowing.
-
Cotton Candy Machines: Check the heating element and spinner head for any sugar buildup from last season.
-
The Popcorn & Caramel Corn Station: Stock up on premium kernels and oil. Want to save time? We also supply ready-made popcorn and caramel corn that’s pre-bagged and ready to sell!
-
Nachos & Soft Pretzels: Order your bulk nacho chips, cheese sauce, jalapeños, and plenty of jumbo soft pretzels and coarse salt.
-
Cotton Candy: Stock up on floss sugar and cones for live spinning, or ask us about our ready-made cotton candy tubs—perfect for high-traffic games when you don't have an extra hand to run the machine.
-
Nuts & Other Treats: Replenish your supply of glazed nuts and other grab-and-go snacks.
-
Layout & Flow: Does your stand have an efficient layout? Place your high-demand items like nachos and ready-made bags closest to the window for faster service.
Part 2: Staffing & Training (Your All-Star Team!)
Your volunteers are the MVPs! Make sure they feel confident and prepared.
-
Recruit Your Dream Team: Start early! Create a digital sign-up sheet that clearly outlines shifts.
-
Hold a Training Session: * Equipment Operation: Show everyone how to safely operate the poppers and warmers.
-
The "Ready-Made" Strategy: Teach volunteers how to display and rotate the pre-made popcorn and cotton candy to keep lines moving fast.
-
Food Safety: Review hygiene, temperature control, and the importance of using gloves.
-
Create a "Cheat Sheet": Laminate a quick reference guide with pricing for popcorn, nachos, and pretzels.
Part 3: Inventory & Financials (Keeping Score!)
Running a successful stand isn't just about selling; it's about smart management.
-
Set Up an Inventory System: A simple clipboard system helps track what sells fastest.
-
Establish Clear Pricing: Make sure prices are large, visible, and easy for customers to read from the line.
-
Plan for "Rainy Day" Inventory: This is where our ready-made products shine! They have a great shelf life, so if a game gets rained out, you don't have to worry about wasted fresh product.
Part 4: The Popity Popcorn Advantage (Your Secret Weapon!)
At Popity Popcorn, we're more than just a supplier; we're your partner in success.
-
Premium Products: From our classic kernels to our melt-in-your-mouth Caramel Corn, we provide the treats that keep fans coming back.
-
Ready-to-Sell Solutions: We know volunteers are busy. Our ready-made cotton candy, popcorn, and caramel corn take the labor out of the concession stand while keeping your profits high.
-
Fundraising Expertise: We specialize in helping schools and organizations maximize their fundraising efforts with products people actually want to buy.
Don't let the busy spring sports season catch you off guard. By using this checklist and leaning on Popity Popcorn for your supplies—whether you're popping it fresh or selling our ready-made favorites—you'll ensure your stand is poised for its most successful season yet!