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!
You can find our history on most of our stands!
