Hints for RAGBRAI Food Vendors

 

By now you you have most likely heard that RAGBRAI XL is coming through Vinton.  What you may not have picked up on, however, is what this actually looks like and what it could mean for you and your organization!  Check out the pictures below.  This is just a glimpse of what will be coming through Vinton on July 26th.  So, what does this mean for you?

\"crowd\"   \"crowdedhighway\"   \"bigcrowd\"

Well, if you're looking to make a little extra money for your organization (or just for yourself as an entrepreneur), it means 10k - 15k people knocking at your doorstep begging to to get a taste of what Vinton, Iowa has to offer.  There are a couple of hints that we will be sharing with the community over the next few weeks to help you plan appropriatelty and make the best of this fantastic opportunity.  Here is a list of a few food items that are VERY popular with RAGBRAI participants (in no particular order):

 

  • Watermelon
  • Gatorade/Sports Drinks
  • Corn on the Cob
  • Pie
  • Tenderloin
  • Pasta
  • Grilled Chicken Sandwich
  • Turkey Sandwich
  • Home-made Ice Cream
  • Bananas
  • Floats
  • Hamburgers

 

This is a long list and there is no way that any one vendor will be able to cover all of these things.  The great thing is, however, that you don't have to!  In fact, we advise you NOT TO TRY!  The best way to plan is to "Plan to sell out."  Don't try to sell to everyone. This means, make 1,000 hamburgers (for instance) and plan to sell every one of them.  If you do this, you will know ahead of time how much money you're going to make and you won't be stuck with a ton of food in the end. Be sure to check with Fareway for special RAGBRAI discounts and/or return policies.  They have a special relationship with RAGBRAI so talk with them and see if there is something you can work out together. 

 

Keep an eye out for more hints and updates. Also, be sure to follow Vinton RAGBRAI on Twitter \"Follow (by clicking the icon).  You can get all of the vendor forms Here so be sure to fill it out and send it in ASAP to reserve your spot!

 

Let us know if you have any other questions and we'll do our best to keep everyone up to date!