Augusta’s Broad Street has a novel sweet spot, bringing a taste of Chicago to Georgia. Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts opened its doors late last year, offering a variety of specialty popcorn flavors made in-house. The shop aims to provide a unique experience for customers, and for its owner, Sheila Jones, it’s a venture deeply rooted in family and a desire to create something lasting.
Jones, a Chicago transplant, noticed a gap in the Augusta market for gourmet popcorn, a popular treat in her hometown. “I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” she said, according to reporting from WRDW NewsChannel 12. The new business, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, is hoping to cultivate a similar following in the Augusta area. The opening of Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn represents a small but notable addition to the downtown Augusta business landscape.
A Chicago-Style Twist on a Classic Treat
Popn’ Off isn’t offering just any popcorn. The shop specializes in a range of flavors, including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter. The aroma itself is designed to be part of the experience, with scents like green apple and strawberry filling the air. “The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones explained. This focus on sensory detail aims to elevate the popcorn experience beyond a simple snack.
More Than Just a Business: A Family Affair
The story behind Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn is as sweet as its treats. Jones’s decision to move to Augusta and launch the business was driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She believed Augusta would offer a more comfortable environment for him and wanted to build a business that would provide him with long-term opportunities. “I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said. This personal connection adds a layer of meaning to the venture, transforming it from a simple business into a legacy for her son.
Challenges and Fulfillment on Broad Street
Starting a new business is never easy, and Jones acknowledges the challenges she’s faced. She currently handles most of the operations herself, with some assistance from family members. Despite the difficulties, she finds the work incredibly fulfilling. “Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna witness how high we’ll go,” she stated. The dedication and personal investment are evident in her commitment to the shop’s success.
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. To 7 p.m. The shop likewise hosted a pop-up event on Saturday, February 27th, on Gordon Highway, according to Newspub.live. Those interested in learning more can find them on Facebook.
Looking Ahead
The opening of Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn adds another unique offering to Augusta’s downtown area. The business’s commitment to quality, family, and a distinctive product positions it for potential growth. Jones’s vision extends beyond simply selling popcorn. she aims to create a lasting legacy for her son and contribute to the vibrancy of the Augusta community. The next scheduled event for Popn’ Off is their regular business hours, Tuesday through Saturday, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience the Chicago-style gourmet popcorn firsthand.
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