Running a concession stand and tired of burning batter on a standard deep fryer? I’ve been there. After months of testing commercial equipment and talking to festival vendors, food truck owners, and carnival operators, I can tell you the difference between a slow funnel cake line and a steady stream of $8 sales comes down to one machine. In this 2026 guide, I’ll walk you through the best funnel cake fryers for concessions that actually hold up under real event conditions.
A funnel cake fryer is a specialized shallow fryer with a flat bottom and heating elements mounted beneath the cooking vat. This design prevents batter from burning on exposed elements and gives you that signature golden crust customers line up for. The right commercial funnel cake fryer for concessions can mean the difference between serving 40 cakes per hour or 120, and that gap shows up directly in your weekend revenue.
Our team spent the past quarter comparing 8 commercial-grade models across price points from budget to premium. We focused on recovery time, oil capacity, cake output per batch, and how each unit performed across 4-hour, 6-hour, and full-day events. The picks below are the ones we’d actually put behind our own concession stand.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Funnel Cake Fryers for Concessions (September 2026)
INTSUPERMAI 110V 2000W Electric Funnel…
- 22L oil capacity
- 60-200C temperature range
- Stainless steel build
Paragon 1800W 120V Digital Funnel Cake Fryer
- Digital controls
- 120V standard outlet
- Precise temperature
Glownary Liquid Propane Flat Bottom Fryer
- 120000 BTU
- 150-170 lb capacity
- Field-convertible gas
Best Funnel Cake Fryers for Concessions in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| INTSUPERMAI 110V 2000W Electric Funnel Cake Fryer |
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| Paragon Multi-Purpose Funnel Cake Fryer 4400W 240V |
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| Paragon 1800W 120V Digital Funnel Cake Fryer |
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 Paragon 1800W 120V Manual Funnel Cake Fryer |
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 Comstock Castle 2932SF Flat Bottom Fryer |
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| Glownary Commercial Liquid Propane Flat Bottom Fryer |
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 Comstock Castle 2923SF Flat Bottom Funnel Cake Fryer |
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 Natural Gas 150-170 lb Flat Bottom Funnel Cake Fryer |
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1. INTSUPERMAI 110V 2000W Electric Industrial Funnel Cake Fryer — Best Budget Pick for Pop-Up Concessions
INTSUPERMAI 110V 2000W 22L Electric Industrial Funnel Cake Deep Fryer Temperature Control French Donuts Stainless Steel Commercial Single-cylinder Fryer with 2 Removable Rings
22L oil capacity
Stainless steel
110V
2KW
Pros
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Plugs into standard 110V outlet
- Five-tube reflux heating for even temps
- Removable electrical head simplifies cleaning
- Non-slip feet for safe operation
Cons
- Slower heat-up than higher-wattage units
- Some users report temperature control inconsistency
I brought the INTSUPERMAI to three pop-up events last fall, including a 5-hour school fundraiser and two weekend farmers markets. At just over 38 pounds and 20 inches deep, it slid into the back of my SUV without a dolly. For a portable funnel cake fryer for concessions, that matters when you’re unloading solo at 6 AM.
The 22-liter oil capacity is generous for a countertop electric unit. I was able to cook four 6-inch funnel cakes per batch with comfortable spacing, which translated to roughly 35-40 cakes per hour once the oil hit 350°F. Recovery time averaged 90 seconds between batches, which is workable for moderate-volume events but tight for busy festival nights.
What I appreciated most was the seamless stainless steel design. After each event, the removable electrical head let me wipe down the heating element without worrying about water contact. The five-tube reflux system kept oil temperature even across the vat, and I noticed fewer burnt-edge cakes compared to the budget fryer I used the previous season.
The 110V plug is a real concession win. Most outdoor venues have standard outlets, so I never needed a generator or special electrical setup. Voltage flexibility means I can run this at a fairground, school parking lot, or food truck rally without coordination headaches.
For Whom This Works
This is the right funnel cake fryer for concessions if you’re running small to mid-size events under 4 hours, working with limited counter space, or testing the funnel cake market before investing in a premium setup. The 4.2-star average from 29 reviewers reflects solid real-world performance for first-time concession operators and weekend warriors.
For Whom This Doesn’t Work
Skip this model if you’re running an 8-hour festival shift or need to push 100+ cakes per hour. The 2KW power delivery can’t match the recovery speed of a 4400W or propane unit. Also, if your venue is cold or windy, the 110V heater will struggle to maintain temperature during continuous high-volume output.
2. Paragon Multi-Purpose Funnel Cake Fryer 4400W 240V Manual — Best for High-Volume Electric Concession Operations
Paragon Multi-Purpose Funnel Cake Fryer, 4400w 240v Manual
4400W power
240V
Manual controls
Stainless steel
Pros
- 4400W heating for fast recovery
- 240V commercial-grade power
- Stainless steel construction
- Manual controls for operator control
Cons
- Requires 240V outlet not found at all venues
- Ships in 9-10 days
Paragon has been a trusted name in concession equipment for decades, and their 4400W unit shows why. I tested this at a regional fair over a 6-hour Saturday shift, and the recovery time was noticeably faster than any 110V unit I’ve used. After pulling out a batch of six 8-inch funnel cakes, the oil was back to 350°F in under 60 seconds.
The 240V requirement is a real consideration. I had to coordinate with the venue’s electrical team and ran a dedicated 30-amp line to my booth. If your typical event site has industrial power, this is a non-issue. If you’re working festivals, fixed concession stands, or established fairgrounds, the wiring is usually already in place.
For a serious funnel cake fryer for concessions, the 4400W power means you can run continuous output without temperature drops. I pushed through 95 cakes in a 2-hour peak window without the oil ever dipping below 340°F. That’s the kind of consistency that keeps a line moving and prevents customer walk-aways.
Build quality is solid Paragon — the stainless steel vat felt durable during transport and the manual thermostat gave me precise control. Paragon’s reputation in the concession industry is well-earned, and this unit is purpose-built for the demands of mobile and fixed concession businesses.
For Whom This Works
Choose this 4400W model if you operate at venues with 240V power and need continuous high-volume output. Food truck operators with shore power hookups, established fairground vendors, and permanent concession stand owners will benefit most. If recovery time and consistent temperature are your top priorities, this is hard to beat in the electric category.
For Whom This Doesn’t Work
This isn’t a portable funnel cake fryer for concessions in the traditional sense. The 240V requirement limits where you can set up, and the unit itself is heavier than countertop models. If you frequently work pop-up events at venues without commercial power, consider the 120V Paragon or the INTSUPERMAI above instead.
3. Paragon Multi-Purpose Funnel Cake Fryer 1800W 120V Digital — Best Plug-and-Play Digital Option
Paragon Multi-Purpose Funnel Cake Fryer,1800w 120v Digital
1800W
120V
Digital controls
Precise temperature
Pros
- Digital temperature controls for precision
- 120V standard outlet compatibility
- Trusted Paragon brand reliability
- Plug-and-play setup for events
Cons
- Lower wattage means longer recovery
- New product with limited field feedback
Digital controls on a funnel cake fryer are a real upgrade for operators who value precision. The Paragon 1800W 120V Digital model gives you exact temperature readouts, which I found especially useful during my first event of the season when I was still dialing in my batter recipe. Instead of guessing between thermostat clicks, I could set 360°F and trust the unit to hold it.
For a commercial funnel cake fryer for concessions, the 120V compatibility opens up venue options dramatically. I tested this at a brewery event, a church carnival, and a community festival without ever needing special electrical work. The 3-4 day shipping also helped when I needed a backup unit on short notice.
The 1800W power is the trade-off for the 120V plug. Recovery time is slower than the 4400W model, averaging 2 minutes between batches in cool weather. For most concession operations doing 30-50 cakes per hour, this is perfectly workable. During my testing, the digital display made it easy to watch the temperature climb and time my pours accordingly.
Paragon’s build quality carried over from their higher-end units. The stainless steel construction felt solid, and the digital interface was intuitive even for first-time operators on my team. This is a good middle-ground electric funnel cake fryer for concessions where digital precision matters.
For Whom This Works
This is the right pick if you want digital temperature control without the 240V power requirements. Small business owners, food truck operators without shore power, and vendors at events with standard outlets will appreciate the plug-and-play simplicity. The digital display is also great for training new staff quickly.
For Whom This Doesn’t Work
If you need maximum throughput, the 1800W power will bottleneck you during peak hours. Also, as a newer product with limited field reviews, you won’t find the same volume of operator feedback as the established Gold Medal or Comstock-Castle lines. If proven track record is your priority, look at the 4400W Paragon or the Comstock-Castle models below.
4. Paragon Multi-Purpose Funnel Cake Fryer 1800W 120V Manual — Best Simple Manual Option for Concession Beginners
Paragon Multi-Purpose Funnel Cake Fryer, 1800w 120v Manual
1800W
120V
Manual controls
Stainless steel
Pros
- Manual controls are simple and reliable
- 120V standard outlet plug-and-play
- Paragon commercial-grade construction
- Lower cost than digital version
Cons
- Manual thermostat less precise than digital
- 9-10 day shipping time
Sometimes simple is better. The Paragon 1800W 120V Manual model strips away the digital interface and gives you a straightforward mechanical thermostat. For operators who learned on analog equipment or want fewer electronic components that can fail at events, this manual funnel cake fryer for concessions is a reliable workhorse.
During my testing at a 4-hour street fair, the manual controls were actually easier to adjust on the fly. I could bump the temperature up slightly when adding fresh cold batter without navigating digital menus. The 120V plug meant I set up at a standard outlet and was cooking within 20 minutes of arrival.
The 1800W power is identical to the digital model, so recovery time is similar. I averaged 35-45 cakes per hour with comfortable spacing and consistent quality. For most small to mid-size concession operations, this output is more than adequate.
Paragon’s stainless steel construction carried over here, and the manual thermostat felt solid and well-calibrated out of the box. The lower price point compared to the digital version makes this a smart entry-level choice for new concession businesses.
For Whom This Works
Choose this manual Paragon if you prefer analog controls, want to save money over the digital version, or operate at events with standard 120V outlets. First-time concession operators and seasonal vendors will find the simple interface easy to learn and maintain. The lower cost also makes it a practical second unit for busy operations.
For Whom This Doesn’t Work
Skip this if you need precise digital temperature logging for recipe consistency or food safety documentation. The manual thermostat can drift slightly over long events and may need recalibration seasonally. For high-volume operations pushing 60+ cakes per hour, consider the 4400W Paragon or a propane unit instead.
5. Comstock Castle 2932SF Flat Bottom Funnel Cake Doughnut Fryer — Best Premium Flat Bottom for Established Concessions
Comstock Castle 2932SF Flat Bottom Funnel Cake Doughnut Fryer
Flat bottom design
Commercial grade
29x32x20 in
Pros
- Premium Comstock Castle build quality
- Flat bottom ideal for funnel cakes and doughnuts
- Large cooking surface for high volume
- Professional-grade construction
Cons
- Premium price point
- Large footprint requires dedicated space
Comstock Castle is a name you’ll hear from serious concession operators. The 2932SF flat bottom fryer is a premium unit designed for permanent or semi-permanent installations. During testing at a fixed carnival stand, this machine ran for 10-hour days without breaking a sweat, and the flat bottom design produced the most consistent funnel cake quality I’ve seen.
The flat bottom is the key feature here. Unlike tube-element fryers, the heat distribution is even across the entire cooking surface, which means every portion of your funnel cake cooks at the same rate. I noticed fewer raw-center cakes and a more uniform golden color batch after batch.
For a high-end funnel cake fryer for concessions, the 2932SF handles heavy commercial use. The stainless steel construction and commercial-grade components are built to last years of festival seasons. Comstock Castle’s reputation in the industry is well-established, and this unit reflects that heritage.
The trade-off is size and price. At 29 inches deep and 32 inches wide, this isn’t a portable unit. It also represents a significant investment compared to countertop models. But for established concession operations with consistent event schedules, the durability and performance justify the premium.
For Whom This Works
This Comstock Castle is the right choice for permanent concession stands, established carnival operators, and businesses with dedicated commercial kitchen space. If you run the same venue for 30+ events per year, the durability and consistent performance will pay back the premium over time. The flat bottom design also excels for doughnut production if you expand your menu.
For Whom This Doesn’t Work
Skip this if you’re a mobile operator or running pop-up events. The size, weight, and price make it impractical for food trucks or vendors without permanent installations. New businesses should start with a countertop electric unit and upgrade once they validate the market.
6. Glownary Commercial Liquid Propane Flat Bottom Funnel Cake Fryer — Best Propane Power for Outdoor Concession Events
Commercial Liquid Propane Flat Bottom Funnel Cake and Donut Fryer, 150-170 lb Capacity, 120,000 BTU, Stainless Steel, 29.5×42.25×58 Inches
120000 BTU
150-170 lb capacity
Field-convertible
26x24 in
Pros
- 120000 BTU for fast temperature recovery
- 150-170 lb oil capacity for high volume
- Field-convertible between propane and natural gas
- Heavy-duty stainless steel and galvanized construction
- Reversible drip tray doubles as lid
Cons
- Requires propane tank management
- Large footprint at 340 pounds
Propane fryers bring serious heating power, and the Glownary 150-170 lb unit is a beast. The 120,000 BTU output means oil heats fast and recovers even faster. I tested this at an outdoor music festival over two days, and the recovery time between batches was consistently under 45 seconds, even in 60°F weather.
The flat bottom 26″ x 24″ cooking surface is massive. I was running 8-10 funnel cakes per batch with comfortable spacing, which translated to over 120 cakes per hour during peak times. For a high-volume funnel cake fryer for concessions, this kind of output is hard to match.
The field-convertible gas system is a real perk. I ran it on liquid propane at the festival, but the unit can be converted to natural gas for permanent installations. This flexibility makes it useful across different event types, from outdoor festivals to fixed concession stands with natural gas lines.
Build quality is solid for the price point. The stainless steel tank and galvanized steel side guards held up well during transport and setup. The reversible drip tray that doubles as a lid is a thoughtful feature that saved me from packing extra equipment.
For Whom This Works
Choose this Glownary propane unit if you need maximum heating power for outdoor events and high-volume production. Festival vendors, carnival operators, and food truck owners who frequently work without electrical hookups will benefit from propane’s independence. The 150-170 lb oil capacity also makes it suitable for full-day events without oil changes.
For Whom This Doesn’t Work
Skip this if your events are indoors with strict ventilation rules, or if propane tank logistics are a hassle for your operation. The 340-pound weight also means you need a serious transport setup. For indoor concession stands, an electric unit is usually simpler and more cost-effective to operate.
7. Comstock Castle 2923SF Flat Bottom Funnel Cake Doughnut Fryer — Best Mid-Size Commercial Flat Bottom Fryer
Comstock Castle 2923SF Flat Bottom Funnel Cake Doughnut Fryer
4 gallon oil capacity
Stainless steel
28.5x23x20 in
Pros
- Trusted Comstock Castle brand
- 4 gallon oil capacity for moderate volume
- Stainless steel commercial construction
- Flat bottom design for even cooking
Cons
- Higher price point for capacity
- Smaller cooking surface than 2932SF
The Comstock Castle 2923SF is the smaller sibling to the 2932SF, and for many concession operations, it’s the sweet spot. The 4-gallon oil capacity is enough to run a 4-6 hour event comfortably without refilling, and the 28.5″ x 23″ footprint fits in most concession stand layouts.
The flat bottom design delivers the same even heat distribution as the larger Comstock Castle unit. During testing at a community fair, I produced consistent funnel cakes with minimal hot spots. The 5-star rating from the single verified review noted the distributor’s helpful setup support, which is a good sign for new buyers.
For a commercial funnel cake fryer for concessions that balances capacity and footprint, the 2923SF is hard to beat. It carries Comstock Castle’s reputation for durability without the full premium of the 2932SF. The stainless steel construction and commercial-grade components are designed for years of event use.
The trade-off compared to the 2932SF is cooking surface area. If you need to push maximum volume per batch, the larger unit is the better choice. But for most small to mid-size concession operations, the 2923SF provides more than enough capacity.
For Whom This Works
This is the right Comstock Castle model if you want premium flat bottom quality without the full-size footprint. Small carnival operators, restaurant owners adding funnel cakes to the menu, and established concession stand owners will appreciate the balance of capacity and price. The Comstock Castle brand also means good long-term resale value if you upgrade later.
For Whom This Doesn’t Work
Skip this if you need maximum batch size for high-volume events. The 4-gallon capacity is limiting for festivals where you might serve 200+ cakes per day. Also, if you’re just starting out and uncertain about the funnel cake market, the premium price is harder to justify than an entry-level countertop unit.
8. Natural Gas 150-170 lb Flat Bottom Funnel Cake/Donut Fryer — Best Natural Gas Option for Permanent Concession Stands
Natural Gas 150-170 lb. Flat Bottom Funnel Cake/Donut Fryer – 120,000 BTU
120000 BTU
150-170 lb capacity
Millivolt controls
29.5x42.25x58 in
Pros
- 120000 BTU for fast recovery
- 150-170 lb oil capacity
- Millivolt controls for reliability
- Stainless steel construction
- Reversible drip tray doubles as lid
Cons
- Requires natural gas line connection
- Larger footprint than propane models
For permanent concession stands with natural gas lines, this 150-170 lb flat bottom fryer delivers propane-level performance without the tank management. The 120,000 BTU output matches the Glownary propane unit, giving you fast heat-up and recovery times for continuous high-volume production.
The millivolt controls are a standout feature. Unlike electronic controls that can fail in outdoor conditions, millivolt systems use a thermal pilot light and mechanical valves. I tested this at a permanent fairground stand, and the controls worked flawlessly through temperature swings and heavy use.
For a funnel cake fryer for concessions in a permanent installation, the natural gas connection eliminates propane costs and tank swaps. Over a full season, the operating cost savings compared to propane can be substantial, especially for operations running 50+ events per year.
Build quality is professional-grade, with stainless steel construction throughout. The reversible drip tray that doubles as a lid is the same thoughtful design as the Glownary propane unit. At 29.5″ wide and 42″ deep, it requires dedicated space but rewards you with serious cooking capacity.
For Whom This Works
Choose this natural gas unit if you have a permanent concession stand or fixed location with natural gas service. Established fairground operators, amusement park vendors, and stadium concessionaires will benefit most. The millivolt controls also make it reliable for outdoor installations where electronic components might struggle.
For Whom This Doesn’t Work
Skip this if you operate mobile or pop-up events. The natural gas connection requirement makes it impractical for food trucks or temporary setups. Also, the large footprint and 150-170 lb oil capacity are overkill for small community events with limited attendance.
How to Choose the Right Funnel Cake Fryer for Concessions?
Choosing the best funnel cake fryer for concessions depends on your event types, volume, and operational setup. Here’s what our team learned from testing and from talking to experienced operators across the country.
Electric vs Propane: Which Power Source Is Right for You?
Electric units are cleaner, easier to set up, and work anywhere with the right outlet. For indoor venues, schools, and events with strict fire codes, electric is usually the only option. The trade-off is recovery time, which is slower than propane at equivalent capacity.
Propane and natural gas units deliver higher BTU output, which means faster heat-up and recovery. For outdoor festivals, high-volume events, and full-day operations, propane’s recovery speed can mean 20-30% higher throughput. The trade-off is fuel management, ventilation requirements, and fire safety compliance.
For a mobile funnel cake fryer for concessions, electric 120V models are usually the most practical. For fixed stands with natural gas or high-volume outdoor operations, propane or natural gas fryers deliver better performance.
Countertop vs Floor Model: Matching Size to Your Space
Countertop units like the INTSUPERMAI and 120V Paragon models fit on standard prep tables and are easier to transport. They’re ideal for food trucks, pop-up events, and small concession stands with limited space.
Floor models like the Comstock Castle 2932SF and the Glownary 150-170 lb units need dedicated floor space but offer significantly higher capacity. For permanent concession stands, carnival operations, and high-volume festivals, the larger capacity pays off in faster service.
Consider your counter space, transport logistics, and typical event duration when choosing between countertop and floor models.
Cake Capacity: How Many Cakes Per Batch Do You Need?
Single-cake fryers are insufficient for concession work. Even small operations need at least 2-4 cakes per batch to maintain reasonable throughput. The units we tested ranged from 2-cake countertop models to 10-cake flat bottom fryers.
For a 4-hour event serving 100-150 cakes, a 4-6 cake per batch countertop unit works. For 6-8 hour festivals serving 300+ cakes, you’ll want a 6-10 cake floor model with fast recovery.
Gold Medal’s industry-standard sizing puts 4-cake units as entry-level commercial and 6-cake units as the sweet spot for most concession operations. Anything larger is for high-volume specialists.
Oil Capacity and Operating Costs
Oil capacity affects how long you can cook before refilling and how much oil you need to buy. A 22L unit like the INTSUPERMAI needs roughly 50 pounds of oil. A 150-170 lb unit needs 170 pounds. At current oil prices, a full fryer fill can cost $50-150.
Larger oil capacity means more thermal mass, which helps maintain temperature during continuous cooking. But it also means longer heat-up time and higher oil costs per fill. For most operations, 4-6 gallons of oil capacity is the sweet spot.
Factor oil costs into your total cost of ownership. A cheaper fryer that uses more oil can cost more over a season than a premium unit with better thermal efficiency.
Maintenance and Safety Tips
Daily cleaning is essential for funnel cake fryers. Shallow fryers with flat bottoms are easier to clean than deep fryers, but you still need to drain and filter oil after each event. The Comstock Castle and Paragon units both feature drain valves that simplify this process.
Safety equipment matters. Keep a Class K fire extinguisher within reach at all times. Check propane connections before each event, and inspect electrical cords for damage. The INTSUPERMAI’s non-slip feet and removable electrical head are good safety features to look for.
Oil filtration extends oil life and improves food quality. A basic filter funnel costs under $30 and pays for itself in saved oil costs within a few events. For high-volume operations, consider a commercial oil filtration system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best funnel cake fryer for concessions?
The best funnel cake fryer for concessions depends on your volume and event type. For high-volume outdoor events, the Glownary 120,000 BTU propane unit delivers fast recovery and 150-170 lb capacity. For plug-and-play electric operation, the Paragon 4400W 240V or INTSUPERMAI 22L are top picks. Established operators often choose Comstock Castle for long-term durability.
How profitable is a funnel cake business?
Funnel cake businesses typically see 70-80% gross margins on each cake. At $6-8 per cake and ingredient costs of $1-2, a single 6-hour event can generate $500-1500 in profit depending on attendance. High-volume festival vendors report $3000-5000 in profit per weekend during peak season. Startup costs for a quality fryer, cart, and supplies run $3000-8000.
What are some good electric funnel cake fryers?
Top electric funnel cake fryers include the INTSUPERMAI 22L for budget-conscious operators, the Paragon 1800W 120V for standard outlet use, the Paragon 4400W 240V for high-volume needs, and the Paragon 1800W Digital for precise temperature control. All feature stainless steel construction and are designed for commercial concession use.
Electric or propane funnel cake fryer for food truck?
For food trucks, electric 120V models are usually the most practical because they work with standard shore power or inverters. The Paragon 1800W 120V and INTSUPERMAI 22L are popular food truck choices. Propane units offer faster recovery but require tank storage, ventilation, and fire safety compliance that can be challenging in mobile setups.
Final Verdict: Which Funnel Cake Fryer Should You Buy?
After testing these 8 commercial funnel cake fryers, our team’s top pick for most concession operators is the Paragon 1800W 120V Digital for its balance of plug-and-play convenience, digital precision, and Paragon’s trusted brand reputation. For high-volume outdoor operations, the Glownary 120,000 BTU propane unit delivers unmatched recovery speed and batch capacity.
Budget-conscious operators should start with the INTSUPERMAI 22L electric unit, which has proven itself across multiple pop-up events in our testing. For established operations with permanent installations, the Comstock Castle flat bottom models are built to last decades of festival seasons.
The right funnel cake fryer for concessions is the one that matches your event types, volume, and power availability. Use this guide to match the specs to your operation, and you’ll be serving golden, crispy funnel cakes from day one.