How to Start a Gourmet Popcorn Shop

People in the United States eat a lot of popcorn — 15 billion quarts of popped kernels annually. Gourmet popcorn shop businesses make popcorn in many different flavors, ranging from common flavors (e.g. chocolate, caramel, cheddar, etc.) to obscure ones (e.g. Oreo, Buffalo wing, etc.). These flavored popcorns are sold for immediate enjoyment and as packages that customers can gift to others.

You may also be interested in additional unique business ideas.

Learn how to start your own Gourmet Popcorn Shop and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services.

Start a gourmet popcorn shop by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Gourmet Popcorn Shop
  2. Form your Gourmet Popcorn Shop into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Gourmet Popcorn Shop for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Gourmet Popcorn Shop
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Gourmet Popcorn Shop
  7. Get Gourmet Popcorn Shop Insurance
  8. Define your Gourmet Popcorn Shop Brand
  9. Create your Gourmet Popcorn Shop Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your gourmet popcorn shop. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Gourmet Popcorn Shop Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability.

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your gourmet popcorn shop?

Business Name Generator

What are the costs involved in opening a gourmet popcorn shop?

The startup costs involved in a gourmet popcorn shop business are significant yet manageable. Opening a franchise with Doc Popcorn costs between $39,000 and $355,050. Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Company’s franchises cost between $158,500 and $339,000.

By far, the biggest variable in the cost of opening a gourmet popcorn business is what type of location the business will use. Opening a business that sells popcorn from a mobile cart costs much less than opening one that has a physical storefront.

In addition to build-out and lease costs, other startup expenses include the cost of:

  • Equipment (e.g. a popcorn popper)
  • Ingredients (e.g. cooking oil, popcorn kernels, flavorings, etc.)
  • Packaging supplies (e.g. bags, tins, etc.)

Business owners who are working on a tight budget might want to begin by getting a license to prepare commercial food in their home kitchen. Popcorn can then be made at home, and sold at a farmer’s market or festivals. This reduces how much must be invested in a startup location to the price of a folding table and a booth.

What are the ongoing expenses for a gourmet popcorn shop?

The ongoing expenses for a gourmet popcorn shop business include rent, utilities, and the cost of ingredients and supplies. Prices for popcorn kernels generally range from $20 to $40 per 50 pounds. Other ingredient and supply costs are minimal.

Who is the target market?

A gourmet popcorn shop business’ ideal customer is someone who likes fun-flavored popcorn and has some discretionary income. Such a person will be interested in buying gourmet popcorn, and they’ll have enough money to afford the treat.

How does a gourmet popcorn shop make money?

A gourmet popcorn shop business makes money by selling packages of popcorn to customers. Popcorn may be sold in bags or tins, often depending on whether it’s meant for immediate consumption or to be given as a gift. Some gourmet popcorn shops, such as Caja Popcorn in Atlanta, Georgia, offer subscription options.

How much can you charge customers?

Gourmet popcorn can sell for tens of dollars per pound. For example, Caja Popcorn sells 1-gallon tins of popcorn for $23.95, 2-gallon tins for $43.95 and 3.5-gallon tins for $69.95. Similarly, Garrett Popcorn Shops has some 1-gallon tins priced at $34.00 and 6-gallon tins that cost over $100.

How much profit can a gourmet popcorn shop make?

Some gourmet popcorn businesses are extremely profitable. The Bastians have grown Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP into a $50-million business.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Gourmet popcorn shop businesses can increase profits by offering limited-edition tins that have special designs. Unique tins that feature city skylines, famous artwork, holiday scenes, local landmarks or other designs make great gifts, and people will often pay more for the tins.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your gourmet popcorn shop is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services. You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a gourmet popcorn shop. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

A gourmet popcorn shop is generally run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a gourmet popcorn shop.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your gourmet popcorn shop will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

Food Regulations

When selling food, you will need licensing from a local health department; all establishments serving food are required to pass a health inspection. Tips for faring well on a health inspections.

There are federal regulations regarding what can and cannot be added to, sold as, and processed with food. Attached is a resource from the Food and Drug Administration detailing the process of starting a food business: How to Start a Food Business.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Gourmet Popcorn Shop needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Gourmet Popcorn Shop.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners, we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended: Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a gourmet popcorn shop

Providing free samples to prospective customers is one of the best ways to market a gourmet popcorn shop business. The Bastians gave away 120 bags of popcorn to players and coaches when they began selling their popcorn outside the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp. The move led to players inquiring about the popcorn -- and marketers inviting the Bastians to make Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP the official popcorn of the Minnesota Vikings.

How to keep customers coming back

A gourmet popcorn shop business can set itself apart from other businesses in the industry by offering truly unique and locally themed flavors. For example, buffalo wing popcorn might be appropriate for a gourmet popcorn business in Buffalo, New York to sell.  

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Anyone who is passionate about popcorn and creative in the kitchen might enjoy running a gourmet popcorn shop business. While making popcorn is a fairly straightforward process, coming up with delicious and original flavors requires creativity.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a gourmet popcorn shop?

A gourmet popcorn shop business owner spends much of their time making and selling popcorn. When not actively engaged in these activities, business owners may order more ingredients and supplies, clean their facility, and look for new outlets to sell their popcorn in.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful gourmet popcorn shop?

In order to run a gourmet popcorn shop business, business owners must know how to make gourmet popcorn and how to run a business in this industry.

Several businesses in the industry offer help on how to make gourmet popcorn. For example, Popcorn Papa offers consulting services, and Badger Popcorn & Concessions Supply Co. has a training center. Businesses that offer gourmet popcorn franchises usually also provide training materials and resources.

Business owners who don’t want to pay an outside company for training or a franchise might be able to learn what they need to know by reading books on making gourmet popcorn or working in a gourmet popcorn business for a season. Popcorn: The Ultimate Recipe Guide is one book that has helpful recipes which could get a business owner started.

There are also several books on the business side of running a gourmet popcorn shop. Popcoins and Gourmet Popcorn Business are two titles on the subject.

What is the growth potential for a gourmet popcorn shop?

A gourmet popcorn shop business may be a small, one- or two-person operation, or it can grow to be a regional or national business. Gourmet popcorn businesses that grow may do so by either opening new locations or selling through retail outlets. Garrett Popcorn Shops, which has shops in seven U.S. cities and international locations, is an example of a business that’s grown by opening additional locations. Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP, which is owned by Angie and Dan Bastian, follows the other model, selling through grocery stores, sporting venues, Costco, and Target.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a gourmet popcorn shop?

Business owners should carefully select the equipment they’ll use to make popcorn, for this will determine how much time must be devoted to preparing popcorn. According to insiders, a good popcorn machine will be easy to maintain, produce few unpopped kernels and be easy to clean.

How and when to build a team

Many gourmet popcorn shop businesses start out as one- or two-person operations. Business owners often add employees as their business grows and is able to support additional employees. When business owners decide to hire people, they often hire packaging personnel and delivery drivers first.

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