Concession Tip October 2018
A Hot Chocolate Solution
By:John Gibson, University of North Texas
Here in North Texas, the weather may not turn as cold compared to several other NACC Members; nonetheless, we still have a need to produce and sell Hot Chocolate 1-2 Football games a season. While our Concession Stands are equipped with a hot water heater, the temperature only reaches around 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not adequate to produce quality hot chocolate. Additionally, the hot water heaters can run out of hot water after just a couple of batches. Therefore, our Concessions Operation was in need of a Hot Water Solution that could keep enough Hot Water supplied for hot chocolate sales throughout a Football game.
Years ago, a former Vendor of mine provided a great idea which I have utilized multiple times. The idea is simple: a Tankless Water Heater, converted to use Liquid Propane as a fuel source, can provide an endless amount of Hot Water to mix and serve Hot Chocolate throughout your stadium or arena. As long as there is enough propane on hand, this Tankless Hot Water System can produce gallons of hot water, to a maximum water temperature of 167 degrees. This temperature range allows the water to maintain a hot temperature, even after mixing with your hot chocolate powder.
The execution of the idea was fairly straightforward. Online, I was able to purchase a Tankless Hot Water Heater and ship it to my Concessions Warehouse within a couple of business days. With the help of our campus Facilities team, we mounted the tankless water heater onto a two-wheel dolly, connected an LP Regulator and connection hose to the gas in-take valve, and fitted the water inlet and outflow connections with NSF Food Grade Water hoses. After changing the hot water temperature setting to 167 degrees, and plugging the control panel into an electrical socket, we had hot water available instantly.