Concession Dictionary

Here is a list of common terms and abbreviations you will see on our website.

#10 CAN: Over-sized can used by food service and concession industries with a capacity of twenty-five servings totaling 13 cups with an estimated weight of 103-1/2 ounces.

AGA: American Gas Association (AGA), is a trade organization representing natural gas supply companies and others with an interest in manufacture of gas appliances and the production of gas.

AGITATOR: Device located within a popcorn machine kettle that stirs corn during heating.

ANODIZED: Anodizing is typically applied to aluminum in order to increase corrosion resistance as well as surface hardness. Anodizing is also one of the more environmentally-friendly metal finishing processes.

ANSI: Private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States.

BACK COUNTER MODEL: Equipment that has all visual merchandising on the same side as the operator controls, typically used on a back bar counter.

BELGIAN WAFFLE: Light and crisp waffle made with a yeast-leavened batter and typically served with confectioner's sugar. Also served as a dessert with fruit, whipped cream or ice cream.

BUBBLE: Referring to use on a cotton candy machine. A plastic cover or shield placed on a cotton candy machine's pan, available in several configurations designed to comply with Health Codes that require the use of food shields.

BUTTERFLY POPCORN: The most popular variety of pocorn which can usually be distinguished by its irregular shape and protruding "wings". Butterfly popcorn is considered by most to be the most tender and flavorful.

BIB (BAG IN BOX): Hermetically sealed pouch system used for many food items such as cheese, chili, wine and soft drink syrup. Some bagged food systems offer up to 95% plus evacuation which reduces waste and saves money.

CARAMELIZER: Specialized equipment used to mix and coat popped popcorn with caramel.

CARAMEL POPCORN: Confection made of popped popcorn coated in caramel or molasses, creating a sweet, crunchy snack. Some caramel corn is made from a white sugar-based caramel instead of using traditional brown sugar, for a more buttery and lighter flavor.

CART SPACER: In order to for a cart or wagon to work with several different machines, the use of a cart spacer is required with some models for proper fitment.

CHARBROILER: Food service equipment that typically uses a flat grid-like cooking area that is heated below, which then creates the burned "lines" on food products. Primarily used for meat, poultry, fish and vegetables.

CHROME PLATED: Technique of applying a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object to help provide corrosion resistance and a smooth surface.

CONCENTRATE: A food product flavoring that will typically require sugar, water or both to be added. One benefit of using a concentrate is the reduction in weight and volume for lower shipping costs.

CONCESSIONAIRE: The owner or operator of a concession business.

CONCESSION STAND: An area where where people can purchase snacks or food and is usually located at a cinema, fair, stadium, or any other similar entertainment venue.

CONVECTION OVEN: An oven that forces hot air through fans so it circulates around food, cooking it quickly, evenly and usually at a lower temperature.

CORN DOG: Hot dog coated in a cornbread batter, typically deep fried in hot oil and served on a stick.

DC: Direct current (DC) is produced by a source such as 12 Volt batteries.

DEEP FRYING: A cooking method in which food is submerged in hot oil or fat and is normally performed with a deep fryer. Due to the high temperature and the high heat conduction of oil, deep frying cooks food very quickly and efficiently.

ELEPHANT EARS: Fried dough similar to funnel cakes but made with a risen yeast dough. Elephant Ears (also known as whale tails and frying saucers) are often served with granulated sugar, powdered sugar and cinnamon, or topped with fruit.

ETL: The ETL Listed Mark indicates that your product has been found in compliance with accepted national standards and is compliant with safety standards, having been tested and certified by a third-party organization. Recognized by OSHA, the ETL Listed Mark is an accepted alternative to UL and, as such, inspectors and AHJs recognize, acknowledge, and accept the mark as proof of product compliance.

EXPANSION RATIO: Refers to the increase in volume that occurs as popcorn pops. It is determined by measuring the volume of popcorn prior to and after popping. An expansion ratio between 40 and 44 is usually considered ideal. If the expansion is less than 40 the popped corn can be a little chewy and if the expansion ratio is over 44 the popcorn becomes very brittle and tends to break apart into small pieces. In general the more the corn expands the better the product because the popcorn tends to be more tender and has fewer partially popped kernels.

E-Z KLEEN KETTLE: The first mass produced stainless steel popcorn kettle. All cooking surfaces, kettle outer shells, kettle lids and cross bars are made with stainless steel. Available with Gold Medal popcorn machine models only.

FLAKE: A popped kernel of corn.

FLOSS RIBBON: Heating element for cotton candy machine. Models that do not use this system will use a tubular heating element set-up.

FLOSSINE: Coloring and flavor that is mixed with granulated sugar (provided by customer) and used to make cotton candy. The brand Flossine is manufactured exclusively by Gold Medal.

FUDGE PUPPIE: Chocolate covered belgian waffle on a stick.

FUNNEL CAKE: Funnel cakes are originally associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch and are made by pouring special unleavened batter through a funnel into hot oil in a circular funnel cake ring and frying it until golden-brown. They are typically served with powdered sugar, fresh fruit and other toppings.

GALVANIZED STEEL: Steel treat with a chemical process to keep it from corroding by applying layers of zinc.

GRIDDLE: Food service equipment that typically uses a flat plate of metal for cooking and is for most applications where a frying pan or saute pan would be used.

HAWAIIAN ICE: Made from shaved ice that has the consistency of snow and has flavor syrup, and is eaten with a straw or a spoon.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Government agency that performs food licensing, food inspections and focuses on issues related to the general health.

HEATED CORN DECK: Heating element located below the floor of the holding area in a popcorn machine to keep the popcorn hot and ready to serve.

HOT PLATE: Small stove used for food preparation.

HULL-LESS POPCORN: Many experts do not consider Hull Less popcorn true popcorn. Hull-Less popcorn is typically produced using a conventional corn meal extruder and altering the shape of the product to resemble the irregular popcorn kernel. The extruded product is then coated with oil or Caramel and marketed as "Hull Less" Popcorn.

HUMIDIFIED CABINET: Food display cabinets with built-in humidity system primarily for bread based products like pretzels and pizza designed to extend shelf life and keep products from drying out.

HYBRID POPCORN: Crossbreeding different strains of popcorn to emphasize specific characteristics such as kernel size, shape and texture.

INFINITE HEAT CONTROL: Adjustable temperature control settings that use low to high, rather than a specific temperature.

KETTLE (POPCORN MACHINE): The cooking "pot" inside of a popcorn machine, typically sized by ounces popped each cycle.

KETTLE CORN: Popcorn that has a sweet and salty taste, usually made with granulated sugar, salt, and oil.

LEXAN: Brand of highly durable polycarbonate plastic intended to replace glass where the need for strength. Typically used for sneeze guards or doors on equipment.

LP GAS: Liquefied petroleum gas, also called LPG and GPL. Varieties include a mixture of propane along with small amounts of propylene, butane, and butylene. The odorant ethanethiol is also added so that people can easily smell the gas in case of a leak. Used as cooking fuel when applied to food service and concessions.

MERCHANDISER : A heated or non-heated cabinet usually with windows which allows customer to see food products on display.

MIDWAY: The primary or center walkway of a carnival or the main games area.

MOMENTARY POWER SWITCH: A spring loaded switch that requires operator to hold down to power on and returns to off position automatically once released.

MUSHROOM POPCORN: Most commonly used in commercial caramel corn equipment because it expands into a large mushroom-like shaped ball which makes it less fragile, but not as tender as Butterfly popcorn. The large rounded surface also helps the caramel stick better to the popcorn.

NEMA PLUG TYPE: Plug style supplied with electric equipment that conform to the standards set by National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). The 5-15P is by far the most common electrical outlet in North America and is typically found in most homes.

NSF: NSF Certification Mark on a food equipment product confirms that NSF has assessed and certified its conformity with the relevant NSF/ANSI standard. As part of the certification process, the production facility is audited annually. The purpose of this audit is to assure that all the requirements of the standard continue to be met, quality assurance and quality control procedures are followed in fabrication, products are sampled and retested on schedule, and labeling and product literature are true and accurate.

OLD MAID: Unpopped popcorn kernel.

OLD MAID DRAWER: Slide out drawer or tray located below the floor of a popcorn machine to catch unpopped popcorn kernels.

ONION BLOSSOM: A large Vidalia onion that is cut into the shape of a flower, then battered and deep fried. Also known as a Blooming Onion or Flowering Onions.

PASS THRU MODEL: Equipment that is typically used on a cafeteria line or in self-service locations which allows customer access on one side and employee access from opposite side.

PINCH BOTTOM BAG: This bag is gusseted with a fold over pasted closure on the bottom stepped sides at the top. The ends of this bag will remain pointed when the bag is filled.

POP CYCLE: The amount of time it takes for a popcorn machine to pop a batch of popcorn.

PORTION PACK: Pre-measured and pre-packaged food product.

POUR OVER COFFEE BREWER: This type of coffee maker does not require plumbing and is portable, simply pour water into the unit and the coffee brews immediately. Commonly used in offices, cafes, diners, snack bars and other similar locations.

PRALINATOR: Specialized equipment used to mix and coat nuts with confections (pralines or frosted nuts).

RECOVERY TIME: Time between frying cycles needed for deep fryer to return to the pre-set cooking temperature.

RTU: Ready to use and does not require mixing or addition of any ingredients.

SHAVE ICE: Traditionally light, fluffy and snow-like in texture, usually flavored with sweet, fruit-flavored, brightly colored syrup. Also known as Shaved Ice, Sno Balls, Snow Balls and many other names depending on region. Although sometimes called Snow Cones and very similar in presentation - shave ice and snow cones are different products.

SLUSH: Carbonated or non-carbonated blend of water, ice and flavored syrup. Also known as slushies and by the popular branded names: Frusheez, ICEE, Slush Puppie or Slurpee.

SNEEZE GUARD: Sometimes referred to as food shields, sneeze guards consists of a barrier, usually glass or plastic, which is placed in front of and well above displayed food to block contaminants expelled from a customer's mouth or nose.

SNOWBALL: The name Snowball or Snow Ball is said to have originated in New Orleans. Snowballs are made from shaved ice that has the consistency of snow and has flavor syrup, and is eaten with a straw or a spoon.

SNOW CONES: Ice crushed and grinded for a slightly granular and snowy texture, flavored with sweet, fruit-flavored, brightly colored syrup. Also known as Sno Cones, Sno-Kones and many other names depending on region.

SNO-KONE DIPPER: Specially designed spoon for scooping snow cones.

SPOON STRAW: Similar to a typical drinking straw, but features a cut-away shape at one end that acts as a miniature spoon and is commonly used for shave ice and slush drinks.

STAINLESS STEEL: Defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 11.5% chromium content by mass and currently there are over 150 grades available. Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion and staining and low maintenance make it an ideal material for commercial food service equipment.

STERNO: Canned fuel made from denatured and jellied alcohol. Designed to be burned directly from its can and its primary use is in the food service industry for buffet heating.

TEMPERED GLASS: Specially treated glass with increased strength compared with normal glass and will usually shatter into small fragments, rather than sharp shards, when broken and therefore is less likely to cause injury.

THERMOSTAT: A device that automatically regulates temperature.

UL: Privately owned and operated product safety testing and certification organization that evaluates products, components, materials and systems for compliance to specific requirements, and permits acceptable products to carry a UL certification mark, as long as they remain compliant with the standards.

VARIABLE HEAT CONTROL: Adjustable temperature settings.

WHITE POPCORN: The popped kernels are very white, small in dimension and very tender. This hybrid is so tender and fragile it is used almost exclusively in the home, because when used in commercial applications there is too much breakage.

YELLOW POPCORN: The most common popcorn used for commercial applications. These kernels are usually rounded in shape and have a medium brown color.

All trademarks referenced herein are the properties of their respective owners.