concession stand

Meaning

A 'concession stand' is a place where people can buy snacks, drinks, and sometimes merchandise at a venue like a cinema, sports stadium, or theater. It is typically located in the lobby or concourse area.

Examples

• Let's grab some popcorn at the concession stand before the movie starts.

  Let's grab some popcorn at the concession stand before the movie starts.

• The line at the concession stand was so long that we missed the opening previews.

  The line at the concession stand was so long that we missed the opening previews.

• They make most of their profit from the concession stand rather than ticket sales.

  They make most of their profit from the concession stand rather than ticket sales.

• I'll wait for you by the concession stand while you go to the restroom.

  I'll wait for you by the concession stand while you go to the restroom.

• Can you get me a bottle of water from the concession stand?

  Can you get me a bottle of water from the concession stand?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I bought snacks at the cinema food shop.

  ✓ I bought snacks at the concession stand.

  While 'food shop' is understandable, native speakers specifically use 'concession stand' or 'snack bar' for theaters and stadiums.

• ✗ The concession stand's prices are very high.

  ✓ The prices at the concession stand are very high.

  Using the possessive 's on 'concession stand' is less natural than using the preposition 'at the concession stand'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We should head to the ___ to get some nachos before the game begins.

  💡 The place where snacks are sold at a venue.

  Show answer

  concession stand

• The cinema's ___ sells huge tubs of buttered popcorn.

  💡 A counter for drinks and snacks in a theater.

  Show answer

  concession stand