Fifteen years ago, a fairgrounds manager was looking for someone to do concessions at events. Dennis and Wanda Pace and their daughter, Jodi, agreed.
They didn’t realize the request would eventually turn into a career.
After running fairgrounds concessions for six years, then trying jobs that weren’t seasonal, they saw a need for food trucks in Nebraska.
“When we attended various events around the state, we saw how busy the food trucks were and talked to different event coordinators about doing a trailer for them,” Wanda said. “Most of the coordinators were very open to having more trailers to help feed their crowds.”
Their idea was DeJoWa Concessions, with a home base of Broken Bow. The name derives from owners Dennis, Jodi, and Wanda.
Wanda, with a degree in culinary arts and restaurant management, started research and began making a business plan. They then found a trailer that was for sale; a trailer that included all of the equipment necessary to create the business.
The trio went to their local bank, but were turned down for a loan due to credit and lack of collateral. Wanda had heard of the Center for Rural Affairs, so they reached out.
“The Center was great to work with, and we ended up getting a loan for everything we needed to get started,” Wanda said.
The next step was to find events. They contacted event managers across the state, asking about pricing and requirements.
“We knew that running a concessions trailer is a very seasonal job, so we contacted as many events we could find during the spring, summer, and fall,” Wanda said.
They made a schedule, then contacted their local grocery store to set up a charge account and reached out to other local food supply places.
After deciding the types of food to sell and purchasing additional equipment specific to those types of food, DeJoWa Concessions was ready to open.
“The way our concession trailer is set up, we can prepare and sell a variety of different foods depending on the event,” Wanda said.
They have served burritos, pancakes, eggs, cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy, and more for breakfast. For lunch and supper, they can grill hamburgers and hotdogs or can serve sloppy joes, pulled pork, walking tacos, and more.
DeJoWa Concessions is also set up to host nacho and dessert bars. They have added a slushy machine and a fryer to serve potato ribbons and fried desserts, such as Oreos, candy bars, and Twinkies. The trio also offers homemade pies.
“All of our food is homemade and served with a smile,” Wanda said.
Their first event was at Grand Island in April 2016. During their first season, they served at gigs from Omaha to Ogallala, and from the South Dakota border to the Kansas border. They have attended small activities – for example, a local calf roping event with only 20 contestants – and larger events – such as Comstock with more than 3,000 attendees. They have been to flea markets, ethnic festivals, farmers markets, fairs, and community festivals.
“Our summer had its ups and downs, but overall was great,” Wanda said. “We contacted events that we hope to become a part of, and have made some wonderful friends who we will be back to see next year.”
Now, beginning their second season, the business owners have upgraded wiring in the trailer and added shelves to their storage area. They are also on the lookout for additional bookings to add to their calendar.
“Without the Center, we would not have been able to purchase our trailer and be doing what we want to do,” Wanda said. “They have been there to talk to when needed and are always wanting to know how things are going.”
At a glance
DeJoWa Concessions
Home base: Broken Bow, Nebraska
Phone: Wanda 308.870.2115; Jodi 308.870.2117; or Dennis at 308.870.5598
Hours: Varies by event
Website: https://www.facebook.com/dejowaconcessions/
