Fresh popcorn, tasty hot dogs, colorful snow cones and other food treats turn ordinary gatherings into special events. For party rental stores, the equipment needed to serve these fun foods is in demand for a variety of functions.
"Fun food equipment is used at parties, carnivals and festivals, corporate events, fund raisers, and functions sponsored by schools and other institutions," said John Evans Jr. of Gold Medal Products Co. of Cincinnati.
Preparing fun food items with rented equipment can mean money in the bank for event participants and sponsors. Sales of food products can quickly pay for the cost of food, supplies and the rental of equipment, and bring in a nice profit, too. Fun foods are a must for fund-raising events.
Fun food machines are rented by individuals and businesses who find it impractical to purchase equipment they will use only two or three times a year. Individuals rent the equipment for private parties, family gatherings, neighborhood parties and holiday celebrations. Business customers include companies; schools, churches and other institutions; and civic clubs and organizations.
Fun food items are appropriate for an almost limitless list of events. According to Curtis Spake of Comstock-Castle Stove Co. of Quincy, Ill., fun food equipment is often used by sponsors and participants of arts and crafts fairs, "taste of" and street festivals. Many companies exhibiting at local, regional and national trade shows rent popcorn machines for their booths. Caterers and other special event service companies, hotels, shopping centers, golf courses and sponsors of amateur sporting events also are rental customers.
Fun food equipment is designed to be easy to transport and use. Most models operate on standard 110-volt electric circuits or are powered by generators for outdoor events. Compact countertop, kettle-type popcorn machines come in decor ranging from simple to ornate. Glass sides and interior lighting allow observers to watch the popping corn. A heated deck keeps popcorn warm until it is bagged or boxed. Six-ounce machines are popular with both rental stores and customers. Wheeled carts are a useful accessory.
Kids and grown-ups alike love the sweet taste of cotton candy. The machines that make it are compact and lightweight. Clear bubble tops allow spectators to watch preparation, but covers prevent customers from placing hands near heating elements and help keep the candy clean. Accessory bases and carts are available when placement on a counter or table is not practical.
There are two kinds of hot dog machines. Roller-type cookers roll wieners above the hot grill; the other basic machine cooks them on a revolving rotisserie. Glass separates customers from the food, but allows them to view the hot dogs. Most machines not only cook hot dogs but also warm buns.
Cool, colorful snow cones are favorite summer treats. To make them, customers usually need to rent an ice-shaving machine as well as the component for holding processed ice, the scoop and cone dipper and flavored syrups. Syrup-mixing kits are a favorite accessory. Both electrical and battery-powered models are available.
Soft pretzels have grown in popularity in the past several years, and pretzel machines provide an attractive showcase. Pizza ovens and nacho cheese warmers also are becoming more popular.

Operation and safety
Provide customers with copies of manufacturer's instructions for equipment they rent. Fun food equipment is not difficult to use, but customers must exercise caution to avoid burns when using popcorn, hot dog and other fun food machines. Instruct popcorn machine customers to place oil in the popcorn kettle before adding salt.
Because food is involved, special care must be taken to keep equipment, food and containers clean. Servers must maintain a high level of cleanliness. Explain correct operational procedures and cleaning methods before customers leave the store. Popcorn and hot dog equipment must be cleaned during operation and given a thorough cleaning at the end of each day. Be careful not to touch hot machine parts and allow equipment to cool before cleaning. Food service at some events may have to comply with city and state health code requirements. Rental store counter personnel can assist customers by being able to advise them about regulations that apply to the type of function where they plan to offer food.
All standard precautions for using electrical equipment apply to fun food machines. Never operate any electrical appliance while standing on wet surfaces or in water. Use extension cords in compliance with manufacturer's recommendations. If a generator is used to power equipment, place it in a well-ventilated area. Keep fuel containers in a safe place and turn off a generator's engine before refueling.

Add-on rental and sales opportunities
While most rental store owners prefer not to carry wieners, ice or other perishable items, many food products and supplies used with fun food equipment can be stocked by a rental center and sold when equipment is rented.
"Popcorn, cotton candy sugar, snow cone flavorings, popcorn containers, paper cones and other supplies always are needed," says Gold Medal's Evans. Oil for popping corn is available in liquid form, solid bars and in pouches combined with salt and seasonings. Salt is an essential ingredient for corn, and cheese and caramel glazes are tasty variations to regular buttered popcorn. Containers for popcorn include boxes, paper sacks and cones, plastic bags and leakproof cups, all available in several sizes.
Cotton candy is wound around paper cylinders, and snow cones require cone-shaped paper cups. Snow cone syrup is available in a variety of flavors.
Don't limit add-on sales to disposables needed for popcorn and other fun foods. Renters are potential customers for all the standard party items: tables and table covers, chairs, portable grills and food service equipment, paper and plastic plates, disposable eating utensils, plastic cups and glasses, napkins, decorations and more. A customer may come in to rent a popcorn machine but enterprising counter personnel can make it easy for their store to be a one-stop source for all party and event needs.