From Weekend Hobbyists to Successful Entrepreneurs

By Hailey Goebel

There is nothing quite like the experience of walking into a local popcorn store. The enticing aroma of sweet and salty buttery richness fills the air, tempting your taste buds and making your mouth water. 

Such an experience awaits visitors at What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory, a hidden gem in the heart of Olde Walkerville. 

From the 1890s until the Great Depression, popcorn was incredibly popular, with street vendors following crowds around fairs and parks, pushing their steam or gas-powered popcorn poppers.  

In the early 1950s, the popularity of popcorn declined as television became more widespread, resulting in a decrease in movie theatre attendance and popcorn consumption, according to HTD Canada Popcorn Company. 

However, as people began to eat popcorn at home while watching television, a new link was formed between the two, resulting in a boost in the popularity of popcorn. 

Located at 1701 Wyandotte St. E. in a quaint 120-year-old brick-and-mortar building, a local husband-and-wife team is achieving great success by selling this universally beloved snack. 

“My husband, Jeff, is the one who started this business,” said Christa Gamble, What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory co-founder.  

Thirteen years ago, Jeff purchased a kettle and began selling his kettle corn at local festivals. It was a side hustle he pursued for extra money.  

What started as a weekend pastime for Jeff has evolved into a thriving establishment.  

In less than three years, the Gamble family grew from a team of two to 15 employees. 

“Our business has quickly grown thanks to the amazing support in the community and everyone buying our product,” Gamble said. 

As a young girl, Gamble visited McPherson’s Nut House store on Ouellette Avenue, where she and her mother would buy popcorn and peanuts every Sunday. 

Inspired by these memories, when Gamble and Jeff started What’s Poppin’, Gamble wanted to recreate the “special feeling” she experienced as a little girl at McPherson’s Nut House. 

From the moment you step inside What’s Poppin’, a warm smile and a welcoming atmosphere greet you. The walls are lined with an array of colourful bags and buckets of popcorn, each one more enticing than the last. 

“As soon as you walk in, the smell and atmosphere are so inviting,” said Windsor resident Stacie Latouf. “I love their new flavour – Poppin’ Praline. It reminds me of eating Cracker Jacks as a kid – but this is next level.” 

The first thing that catches your eye is the variety. From traditional kettle corn to unique and creative options like dill pickle, bacon cheddar and birthday cake, there is something for everyone. 

With over 25 flavours to choose from, you will feel like a kid in a candy store when deciding which flavours to take home with you. 

“Nothing makes us happier than to run into a customer that tried our popcorn and have them tell us that they loved it so much it made their day,” said Jeff. 

According to HTD Canada Popcorn Company, popcorn typically comes in two distinct shapes – snowflake and mushroom. 

What’s Poppin’ specializes in mushroom-shaped popcorn, which is perfect for making candy treats because it does not crumble easily. That compares to snowflake-shaped popcorn, generally at movie theatres and ballparks because of its bigger size and louder popping sound. 

DID YOU KNOW

• In 1948 and 1950, the earliest known popcorn samples were discovered in the Bat Cave of west-central New Mexico, dating back around 4,000 years ago. 
• Compared to other snack options, popcorn is low in calories; a single cup of air-popped popcorn contains 31 calories, whereas oil-popped popcorn has 55 calories per cup. 
• Popcorn has a higher protein content than any other cereal grain.  
• It surpasses eggs and roast beef in terms of iron content.  
• Additionally, popcorn has more fibre than pretzels or potato chips. 

Known for its exceptional customer service, What’s Poppin’ is the perfect place for seasoned popcorn enthusiasts or novices. 

“We want to be a place where people feel special and get the best customer service and a great product,” Gamble said. “We want all our customers to leave here with a great and positive experience.” 

What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory was awarded the Best of Windsor Essex award by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island for Best Locally Made Store this year. 

The owners say they are proud of their product and passionate about sharing it with the community. 

“We are here to support other businesses and people who need it by giving back to the community,” Gamble said. “We want to share our success with others.” 

Stop by What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory next time you are in the area and enjoy a bag (or two) of their delicious authentic kettle-cooked popcorn. Your taste buds will thank you.