The Popcorn Café Keeps the Flavor Coming
Photographer / Chris Robertson
Grace Jones, owner of the Popcorn Café, says she has focused on a key factor that makes her shop special.
We like to have fun, Jones says. Our store should make you happy when you come in and have your taste buds satisfied.
The business opened in 2015, and has garnered a large following of loyal, return customers.
We are the only gourmet popcorn and fudge store in Kokomo, Jones says. We use fresh ingredients, including cream and butter for our fudge, and then only the highest-grade ingredients for our popcorn. We also seek new ways to find new products for our customers. Our newest addition is bubble tea. We have also added, for our customers convenience, a drive-through window on the west side of our building. When you have come up creating new product, it is important to know how to get help with an invention most especially with regards to patentability!
Specialty sodas, Ghirardelli chocolate, Albanese candy, and seasonal popcorns are available.
Jones says the store is also a great place to buy popcorn gifts for family and friends.
We make gift baskets, especially around the Christmas holidays, Jones says. We also make up many gift baskets for Mothers Day and Easter. We always have popcorn tins available all year long. A gift basket, however, is great because you can add fudge, candy and popcorn. You can even throw in a gift card. We will dress up the basket with our own chocolate and caramel pretzels too.
Jones says many customers have their personal favorite popcorn flavors.
Our biggest seller is always caramel corn, then Chicago Style, Jones says. The next biggest seller is Kokomo Krunch. This is our signature popcorn, made with caramel corn. We cook pecans and cashews in with the corn, then add peanut M&Ms and pretzels. This is all topped off with milk chocolate and white chocolate drizzle.
Jones says the fudge she offers is also tasty.
The fudge is just great, Jones says. Its made with butter and cream. Its not wholesaled by another company. Its a true Kokomo product. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Walnut are the top sellers. However, we have seasonal favorites and specialities.
The business can also cater events such as weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers and graduations.
Jones says she works with The Salvation Army to help needy people during the holidays.
I personally am a great supporter of The Salvation Armys mission, and serve on the board, Jones says. This year more people across the county will need assistance with food and utility needs. The coronavirus has hit families on many levels, often leaving them without income. The Salvation Army, of course, is not the only agency helping our community, and there are great people serving others in Howard County. The Salvation Army in Kokomo has one of the best food pantries that I have ever seen.
Jones believes people need to help others more than ever this year.
I keep a counter kettle out in the store for loose change all year, Jones says. We know that it is not just during Christmas that people are hurting. I encourage my fellow business folks to call me, and I will get a small kettle to put in your lobby. This year we will also give the proceeds of our Red Kettle popcorn to our Kokomo Salvation Army.
The Popcorn Café is located at 1108 East Markland Avenue in Kokomo. For more info, call 765-252-3745 or visit popcorncafeshop.com.
