Ice-skating rinks are built around memorable experiences, family outings, birthday parties, school trips, hockey practices, and public skate sessions. But one of the most overlooked revenue drivers in rinks and arenas isn’t on the ice at all, it’s in the concession stand.
A strong foodservice program can significantly boost per-cap spending, keep guests on-site longer, and transform a rink into a true community destination. With the right equipment, even limited-space or understaffed rinks can deliver high-quality food quickly and safely.
Why Foodservice Is Critical for Ice-Skating Facilities
Skating is active, cold, and energy-burning, which means hungry guests. When food options are appealing and easy to access, guests are far more likely to buy.
Key benefits of a strong rink foodservice program include:
Whether it’s parents watching practice or kids warming up between sessions, food is an essential part of the rink experience.
Challenges Ice Rinks Face in Foodservice
Many rinks struggle to expand food offerings due to:
That’s where automation and ventless cooking become game-changers.
How AutoFry® Fits Perfectly in Ice-Skating Rinks
AutoFry is a fully enclosed, ventless commercial fryer designed for high-volume environments with limited kitchen infrastructure, making it ideal for ice-skating rinks and arenas.
Why AutoFry works for rink foodservice:
With AutoFry, rinks can expand menus without expanding staff or kitchen build-outs.
High-Profit Menu Items Perfect for Ice Rinks
Fried favorites are consistently top sellers at skating rinks. AutoFry allows operators to serve these items quickly, safely, and consistently.
Popular menu options include:
These items are easy to batch, hold well, and appeal to all ages, especially families and youth groups.
Bundle Meals to Increase Per-Cap Spending
AutoFry also makes it easy to build combo meals that drive higher ticket totals.
Bundling fried items with drinks increases efficiency and profitability.
Faster Service During Peak Times
Ice rinks experience predictable rushes, before sessions, during intermissions, and after public skates. AutoFry’s automated cooking cycles allow staff to focus on serving guests instead of monitoring fryers.
Operational advantages include:
Turning Concessions into a Revenue Engine
When paired with the right menu and layout, AutoFry helps ice-skating rinks turn concessions into a major revenue stream instead of an afterthought. The ability to add popular fried foods without ventilation or complex staffing makes expansion realistic, even for smaller facilities.
Ice-skating rinks that invest in strong foodservice programs don’t just feed hungry skaters, they increase revenue, improve guest experience, and create lasting impressions. With AutoFry, rink operators can safely and efficiently deliver crowd-pleasing favorites that keep guests warm, satisfied, and coming back for more.
For rinks looking to elevate concessions without adding complexity, AutoFry offers a simple, powerful solution, no hood, no hassle, just great food.