ASSOCIATION AS THE WHEEL TURNS
Little Richard’s Enterprises R
Owner retired, closing food concessions business and operations after 70 years submitted by Little Richard’s Enterprises
ichard Thomas, better known as “Little Richard” to many in the operations of Fairs and Festivals, traveled and worked his food concessions in nine eastern states from
New York to Florida.
When he was twelve years old, he began helping at the Quakertown Farmers Market in Pennsylvania, where his father was manager. He began working for Robert Kratzer, who had a food stand at the markets, and several years later worked for Mr. Kratzer in his food conces- sion at fairs. In 1951, Robert Kratzer died while preparing his food concession for opening at the York, PA, fair. That same year, Richard bought the con- cessions and equipment from Robert Kratzer’s widow, and started what came to be known as “Little Richard’s,” working his food concessions at various fairs. He also owned and oper- ated a diner in his hometown of Pennsburg. He had food stands in Zern’s Farmers Market for over 45 years in nearby Gilbertsville,
the SC State Fair — both for 70 years each — with his food con- cessions. He expanded his concessions line-up over the years adding new, modern trailers and equipment and offering vari- ous new food items not previously seen on the midways at the fairs. When space was available, he provided tables and seating where his customers could enjoy their food and enjoy the Fair. Richard was a national field representative with a concession trailer manufacturer for many years working closely with them at the annual trade shows: IAFE Show in Las Vegas, IAAPA Expo, and the IISA trade show and extravaganza in Gibsonton, FL. They gained insight from each other — the concessionaire’s needs for an efficient operation within a “compact” space that al- lowed high-volume sales; and the manufacturer for how to make it work — with the installation of the necessary equipment to meet regulations and make it attrac- tive and road-worthy as well. He kept in close contact with Fair officials and show owners to
“Remember your friends going up the ladder,
you may need them coming down.”
PA, as well as food stands in operation at the annual Kutztown, PA, Dutch Folk Festival for 45 years.
In 1970 Richard purchased amusement rides and equip- ment for his “World of Mirth Shows,” creating a route for his carnival that traveled from New York to Florida, acquiring mul- tiple-year contracts playing the fair circuit. After 20 years of operation, he sold the amusement rides and show equipment, but retained his contract with the Legion Fair in Valdosta, GA, for all midway operations of rides, games, food and entertain- ment through 2004 — a total of 29 years!
Little Richard and his family continued working at many fairs for many years, most notably, the Delaware State Fair and
8 OABA ShowTime Magazine | MARCH 2023
maintain good business relationships, and became good friends with many of them through the years. He remained interested and active by attending the Fair conventions in the states he worked and was a longtime member of several Showmen’s Clubs, participating in their activities and fundraisers. He served as President of the Miami Showmen’s Association for two years. He was a member of the OABA since its inception in 1965. He was a longtime member with the IISA and attended each yearly trade show until the last several years because of health reasons. Being a concessionaire in the outdoor amusement industry wasn’t just his livelihood — it was a passion. To be in a unique business and atmosphere where people gather to have FUN!
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