10+ Best & Profitable Concession Business Ideas [2023]

Get ready to start your own profitable concession business in 2023! Here we have listed 10+ of the best concession business ideas to help you get started. All idea have detailed key strategies and parameters to help you succeed. Learn more now!
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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Hey there, future entrepreneur! Have you ever dreamt of running your own business, being your own boss, and making your own rules? Well, 2023 might just be your year to shine! With the world gradually bouncing back from the pandemic, there's a surge of opportunities just waiting for you to seize. And guess what? Some of the most profitable ones lie in the concession business industry!

Whether it's a food truck at a bustling music festival or a merchandise stand at a sports event, concession businesses can be a gold mine if you play your cards right. And the best part? You get to choose what you sell, where you sell, and how you sell it. It's like having your own little empire, and you're the king (or queen!).

So, are you ready to embark on this exciting journey? Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the 10+ best and most profitable concession business ideas for 2023. Trust us, by the end of this article, you'll be brimming with inspiration and raring to get started. Let's get the ball rolling, shall we?

Ice Cream Truck

An ice cream truck is a popular summertime business idea. It involves the selling of various types of ice cream, frozen desserts, and snacks to customers. The benefits of owning an ice cream truck include:

  • Low overhead costs
  • Flexible hours
  • Ability to customize your selection
  • Exposure to a wide range of customers
  • Ability to increase profits with creative marketing strategies
image of a Ice Cream Truck

Popcorn Cart

A popcorn cart is a business in which a cart outfitted with a specialized popcorn machine is used to make, package, and sell popcorn at events or other venues. It can be a great business idea for a few reasons:

  • It does not require much space to operate.
  • It has low startup costs.
  • It uses simple ingredients that are easy to obtain.
  • It is easy and convenient to set up.
  • Popcorn is a popular snack item that appeals to a wide audience.
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Examples of successful businesses:

The concession business industry provides food, beverages, and other products to customers in restaurants, stadiums, and other public areas. These are some successful companies in the concession business industry:

  • PepsiCo
  • Coca-Cola
  • Dr Pepper Snapple Group
  • ARAMARK
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • McDonald’s Corporation
  • Wendy’s International, LLC.
  • Yum! Brands Inc.
  • Burger King Corporation

Snow Cone Stand

A snow cone stand is a business that sells snow cones – a summertime treat made of shaved ice with flavored syrups poured on top. It can be an attractive business option for several reasons:

  • Snow cone stands are easy to start up and operate.
  • They can be located almost anywhere, such as in markets, festivals, beaches, and parks.
  • Snow cones require minimal equipment and overhead, like ice shavers, freezers and flavored syrups.
  • The cost of each snow cone is low, and the profit margin can be high.
  • Snow cones have widespread appeal and can draw in customers of all ages.

Food Truck Vending

A food truck vending business is a mobile business that serves food to customers. It can be found in cities and towns around the world, and is a popular way for people to quickly grab something to eat. It has many advantages, making it an ideal business idea for those looking for flexibility, low overhead costs, and the potential to reach a variety of customers. Here are some reasons why a food truck vending business can be successful:

  • No need to rent retail space, allowing you to keep overhead costs low
  • Mobile convenience – you can bring your product to places where customers are located
  • Potential to reach customer bases that wouldn’t normally visit a restaurant or cafe
  • Flexibility – you can offer different menus depending on the location and time of day
  • Low start-up costs compared with other businesses, such as restaurants

Cotton Candy Maker

A cotton candy maker is a kitchen appliance that is used to make fluffy, sweet cotton candy. It would make a good business idea because:

  • It is relatively easy to operate
  • It is a fun, interactive way to make a product
  • It can be used to create unique and custom flavors
  • The end product provides an enjoyable experience for the customer
  • It can be easily transported and setup at events or gatherings

Hot Dog Cart

A hot dog cart is a mobile food stand that is often used to sell hot dogs with various toppings and condiments. Hot dog carts are a great business idea because they have several advantages:

  • Easy to set up and manage
  • Low start-up costs
  • Portable and flexible
  • Low overhead expenses
  • Ability to serve a large variety of food items

Vending Machines

Vending machines are automated machines that dispense items such as snacks, beverages, and other goods to customers in exchange for payment. Vending machines can make a great business idea as they:

  • Are automated, making them easy to operate.
  • Can be placed in public areas, giving them many potential customers.
  • Do not require much maintenance.
  • Can be installed with minimal capital investment.

Fresh Fruit Stand

A fresh fruit stand is a business concept that involves selling a selection of fresh, seasonal fruits. It can be located in an outdoor market, grocery store, or even operate as a roadside or mobile stand. It makes for a great business idea as it:

  • Requires minimal start-up costs and overheads.
  • Offers healthy and fresh products.
  • Provides flexible operational hours.
  • Can be easily adapted to fit whatever local demand there exists.

Pretzel Shop

A pretzel shop is a business that specializes in selling pretzels. This can be an inventive and creative enterprise to start up, providing customers with a wide variety of pretzel snacks. It could be a great business idea for several reasons:

  • It appeals to a broad customer base – both children and adults love pretzels.
  • It is relatively easy to start up and manage, with minimal overhead costs.
  • Pretzels are highly versatile; they can be served with different toppings or dips, or used to make unique desserts or snacks.
  • There is potential for growth, as customers may come back for more once they have tasted the offerings.
  • It offers an opportunity to be creative in preparing and presenting the pretzels.

Candy Store

Starting a candy store can be a great business idea, especially for entrepreneurs who have a passion for all things sweet. A candy store offers a wide selection of treats and snacks that customers can browse and purchase, making it an enjoyable shopping experience. Here are some of the advantages that come with opening a candy store:

  • The ability to customize the selection of products you offer and cater to specific tastes.
  • The ability to offer specialties and unique treats that other stores don’t typically carry.
  • An enjoyable and fun environment that shoppers will want to visit again and again.
  • Good potential for return customers who enjoy finding new treats.

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