So You Want To Go Into The Lemonade Stand Business...
We like to kid around here at The Daily Meal, but one thing that may seem like a joke, but most certainly was not, was the lucrative success of our video producer Ali Rosen's lemonade stand. While most would think the profit of such a business would help to achieve small goals — getting a new bike, buying a few new dresses, paying for a fancy meal at the end of the summer — that was not the case for the ambitious Rosen.
As a child, Rosen spent two summers selling lemonade in her hometown of Charleston, S.C., with the help of her trusty little brother, and after those summers she managed to save a hefty amount of money.
Now, while profit surely isn't all that can come from a lemonade stand — it can also teach kids a sense of responsibility, help with math skills, and not to mention be a refreshing rescue in the hot, hot, summer heat — a little extra pocket change never hurt.
Here are a few tips from Rosen on how to create a successful lemonade stand:
A flow of water: You have to have an effective way to keep enough water with you outside so you're not always running back inside for more, or you need a strong helper to assist you in carrying water to and from the stand.
Lots of ice: Buying as much ice as you can is key, to help keep the lemonade cool and refreshing.
Mixing: It's important to have your ratios of lemon, sugar, and water down, and it's often best to not pre-mix too much. If you're going with a packaged mix, then memorize how much water to add. If you're doing fresh, squeeze all the juice before but keep it separate from the other ingredients until the last minute, so nothing sifts to the bottom. If you're not making your own lemonade from scratch, use packaged lemonade mix instead of packaged lemon juice for better flavor.
Signage: Have a good sign and setup, with clear pricing for customers.
Change: Make sure you have enough change before you start; it's very likely you'll have to break bills.
Avoid fly-a-ways: Ensure that you have something to hold down the cups or somewhere to store them, so they don't fly away if it's windy.
Garnish: If you are using fresh lemons, use the squeezed lemons to garnish the lemonade instead of new ones — that can get too expensive, and customers will still appreciate the look of fresh lemons in their drinks.
When it comes to building a lemonade stand, take a cue from MaddyCakesMuse for an inexpensive and decorative idea!