Which Business Structure is Right for You?

Are you still in the planning stages of your concessions business? If so, have you thought about what type of business structure is the most advantageous for you? I would encourage you to visit the Small Business Administration website to review the different business structure options that are available.

The SBA website does a nice job of outlining each classification (Sole Proprietorship, Partnerships, LLCs, etc.). It discusses the pros and cons of each fairly in depth. Again, as you are planning your business, I would encourage you to start researching each of these business types so that you can choose the best for your situation. If you are an existing concessionaire, but contemplating a change in the ownership structure of your company, I believe you will find this information equally helpful for your situation too.

Snowballs in Dallas

As I've said in previous posts, I always think it's wise to read as much as possible about the experiences of other concessionaires whenever possible. It never hurts to look at the successes and creativity that other owners have experienced.

I found this article today in the Dallas Morning News archives about a snowball stand in the Dallas area. The article is from 2007, but the information is still useful. The article discusses customer favorites and also gives some general pricing information.

Check it out when you get a chance. Enjoy~~

Spruce Up Your Cotton Candy

Looking for a way to attract more attention to your cotton candy stand? Start making and selling two color cotton candy! CottonCandyExpress.com offers the Twin Wind Two-Color Candy Machine. While it resembles many of our other high quality commercial floss machines, there actually are two spinning sugar compartments – each feeding its own heating element consecutively.

This high performance machine is a great way to create highly attractive, two color cotton candy. Order one today!

Make sure you also check out all of the different flavors and colors of floss sugar and concentrate that we offer. With so many different colors and flavors available, you will be able to create some unique combinations that will surely be a hit with your customers!

Good Resource for Special Events Vendors

If you own a concessions stand and enjoy working at various special events, you understand the value of having good resources for locating events. USCarnys.com seems to have a pretty good events section that may be of interest to you. Events are listed by state and then by date.

I looked through a couple of the state listings and there seems to be a decent amount of events shown along with good contact information. The only drawback is that most of the events shown are limited to fairs...there are no listings shown for arts and crafts festivals or music festivals. But, you may find an event that will work out well for your schedule, so I still encourage you to check it out. It's a good resource!

An Important Little Item

If you are a shaved ice or snow cone concessionaire, you should always use nightcaps on your syrup bottles. These handy little items are an important "savior" for your flavors when your stand is closed or not very busy. Nightcaps are a simple way to keep ants and other bugs out of your syrup bottles.

Nightcaps are a small expense that yield very favorable results for stand owners. Go to 1-800-Shaved-Ice.com and order some for your stand!

Cotton Candy in the News

I found this interesting bit of information while surfing around on cnet. Looks like paper, has a picture of cotton candy and tastes like cotton candy. Kind of interesting, huh?

If you're interested, click on the "Related Stories" to find out more about Homaro Cantu and his Chicago restaurant Moto.

If you're interested in making, selling, or eating REAL cotton candy, please visit us at CottonCandyExpress.com!

Another Perspective on Shaved Ice

I always enjoy reading the thoughts and observations other people have about shaved ice. I found this post this evening and thought it was a good one to share. The pictures she includes of her "adventures with Taiwanese shaved ice" are awesome. Tasty and mouth-watering are the words that initially come to mind for me!

Check out the full article here. Be sure to read the comments too. All in all, it is just good insight from a shaved ice customer's perspective.