Portable Concession Stands Elevate the Fan Experience
The pandemic changed the way consumers shop and diners order food. They want faster service, less contact, and an easy, user-friendly experience. Stadium and arena souvenirs and concessions are no exception, and venues are now challenged with the task of maintaining an extra level of safety from spreading germs in large crowds. Streamlining on-site food and beverage services and souvenir sales with a mobile concession stand fleet and POS kiosks offers a simple way to deliver high value, speedy service to customers at large events while keeping everyone safe.This shift toward a customer first approach at stadiums and arenas emphasizes the importance of brand positioning and self service. In an era where no one has to look up from their phone to find anything—including the bathroom—concessionaires need to make sure they are located where the action is at all times. Additionally, giving customers a sense of control over their time with self-service kiosks allows event venues to redistribute precious labor to where they can make the most impact on customer satisfaction.
Happier Customers Spend More Money
Better, faster, cleaner service increases a customer's potential spend now and in the future when they remember the shorter lines and an easier purchasing experience. According to a 2022 study conducted by Oracle, 53% of fans love the idea of pre-ordering food before a game and 33% would even pay extra for “click-and-collect” orders.In another study conducted by the same group, the average US fan indicated that they would spend an additional $20 at events if lines were shorter. And finally, to add emphasis, 45% of concession stand customers questioned had abandoned the food and beverage line at an event because the wait was too long.Not only do happy customers spend more money, but unhappy customers have no problem walking away without spending a dime.
How Stadiums are Improving Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction
Stadium concessions services are employing several strategies to deliver faster, more convenient service while maintaining better safety and sanitation. Some tactics that give sports fans and concert goers a better overall experience include:
- In-seat ordering eliminates the need to wait in line
- Grab-and-go food and beverage stations move lines faster
- Order ahead and pickup upon arrival options further streamline the customer experience
- Sanitation is easier when more foods like pretzels and nachos come prepackaged and can be kept at the proper temperature
- Self-service kiosks give customers more control over their time and reduces labor expenses
- Some stadiums are even piloting beer on tap as a self-service option with happy results
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Technology and Mobilization Go Hand-in-Hand
Some real challenges lie ahead for stadiums and arenas as technology and event attendee expectations evolve, but mobility solutions like mobile concession stand fleets will have a real impact.
- It isn’t always practical for in-seat ordering to result in delivery to your seat.Position self-service pickup kiosks near entrances, exits, and bathrooms, then reposition to cover seating sections after the event begins.
- More kiosk locations = more revenue opportunitiesPlacing multiple kiosks throughout the stadium rather than having one or two central locations for concessions and souvenir purchases will cut back on overcrowding and increase visibility for better sales. Mobile concession carts and POS kiosks make it easier for workers to make sure they are in high traffic areas at the right time.
- Refrigerated carts make food and beverages safer and more sanitaryMobile refrigerated carts tackle customer service issues on a variety of levels. Food and beverages can be kept in a temperature controlled refrigerator rather than a big tub of ice, eliminating slippery messes and the need to reach into freezing water for a can of soda. They are easier and faster to restock, and refrigerated carts with motorized casters are easy to transport from location to location.
- Made-to-order cooking and warming carts deliver a real VIP experienceBattery-powered mobile cooking carts add an elevated experience for event attendees. Concessionaires can deliver made-to-order menu items to the busiest areas without having to worry about plugging in, and keeping pre-made hot foods at the right temperature is never a problem.
Features to Look for in Mobile Concession Stands
The best mobile concession carts offer ultimate portability with dependable battery power that lasts all day. No one likes to have to shut down sales in the middle of a shift due to the need to recharge.Ergonomic carts are designed with the customer as well as the worker in mind. They keep workers safe and happy by reducing repetitive motion and fatigue injuries, and they make it easier to perform a job well-done—all contributing to better customer satisfaction.And finally, portable concession carts built with motorized casters make it a breeze to move from location to location, even on carpets or uphill.
Give Fans Something to Rave About with an Elevated Customer Experience
Mobilizing concessions delivers a more personal and satisfying experience for fans and concession stand workers. Mobility makes it easier to adjust on the fly, and motorized casters allow for smooth transportation on carpet or concrete. Long-lasting batteries unleash concessionaires, freeing them to reach customers anywhere.Deliver the kind of unique service event attendees are looking for, with in-seat and pre-event ordering, made-to-order menu items and pickup kiosks conveniently positioned in every section, shorter lines, and a cleaner experience. Add a fleet of portable concession stands and mobile POS kiosks to your gameday lineup and watch your revenue soar.[dt_divider style="thick" /]Contact us today to discover how we can customize your mobile concession stand fleet to fit the needs of any environment.