SB Value is Heading to the 2026 IAAPA Expo

We’re excited to announce that SB Value is returning to the 2026 IAAPA Expo as a Platinum Sponsor from November 16-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

Not only will the SB Value team be on-site on the tradeshow floor, but our own VP of Sales, Clint Elkins, will be presenting the below talks:

The GPO Advantage: What FEC Operators Need to Know

Date: November 17 at 10:20am

One of the biggest opportunities to improve F&B profitability may be one many FEC operators don’t even know exists. Clint will break down what to look for in a group purchasing organization (GPO), clear up common misconceptions around pricing and rebates, and share how the right connection can give operators access to purchasing opportunities beyond what they may be able to secure on their own. Walk away knowing what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, and how to determine whether a GPO belongs in your purchasing strategy.

Building a Winning F+B Purchasing Strategy

Date: November 18 at 4pm

Rising costs, labor pressures, and shifting guest expectations have made food and beverage profitability more complex than ever for attractions. In this economy, meaningful margin improvement starts with how you buy. This session turns the traditional approach to F&B purchasing on its head, challenging attendees to question familiar practices, rethink what constitutes a “good deal,” and uncover opportunities they may be overlooking. Through real-world examples from their peers, attendees will also see how changes to purchasing practices have helped attractions improve F&B profitability without completely overhauling their operations.

Registration is officially live - all details for the Expo can be found here. Be sure to also look out for additional information in the coming months as we finalize our booth and education session details.

If you’ll be there, we’d love to connect!

And if you’re new to SB Value, our GPO explainer breaks down how group purchasing works—and why it’s designed to support long-term stability for operators.

Schedule a quick 15-minute call with Clint to explore whether SB Value makes sense for your attraction and where immediate opportunities may exist.

Creating Strategic Food & Beverage Plans for Franchises

For franchise operators, your food and beverage is much more than another revenue stream. In many family entertainment centers (FECs), amusement parks, roller rinks, and other attractions, food and beverage sales can account for as much as 30% of total revenue. That said, we notice that many franchise organizations lack a long-term strategy for managing purchasing and overall consistency across locations.

Herein lies the challenge: operators must balance all of the above – brand standards, supplier relationships, operational efficiency, and profitability, all while navigating fluctuating costs. The good news is that a well-designed food and beverage plan can help protect your margins and improve the customer experience for the long haul.

Consistency is king

One of the greatest strengths of a franchise is delivering a consistent customer experience regardless of location. Guests expect the same quality, menu offerings, and service, just as they would in visiting a chain restaurant on vacation.

Consistency starts with standardized ingredients, approved suppliers, and operating procedures. When locations source products independently from warehouse clubs or local suppliers, availability can fluctuate, which can affect food quality. If you aim to have the same equipment and menu items (from the same source) across the board, there’s no room for any of your locations to deliver an inconsistent experience. Plus, it leaves room for you to easily expand your menu offerings.

Learn to leverage your buying power

One of the most overlooked opportunities for operators is the collective purchasing power created by multiple locations.

While a single location may have limited buying power, a franchise with multiple locations can mean bigger deals for your brand. This applies not only to food products but also to things such as disposable packaging, cleaning supplies, pizza boxes, and so on. And with the added muscle of a group purchasing organization (GPO), you’re able to save even more on everyday purchases that keep your locations running smoothly. There are also revenue streams for multi-location franchisees within GPOs that can help support future growth and budgeting. 

Strengthen and prioritize your supplier relationships

Your partnership with your supplier is a lot more than just a transaction; it’s a key part of your overall business strategy. Communicating openly about your business goals and growth opportunities opens the door to a bigger conversation about how they can best support you in the long run, and it can give you some footing to negotiate pricing down the line.

Having a solid foundation with your supplier is also instrumental in navigating challenges you might face. For example, they can assist with troubleshooting, advise on cost-effective alternatives, and help with menu development.

Audit your food and beverage regularly

Customer preferences continue to evolve, and it’s important that operators are prepared to adapt. We’re increasingly seeing families seek healthier options, local/sustainable ingredients, and menu variety. While traditional favorites such as pizza, chicken tenders, burgers, and fries remain popular, operators are finding success by pairing these items with lighter alternatives such as wraps, salads, and grilled proteins. If it makes sense for your clientele and you’re receiving these requests, it may be time to consider a revamp.

However, not every operation requires an extensive menu, and simplicity drives profitability. Some of the most successful foodservice brands have built thriving businesses around a pared-down menu of just a few items.

Speed-scratch solutions can be the perfect middle ground – this combines pre-cooked ingredients with fresh prep techniques, such as adding pre-cooked chicken to a wrap with fresh veggies. As long as you’re careful about adding menu items that aren’t too complex (which can decrease your profits and create more prep time), it’s a great idea to consider amping up your concessions here and there. New technology has fast-tracked the process of preparing these items, especially when it comes to the space provided. 

With the right approach, franchise operators can really refine their food and beverage strategy in a way that protects quality and profit margins. Offering guests a consistent experience regardless of which location they spend their money at is crucial for your reputation, and it lends to a scalable future for your business.

Managing Food & Beverage for Long-Term Sustainability

The foodservice landscape is continuing to evolve, and with it comes growing pressure to deliver exceptional experiences while keeping an eye on long-term profitability. Rising food costs and ongoing supply chain challenges have made it more important than ever for foodservice pros to take a strategic approach to their food and beverage operations.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but the most successful operators have one thing in common: they focus on smart decisions that support both day-to-day performance and future growth. Let’s take a look at a few practical ways to navigate uncertainty while continuing to meet the high quality your customers expect.

Refine your offerings

For many operators, profit challenges aren’t always about bringing in more revenue. Instead, they’re tied to what’s happening behind the scenes. Food waste, in particular, can quietly eat into margins. From unused trim to spoiled inventory, those small losses add up fast. Taking a more intentional approach, like repurposing ingredients into stocks or sauces and dialing in your ordering, can help cut costs without changing the customer experience.

Your menu can also do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to cost control. Building dishes around seasonal ingredients, pairing high-cost proteins with more affordable sides, and using the same ingredients across multiple items can all help simplify purchasing and prep. Having an agile plan in place allows you to run a more efficient kitchen while still delivering quality and creativity.

Make the most of the off-season

It’s easy to think of the off-season as a time to slow down, but it’s one of the best opportunities to set your business up for success. With fewer day-to-day demands, you have the space to evaluate things and make improvements that are tough to tackle during peak times. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks or tightening up inventory management, these changes can have a big impact on profitability.

The off-season is also a great time to refresh your offerings and invest in your team. Testing new dishes, leaning into seasonal options, and gathering feedback early can help you feel more confident heading into busy periods. At the same time, focusing on staff development and reviewing your purchasing strategy can help position your operation for a stronger, more cost-effective year ahead.

Consider the value of a GPO

As operators look for smarter ways to manage rising costs, many are turning to group purchasing organizations (GPOs). By combining the buying power of thousands of businesses, GPOs can unlock better pricing than most businesses can get on their own, without needing to order in bulk. They can also simplify the purchasing process by handling supplier negotiations and giving you access to a broader range of products.

That said, not all GPOs are created equal, so you’ll want to do your homework. Look for a partner that offers transparent pricing, flexible terms, and access to trusted suppliers that meet your standards. It’s also helpful to have support beyond just pricing, whether that’s help with purchasing decisions or menu planning. When you find the right fit, a GPO can be a great way to control costs and strengthen your operation long-term.

As you plan for success, you don’t need to reinvent your entire operation. It’s all about making practical adjustments that add up over time. When you reduce waste, make better use of slower periods, and explore new purchasing strategies, you can improve your bottom line and still deliver a fantastic member experience.

With the right approach (and partners), you can stay ahead of market challenges while building a more resilient and profitable future.

Clint Elkins is the V.P. of Sales for SB Value, a Group Purchasing Organization that helps culinary professionals save an average of 17% on every food order. Membership is 100% free. No hidden fees. No extra work. Just extra profits. See how much you can save on your next food order when you become an SB Value member. Request a quote today.

SB Value is Heading to the 2026 RSA Convention & Trade Show

We’re excited to announce that our own VP of Sales, Clint Elkins, will be attending the 2026 RSA Convention and Trade Show, taking place next week, on May 10–14 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This year’s theme, “Recipe for Success,” brings a fresh and creative approach to what makes roller skating rinks thrive, combining the right mix of innovation, collaboration, and industry expertise.

Over four days, RSA will serve up opportunities to:

• Explore the latest trends and insights shaping the industry

• Discover cutting-edge products and solutions on the trade show floor

• Connect with peers, partners, and leaders from across the community

The SRSTA Artistic Conference for Coaches and Judges will also be held alongside the convention, offering a unique chance for coaches, judges, and rink operators to learn, collaborate, and grow together.

Whether you’re looking to spark new ideas, strengthen connections, or stay ahead of the curve, RSA Convention & Tradeshow promises an experience full of inspiration and opportunity.

If you’ll be there, we’d love to connect!

And if you’re new to SB Value, our GPO explainer breaks down how group purchasing works—and why it’s designed to support long-term stability for roller skating rinks.

Schedule a quick 15-minute call with Clint to explore whether SB Value makes sense for your rink and where immediate opportunities may exist.

IAAPA Webinar: Creating Strategic F+B Plans for Franchises

As an official partner of IAAPA, we’re thrilled to announce that SB Value will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, April 28 at 11am ET!

IAAPA Event Page - Register Here

Topic:

Creating Strategic F+B Plans for Franchises

Franchise operators often work within defined brand standards, approved vendors, and established menu frameworks. While these guardrails protect consistency across locations, they can pose challenges when faced with rising food and supply costs, labor shortages, and limited purchasing leverage. In this session, SB Value’s Julie Altstadt + Clint Elkins will explore how franchisees can build strategic food and beverage plans within those parameters—addressing multi-market communication tactics, vendor strategy, menu consistency, and operational discipline to help protect margins even when sales remain strong.

Takeaways:

• Analyze how rising food and supply costs are impacting franchise food and beverage operations.

• Identify where margin loss commonly occurs, even when locations are performing well.

• Explore ways to improve purchasing leverage and create more consistent vendor and menu strategies across locations.

Hosts:

The webinar will be hosted by our own Executive VP of Sales, Julie Altstadt & VP of Sales, Clint Elkins.

Our partnership with IAAPA has truly been instrumental in helping build relationships within the attractions industry, and we’re excited to provide franchisees with the opportunity to strategize and save on their food + concessions costs - all while boosting their bottom line. We really enjoyed our last IAAPA webinar in October, and we’re excited to be back.

Registration is required- please visit this link for more information.

We hope to see you there!