Concession Stand 101: Best Practices for High School Events (Without Losing Your Mind)
So… you just joined the booster club. One minute you’re signing up to “help a little,” and the next, BAM—you’re in charge of the high school concession stand. Deep breath. You’ve got this.
Whether you inherited a color-coded playbook or were thrown the keys with a “good luck!” —we’re here to walk you through the best practices for running a school concession stand like a pro (or at least a very organized PTA parent).
This isn’t just about snacks. This is how you help raise money, feed hungry fans, and keep the whole event running smoother than a tub of nacho cheese.
1. You Can’t Do It Alone—Build a Concessions Dream Team
Before you start pricing hot dogs, get yourself a small concessions committee. A few enthusiastic, reliable volunteers go a long way.
Think:
Pro Tip: Get matching “Concession Crew” shirts. Nothing bonds a team like coordinated t-shirts and a little caffeine-fueled camaraderie.
2. Plan Like a Scout (a Snack Scout)
Start with the basics:
Cold weather? Skip the popsicles and stock up on hot chocolate, coffee, and even ramen cups. You can even sell ponchos or hand warmers. Fans love convenience.
3. Keep the Menu Simple—Really Simple
A small, well-stocked menu is your best friend. Focus on crowd-pleasers:
And if you want to get fancy, add one fun item per game—like walking tacos, chili bowls, or a “Mascot Special” (bonus points if you name it after the school mascot).
More options = more chaos. You don’t need 12 Gatorade flavors. Trust us. A streamlined menu means faster service, less waste, and fewer headaches.
4. Organize Volunteers Like a Snack-Time Army
Volunteers are gold, so set them up for success:
Oh—and don’t forget the gloves, hair ties, and a good pump of hand sanitizer.
5. Set Up for Smooth Traffic Flow
Keep the prep in the back and the ordering in the front. Big, easy-to-read signs with prices help fans decide before they get to the window. No one wants to stand behind someone debating Skittles vs. M&Ms for five minutes.
And if you really want to cut down the line drama at your concession stand? Use a mobile ordering system like BlazeBite. Fans order from their phones, get notified when their food is ready, and skip the line. It’s like a FastPass, but for nachos.
6. Money Matters: Handle It Like a Boss
For tracking:
7. Boost Sales with Simple Marketing
Want bonus points? Put out a comment card or QR code for feedback. You’ll learn what fans love (and what they politely toss in the trash).
8. After the Game: Clean, Count, and Recap
Don’t leave a mess for the next concession stand crew (or worse, yourself).
9. Game Day Checklist (Because You’ve Got Enough to Remember)
A Little Help From BlazeBite Goes a Long Way
Okay, here’s your one (very helpful) plug: if the idea of long lines, cash chaos, and volunteer stress makes your eye twitch—BlazeBite can take a load off.
With BlazeBite:
It’s designed with schools and parent-run events in mind. No tech degree required. Just snacks, smiles, and a whole lot less stress.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Running a high school concession stand is no small feat—but with a good plan, a solid crew, and maybe a little BlazeBite magic, you can crush it.
And remember: at the end of the day, fans don’t need a gourmet food truck. They just want a warm pretzel, a friendly face, and a reason to cheer a little louder.
