OUR HISTORY

Jay Vending Company began in 1987 as a small business at Wild World Amusement Park (now known as Six Flags America) in Largo, MD. Jay Vending Company’s owners, John Messenger and Brian Costello, noticed that cotton candy, although a very popular item, was only offered for sale in one location. They were confident that sales could dramatically increase if the product was “vended” as they had seen at local sporting arenas and ballparks. Drawing on the experience from their winter jobs as Coke vendors and using their leadership skills, they submitted a proposal to Wild World’s General Manager. It was accepted and Jay Vending Company, named after a good friend, was born. The first year was a tremendous success and they decided to expand operations. The following year, Jay Vending Company opened at Six Flags Over Georgia and two years later landed a contract at Opryland in Nashville, TN. Jay Vending Company soon expanded their operations into Hersheypark and we have had the privilege of working in Hershey, PA since 1990.

Hersheypark and Jay Vending Company have grown together over these many years. We’ve expanded our product line to include not only cotton candy, but also freshly squeezed lemonade, popcorn, hand rolled pretzels, snow cones and cinnamon bread to name a few. We currently operate several concessions stands as well as staff vendors throughout the park, Giant Center and Hersheypark Stadium.