How can your attraction maximize concession revenue within limited space while maintaining a high-quality customer experience? Theme parks, zoos, and entertainment venues often struggle with this balancing act. Unfortunately, traditional concession methods can be costly and inefficient, making it difficult to optimize profitability. The need for staffing, inventory management, and equipment maintenance can eat into margins, leaving operators searching for more efficient solutions.
Sound familiar?
Enter Mini Melts. This super-premium beaded ice cream product is revolutionizing the frozen novelty category and helping attractions drive sales while creating magical moments for guests of all ages.
Thanks to its focus on high revenue per square foot and exceptional service, Mini Melts offers innovative solutions that increase sales while enhancing guest experiences. How? By providing diverse distribution options, white-glove support, and a customer-centric product portfolio of fan-favorite flavors that set new standards in the frozen novelty category.
Flexibility Meets Profitability
Mini Melts addresses these common industry challenges head-on with a range of flexible solutions that cater to different venue sizes and foot traffic needs. Check out their innovative options:
1. Automated Kiosks: Operating 24/7 without labor costs, these kiosks provide a constant revenue stream.
2. Portable Carts: These versatile units offer both pre-cupped and bulk serving options, that allow venues to customize their programs based on specific needs. Features include:
- Multiple cup size options for different appetite levels
- Ability to add custom toppings for an elevated experience
- Flexibility to switch between pre-packaged and fresh-scooped service
- Perfect for high-traffic areas and special events
3. Enclosed Service Huts: These temperature-controlled environments offer flexibility serving options:
- Dual service windows to manage high-volume periods efficiently
- Built-in sink for optimal hygiene
- Customizable serving sizes, with both bulk and single-serve options available
- Premium toppings bar for personalized creations
- Interactive experience where guests can customize their perfect treat
4. Grab-and-Go Freezers: To drive impulse purchases, help-yourself freezers seamlessly integrate into gift shops or snack bars.
These customizable distribution options help meet the needs of any space while driving sales through a premium, prepackaged product. Each serving method is designed to create those special moments that turn into lasting memories, whether it's a child's first visit to the zoo or a family's annual theme park tradition.
"Mini Melts' ability to deliver high revenue per square foot while enhancing any venue's guest experience is what truly sets us apart,” says Dan Kilcoyne, president and CEO of Mini Melts. “Our flexible solutions and dedicated support empower our partners to succeed, no matter their venue size or needs. And we're not just selling ice cream—we're helping partners create those magical moments that guests remember long after their visit.”
Increasing Sales per Cap
Mini Melts' labor-efficient models, particularly the 24/7 automated kiosks, contribute significantly to increased sales, allowing venues to generate round-the-clock revenue without incurring additional staffing costs.
When venues integrate freezers into existing retail spaces (think gift shops and snack bars), they can boost impulse purchases of nearby products, and further drive revenue. By placing these eye-catching units in high-traffic areas, venues can significantly boost their sales per cap without additional dedicated concession space or staff.
Beyond Products to Partnership
Mini Melts’ commitment to white-glove service truly sets it apart from competitors. This comprehensive program offers end-to-end support that allows attractions to focus on their core business while Mini Melts handles the logistics of frozen novelty sales.
The white-glove service, via 25 nationwide depots, includes:
1. Expert equipment installation and setup—ensuring optimal performance from day one.
2. Regular restocking (thanks to hands-on, direct-to-store delivery), keeping inventory at ideal levels.
3. Remote monitoring provides constant oversight of the kiosk—preempting any issues and maintaining seamless operation.
4. Off-season inventory management, minimizing end-of-season waste without sacrificing flavor availability.
This noteworthy inventory management approach gives vendors a product credit for the following year instead of leaving products to sit during the off-season. This ensures locations remain well-stocked throughout their operational season and minimize waste and financial risk, and maximizes sales potential.
“Mini Melts has been a great partner and supporter of our aquarium since 2015. The Mini Melts Team has helped us significantly increase our ice cream sales and has generously supported our fundraising initiatives throughout the years,” says one satisfied partner. “I would definitely recommend any organization to partner with Mini Melts and offer guests the opportunity to enjoy their high-quality ice cream!”
Proven Performance and Quality
Mini Melts has established itself as a leader in the frozen novelty category, with a proven track record of success:
- Dollar brand velocity for Mini Melts outperforms the leading beaded competitor by ~60%, according to NiQ data from June 2024
- Recognized as one of Bain & Company's 2024 Insurgent Brands
- Rapid growth, with sales increasing by 35% annually
- Distribution to more than 15,000 locations nationwide
- Serving over 30 million cups per year
“The quality and taste of the product was instrumental in our decision to switch to Mini Melts, but the service, support, and partnership from Mini Melts is locking in a long-term relationship,” acknowledges another valued customer. “We appreciate partners who are invested in our business and work to make us successful.”
Built on a foundation of high-quality products and a commitment to meet customers where they are, Mini Melts’ unique beaded ice cream—created through a proprietary cryogenic freezing process—offers a premium experience that resonates with consumers. The products are not only visually appealing—they also deliver an exceptional taste experience, helping to build a loyal customer base and drive repeat purchases.
“We’re proud to offer not just a premium product but also a premium partnership,” says Charlie Hanna, executive vice president of sales for Mini Melts. “From installation to ongoing support, Mini Melts is committed to helping attractions maximize their concession potential with ease and efficiency."
Real-World Success
At a year-round zoo location, Mini Melts implemented a full program utilizing their huts, carts, grab-and-go freezers and automated kiosks. With annual visitors reaching 1.2 million, the zoo saw an estimated $800K in retail sales, with nearly 10% of guests purchasing Mini Melts products. This impressive capture rate—around 900-1,000 cups per 10,000 visitors—translates to sales between $6.5K and $7K for every 10,000 visitors. These figures speak for themselves, showcasing the significant revenue potential when partnering with Mini Melts.
Mini Melts' Growing Footprint
Mini Melts' growth strategy extends beyond traditional amusement and entertainment venues. Recent expansions into hotel chains and partnerships with major retailers like Walgreens and Wawa demonstrate the brand's versatility and broad appeal. This expansion not only increases brand recognition but also opens new opportunities for cross-promotion and new revenue streams for potential partners in the attractions, hospitality, and retail industries.
A Recipe for Concession Success
For attractions looking to maximize their concession revenue while enhancing the guest experience, Mini Melts offers a comprehensive solution that addresses the unique challenges of the industry. By combining flexible distribution options, white-glove service, and superior products, Mini Melts enables theme parks, zoos, and entertainment venues to unlock their full concession potential.
With its proven track record of driving sales, commitment to quality, and innovative approach to partnership, Mini Melts stands ready to help IAAPA members achieve unparalleled success with frozen novelty offerings. The win-win result? Guests enjoy a premium treat, and venues enjoy premium profits.
Beyond the Bottom Line
Mini Melts understands that success in the attractions industry isn't just about numbers—it's about creating experiences that transform ordinary moments into lasting memories. Its super-premium ice cream products don't just satisfy cravings—they become part of a cherished memory. Through Mini Melts’ innovative serving options and commitment to quality, the brand helps venues deliver joy and novelty in ways that elevate both big occasions and mini moments, creating core memories that keep guests coming back for more.
Ready to revolutionize your frozen novelty program? Level up with Mini Melts USA by learning more at www.MiniMeltsUSA.com
