Concession building is an innovative way to bring businesses to places that traditional storefronts can’t reach. Whether you’re setting up a concession stand at a busy fair, a sports event, or a community gathering, these versatile structures offer a flexible, cost-effective solution for operators. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the basics of concession building:
- Flexibility: Portable and easily transportable, allowing you to take your business anywhere.
- Security: Durable construction ensures safety against weather and theft.
- Customization: Custom to fit specific business needs, from electrical wiring to design aesthetics.
- Cost-Effective: Saves money on traditional building costs and offers a quicker return on investment.
For business owners exploring concession agreements, these contracts grant them the right to operate at a specific location, whether on public or private property. Understanding these agreements is crucial for leveraging potential business opportunities in various strategic locations.
I’m Steve Hyndman, Vice President of Aztec Container. With over 30 years in the industry, I’ve seen how the evolution of concession building has empowered businesses to thrive in diverse environments. In the following sections, we’ll dig deeper into understanding and designing your ideal concession stand.
Simple concession building word guide:
– concession stand
– food concession booth
– portable concession stand
Understanding Concession Buildings
Concession buildings are specialized structures designed for temporary or semi-permanent business operations, often in locations where traditional storefronts aren’t practical. These buildings are versatile, offering businesses the ability to operate in a variety of settings, from busy events to quiet community parks.
Concession Building Meaning
At its core, a concession building is a flexible space that allows businesses to serve customers directly on-site. These structures can be customized to fit the specific needs of the business, whether it’s selling food, merchandise, or tickets. They’re portable, making it easy to move them to different locations as needed. This flexibility is a significant advantage for businesses aiming to reach diverse audiences without the constraints of a fixed location.
Concession Agreement
A concession agreement is a contract that grants a business the right to operate in a specific area, often on public property or within another company’s facility. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the business can operate, including duration, fees, and responsibilities. For example, a concessionaire might pay a percentage of sales or a fixed rental fee to the property owner. These agreements are crucial for businesses looking to leverage strategic locations to maximize their reach and profitability.
Service Concession Arrangements
Service concession arrangements are specialized agreements where a business provides a service on behalf of a public authority, using the concession building as the base of operations. These arrangements often involve providing essential services, like food and beverages, at public venues such as parks or stadiums. The business benefits from exclusive access to a captive audience, while the public authority benefits from the improved services offered to its visitors.
In summary, understanding the nuances of concession buildings, agreements, and service arrangements is key to successfully operating in this unique business space. These elements combine to create opportunities for businesses to thrive in locations that were previously inaccessible or impractical.
Designing Your Concession Stand
When it comes to designing your concession stand, there are a few key elements to consider. These elements will not only improve the functionality of your stand but also ensure it fits seamlessly into any environment.
Quaker Roof Design
The Quaker roof design is a popular choice for concession stands. This design features an extended overhang at the front, providing extra protection for your serving window from the weather. It’s not just about looks; this practical feature helps keep your customers and your products safe from rain and harsh sunlight, ensuring a better customer experience.
Concession Stand Features
A well-designed concession stand should include essential features that make operation smooth and efficient. Here are some key features to consider:
- Serving Window with Shelf: A 6-foot concession window with an exterior shelf allows for easy transactions and product display.
- Secure Door: A 36-inch house door with glass not only provides a welcoming entrance but also ensures security when the stand is closed.
- Electrical Package: This includes a 70 AMP breaker box, a switch, a light, and two receptacles, making it easy to power your equipment.
- Durable Construction: Materials like Cedar Creek Vinyl Siding and 30-year asphalt shingles ensure that your concession stand is built to last.
Customization Options
One of the biggest advantages of a concession stand is the ability to customize it to meet your specific needs. Whether you need additional windows, specialized equipment, or even a specific color scheme, customization options are vast. This flexibility allows you to create a stand that not only meets your operational needs but also matches your brand identity.
- Size Variability: From compact 8×10 stands to spacious 24×48 setups, you can choose the size that best fits your location and expected foot traffic.
- Interior Layout: Customize the interior to optimize workflow, whether you’re serving pre-packaged snacks or preparing fresh food.
- Exterior Design: Match the stand to its surroundings with various siding options and colors, ensuring it blends into its environment seamlessly.
By focusing on these design elements, you can create a concession stand that is both functional and appealing, ready to serve a variety of needs and settings. This thoughtful design approach ensures that your stand not only attracts customers but also supports efficient operations.
Types of Concession Buildings
When selecting the right concession building for your needs, understand the different types available. Each type offers unique advantages, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your operation.
Precast Concrete
Precast concrete concession buildings are known for their durability and strength. These structures are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. They can be customized to blend seamlessly with existing surroundings, offering an aesthetic appeal that complements community spaces.
- Benefits:
- Durability: Withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use.
- Customization: Easily custom to match the environment.
- Security: Offers a robust structure that resists vandalism.
ADA Compliant
Ensuring accessibility is crucial for any concession stand. ADA-compliant buildings are designed to be accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. This means wider doorways, ramps, and accessible counters, ensuring that all customers have a positive experience.
- Key Features:
- Wider Entrances: Accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Accessible Counters: Lowered to allow easy access for all customers.
- Ramps: Provide smooth entry and exit for those with mobility challenges.
Prefabricated Structures
Prefabricated structures offer a quick and cost-effective solution for setting up a concession stand. These buildings are assembled off-site and delivered ready to use, minimizing disruption and setup time. They are versatile and can be relocated easily, making them a flexible option for various events.
- Advantages:
- Speedy Setup: Delivered ready to use with minimal on-site preparation.
- Flexibility: Easily moved to different locations as needed.
- Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than traditional buildings.
Each type of concession building brings its own set of benefits, from the robust nature of precast concrete to the accessibility of ADA-compliant designs and the flexibility of prefabricated structures. Understanding these options helps you choose the right building to meet your operational needs and improve the customer experience.
Benefits of Concession Buildings
Low Maintenance
One of the standout benefits of concession buildings is their low maintenance requirements. Precast concrete structures, for instance, are incredibly durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions and frequent use. This durability means they require minimal upkeep, saving time and resources in the long run.
- Durability: With materials like precast concrete, these buildings resist wear and tear, reducing the need for repairs.
- Minimal Upkeep: Less time spent on maintenance means more time focusing on serving your community.
Quick Setup
Concession buildings offer a swift setup process, allowing you to get up and running in no time. Prefabricated structures are crafted off-site and delivered ready to use, which minimizes disruption and ensures a fast installation.
- Speedy Installation: Buildings arrive pre-assembled, pre-plumbed, and pre-wired, requiring only minor site preparation.
- Immediate Operation: Once delivered, you can start serving customers almost immediately.
Revenue Generation
A well-placed concession building can become a significant source of revenue. By offering snacks and beverages at community events, these stands can attract a steady stream of customers. Consider this: the average burger costs $0.75 to make and sells for $3.00, providing a substantial profit margin.
- High-Profit Items: Items like burgers, hot dogs, and drinks can yield impressive returns.
- Community Hub: Serving as a central spot for refreshments, these buildings improve the event experience and boost sales.
In summary, concession buildings provide a practical and profitable solution with their low maintenance, quick setup, and potential for significant revenue generation. These benefits make them an attractive option for community centers, parks, and sporting events, offering both convenience and profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Concession Buildings
What is a concession building?
A concession building is a structure designed to serve food, drinks, or other goods at events or public spaces. These buildings are often found in parks, stadiums, and community centers. They are typically prefabricated for quick setup and minimal maintenance.
Concession buildings operate under a negotiated contract, known as a concession agreement. This contract allows a business to run within a specific area, like a park or a stadium, and outlines the terms of operation. These agreements often include details about fees, maintenance responsibilities, and the period of operation. Concession buildings provide a convenient way to offer refreshments and goods while generating revenue for event organizers.
Why is it called a concession stand?
The term “concession stand” comes from the business planning behind these operations. “Concession” refers to the agreement that grants the right to sell goods in a particular location. These stands are strategically placed to attract customers during events, making them a popular choice for selling high-profit items like snacks and drinks.
Concession stands are known for offering products with a high-profit margin. For example, selling a burger for $3.00 when it costs only $0.75 to make illustrates the potential for significant returns. This profitability makes concession stands an appealing option for organizations looking to boost their income through food and beverage sales.
Can you make money running a concession stand?
Yes, you can make money running a concession stand, especially if you choose the right products and location. The key is to focus on high-profit items and effective business planning. Products like burgers, hot dogs, and drinks typically have a low cost to produce but can be sold at a much higher price, resulting in a substantial profit margin.
Running a concession stand can also be an excellent fundraising tool. By setting up at local sports events or community gatherings, organizations can generate significant revenue to support their activities. This additional income can help fund equipment, uniforms, and other expenses, making concession stands a valuable asset for non-profits and community groups.
Conclusion
At Aztec Container, we understand that creating the perfect concession building is about more than just the structure—it’s about crafting a solution that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to boost revenue at community events or provide convenient services at a local park, our customizable solutions can help you achieve your goals.
Our steel ISO shipping containers are not only durable but also highly adaptable. We offer a range of customization options to ensure your concession stand is custom to your specific requirements. From adding electrical packages to creating unique serving windows, we can design a space that works for you.
One of our key strengths is providing competitive prices without compromising on quality. We believe that setting up a concession stand should be an accessible investment, whether you’re a small non-profit or a larger organization. Our fast delivery and nationwide service mean you can have your concession stand ready to go quickly, no matter where you’re located.
Ready to start building your ideal concession stand? Explore our customizable solutions and competitive pricing today. Let us help you turn your concept into reality with a concession stand that meets all your needs.
