Done right, a concession stand can help your league keep registration fees low. A well-run concession is also a game enhancement, making the experience more enjoyable for spectators.
Here are eight tips to make your concession stand a hit this season:
1. Appoint One Person In Charge
It sounds simple, but too many chefs really can spoil a concession. A single organizer should oversee all activities, including the opening of the stand, purchasing goods, cleaning, stocking and setting up work schedules. That person should appoint one representative from each team to oversee the concession when his or her team plays at home. It's a great way to learn about business and an opportunity to meet other parents and make friends.
2. Stay Organized
As soon as the league schedule is set, establish a concession schedule that assigns parents and volunteers to work on specific game days. It takes a little legwork to find out who is available when, but the up-front effort pays dividends down the road. Rely on team representatives to fill the schedule with volunteers when their team is playing. Setting everything up early will give volunteers as much notice as possible and avoid last-minute staffing scrambles.
3. Allow Parents To Hire A Teenager To Take Their Shift
Keep a list of eligible workers and phone numbers, and make it the parent's responsibility to contact the teen and arrange for payment. With part-time jobs so scarce, the opportunity will be welcomed by teens looking for spending money. Make sure payments are left at the concession stand prior to the assigned work time, in an envelope marking the teen's name, the team name and the person that hired him or her. Do not pay workers from the concession stand proceeds!
4. Offer A Variety Of Products And Keep Prices As Low As Possible
If a product sold well last season, make sure to offer it again this year. Be open to suggestions for new products. If an item that isn't on your menu gets requested frequently, look into the feasibility of offering it. Organize a committee to look at the per-portion cost, the ease of preparing it and how appealing it might be to the most customers. Walk the stands periodically and take suggestions.
5. When In Doubt, Keep It Simple
"Quick-serve" foods keep lines moving and allow spectators to get back to the game. Good ready-to-go items include nachos, popcorn, candy, gum, peanuts and sunflower seeds.
6. Set Up A Good Soft Drink System
Colas, sports drinks, hot chocolate and coffee are musts for any good concession stand. Find a parent who can donate a refrigerator to keep cold items organized and ready to sell. Or consider an agreement with a cola company to provide fountains and cups. Some will even provide a free scoreboard for your field.
7. Stop The Freebies
Don't let coaches or players have free access to the concession stand stock. They will quickly eat away your profits.
8. Remind People Where The Money Is Going
Decorate your stand with the league's team colors and logos to remind people about what they are supporting. Be sure to thank the customers and to remind them about how their support lowers registration fees.
This article was reprinted with permission courtesy of Kickoff Magazine. To subscribe,click here.