Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding catering, food & beverage vending, beer trailer rentals or just general questions, please feel free to reach out and we will respond within one business day.
About Campbell's Concessions
Event Concessions, Catering & Rental
How Campbell Concessions grew to become
what it is today.
Started in 1954
What began as Little Concessions in 1920 with Phil and Katie Little, has grown into a family success story. Their son, Melvin P. Little began Little Concessions in 1954 with three cookhouses, a beer establishment and ten traveling Poncho Dog (Corn Dog) stands, which led to Campbell Concessions in 1972.
Melvin P. Little began his concession company with wooden-stick stands. Working tirelessly year after year to perfect his corn dog batter. In 1954, Melvin transformed the fair business by introducing the most sought after product today, known as "The Corn Dog!" Upon its inception, the corn dog found its biggest success at the Iowa State Fair and the Oklahoma State Fair. Where Melvin sold his Corn Dogs exclusively for over 18 years, from 1954 to 1972.
Customers first began to take notice when employees would get their attention by barking, "Get your educated Corn Dog! Rides a stick, swims in grease, and wears an overcoat! You bite it, it won't bite you!"
Over the past four decades Calvin Campbell, business partner Helen Little, and son Eric Campbell, along with many friends and family members have expanded Campbell's Concessions to over 15 concession stands throughout the United States and Canada.
Campbell Concessions continues to find new ways to remain popular despite the competition from the growing industry. The Double Bacon Corn Dog, a hotdog wrapped in bacon, dipped in bacon bit batter, and fried to perfection found widespread success in 2012. Additionally, Campbell Concessions has been featured on such TV shows as "The Martha Stewart Show," "The View," and various Travel Channel specials.
While Campbell Concessions continues to grow, we remain dedicated to providing the high level of service and sought after "fair foods" that keep customers lining up year after year!
Phone
515-401-1501
Location
3000 E Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50317
Mailing Address
PO Box 57094
Des Moines, IA 50317
OUR PEOPLE
Eric Campbell
President
Helen Little
Secretary
Brandon Schroeder
Warehouse Manager
Lisa Wilkins
Hiring
hiring@campbellconcessions.com
Grant Campbell
Catering
eventscateringrentals@campbellconcessions.com
Our Event Concession & Catering Services
State & County Fair Food & Beverage Concessions
Iowa State Fair- Our biggest event of the year. Proud concessionaires on the grounds for the last 60 years. We operate 20 concession stands with a variety of everyone’s favorite fair foods. We specialize in Corndogs using a secret family recipe dating back to the 1950’s. We have a specialty Corndog stand that has our famous Double Bacon Corndog, Sweet Corn Corndogs, and Jalapeno Cheese Corndogs. We also service all of the beer and food sold inside the Grandstand for concerts. Click on the link above to see the location of a few of our stands.
Built by The Des Moines Register
Clay County Fair- The biggest county fair in the nation. We’ve been proud to be a part of it for the last 40 years. Multiple concessions spread throughout the fairgrounds give us the opportunity to serve everyone their favorite fair foods.
Great Jones County Fair- This will be our first year at the Great Jones County Fair. You can visit our Ice cream stand to cool off or stop by our Corndog Stand for our famous corndogs and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Photos courtesy of instagram: reflectionsphotography, kapturedmomentsphotography, ztsphoto, paintofadifferentcolor
Sporting Events Food & Beverage Concessions
Jack Trice Stadium- 6 locations inside the stadium, open for all home ISU Football games. We provide Corndogs, Fresh Squeezed State Fair Lemonade, Tenderloins, French Fries, Hot Dogs, Brats, Beef Burger and Nachos.
Drake Relays- 1 location outside the stadium, 1 location inside the stadium. Outside location serves Soft Serve Ice Cream and Hot, Fresh Cookies. Inside location serves Foot-long HotDogs, Corndogs, Mini-Donuts, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
High School State Track (Drake University)-1 location outside the stadium, 1 location inside the stadium. Outside location serves Soft Serve Ice Cream and Hot, Fresh Cookies. Inside location serves Foot-long HotDogs, Corndogs, Mini-Donuts, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Photos courtesy of instagram: fieldexperts, markneyens, joebrauch, kl6photo, alexgilliland91
Festivals and Show Food & Beverage Concessions
World Pork Expo- An event that brings people in from all around the world. We specialize in catering during this event. We cater around the entire fairgrounds for numerous companies and hospitality tents. All Things Pork for WPX!
Good Guy’s Car Show- A classic car show that fills the fairgrounds to the brim during the 4th of July weekend. Campbell’s has multiple locations serving everyone’s favorite fair foods.
Hinterland Music Festival- Another fun event where we get to listen to great music and serve up great food. We provide multiple food items and beer trailers for this one.
Photos courtesy of instagram: g_unohorn, sassyhaase55, alis515, liliglesia, leeman1993, artistrybyleslie, dilarabkds
Event Catering
There is no event that is too large or even too small for us to cater. We have a vast amount of facilities and resources to support any function. We have a large selection of food and drink menus that will work for you. See Menus >
Business Catering- Any corporate event that is held at the state fair or on the fair grounds is a great way to show appreciation to your employees.
Wedding Catering- Whether it is a casual or formal wedding, we will work with you on not only the food menu, but the beverage menu as well. Your days is very important to us and we want to insure your guests are satisfied.
Expo Catering- We are helping the World Pork Expo every year, and it's been great. Not only are we providing food for everyone, we also rent coolers for other venders if needed.
Political Catering- Iowa is a hub for kicking off political careers. From campaigning to our famous Iowa Caucus we are here to help any candidate from any party feed their hard working volunteers and supporters.
Vending Rental Equipment
