Concession stands were not originally operated by the movie theaters, and food was often sold by people attending the film or by vendors outside of the theater. Movie theaters were at first hostile to food in their facilities, but during the Great Depression, theaters added concession stands as a way to increase revenue in the economically stagnant times. By the 1930s, concession stands were a main fixture in many theaters. During World War II, candy was scarce at concession stands because of the sugar rationing going on at the time, and popcorn became more popular than before. In the late 1940s, and early 1950s, as movie ticket sales were down, sales of food at concession stands increased. In the US concession owners are represented by the National Association of Concessionaires and the National Independent Concessionaires Association.
Types of food
Concession stands typically sell junk food. The most basic concessions at movie theaters include candy, popcorn and soft drinks. Larger concession facilities in stadiums, amusement parks and newer movie theatres have enabled the sale of a limited selection of fast food, including grilling stations and hotplates to prepare hot foods, and freezers to store cold desserts. Sports stadiums/arenas and rock concert venues sell beer and other mild alcoholic beverages, usually in plastic disposable cups since glass bottles could be used as projectiles by unruly spectators. Formal entertainment venues such as symphony concert halls and opera houses often eschew fast food and junk food for more upscale fare, including wine, coffee and tea, baked desserts, and pastries. Although the above are the most popular common staples at concession stands, there are often region-specific variations. For instance, Citizens Bank Park has Philadelphia-style food stands, including several which serve cheesesteaks, hoagies, and other regional specialties. Busch Stadium includes standard ballpark fare like bratwurst, nachos and peanuts, but also has St. Louis-area favorites such as pork steak sandwiches and toasted ravioli; uniquely Busch Stadium also allows outside food and drink. The concourse of many newer arenas now include multiple concession stands that essentially form a food court, serving a variety of fast food. Modern stadiums also include numerous grilling stations and soda fountains, bars, cafés, and restaurants. Club seating and luxury boxes have exclusive access to high-end restaurants, cafés, bars, and catering not available to regular ticketholders. At temporary outdoor events such as fairs, food trucks may operate as concession stands.
File:Concession stand at Hanlans Point.jpg|A concession stand by the name of "Flora-Dew" at Hanlan's Point in Toronto, Ontario. The image was taken in 1928 and depicts a typical stand from that time period. File:Hillsboro Stadium concession stand.JPG|The concession stand at Hillsboro Stadium, in Hillsboro, Oregon, is an outdoor stand at a football field. File:GreatHallPittmurals.jpg|At Heinz Field, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the "Goal Line Stand" incorporates sports and food into their concession stand. File:Overijse frietkot A.jpg|A mobile snack bar in Overijse, Belgium.
