Concession Stand 101: Best Practices for High School Events

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.

1. 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.

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.

3. Keep the Menu Simple—Really Simple

A small, well-stocked menu is your best friend. Focus on crowd-pleasers. More options = more chaos. You don't need 12 Gatorade flavors.

4. Organize Volunteers Like a Snack-Time Army

Volunteers are gold, so set them up for success with clear roles, printed instructions, and a positive atmosphere.

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.

And if you really want to cut down the line drama? Use a mobile ordering system like BlazeBite.

6. Money Matters: Handle It Like a Boss

Keep careful track of all transactions with proper logging and reconciliation.

7. Boost Sales with Simple Marketing

Promote specials, use QR codes, and put out a comment card for feedback.

8. After the Game: Clean, Count, and Recap

Don't leave a mess for the next crew. Clean up, count the money, and do a quick debrief.

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.