Chad Jordan says he literally lived on popcorn when he first started working.
"I've always loved popcorn," says Jordan. "My first job was at a movie theater."
That kinship for the kernel led the East Lansing native to found
Cravings Gourmet Popcorn in 2005. In two years, the specialty popcorn retailer moved from a small vendor space in the Lansing City Market to a storefront in historic Old Town. After seven successful years of creating flavors and blends for snackers with a yen, Jordan decided to expand east and open a second store in Okemos.
"We're excited to get going and start building our new location," says Jordan. "It's going to be a fun thing for the community."
Jordan announced the expansion in mid-February and has remained on schedule to open the doors at 1871 W. Grand River on June 1. The 4,600-square foot space near Dusty's Cellar will feature a sample bar that evokes instant "yums," as well as a viewing area where customers can marvel at the popcorn popping process. Like Lansing, Cravings Okemos location will carry unique and nostalgic bottled drinks including root beers, flavored sodas, or funky libations like coffee or bacon pop.
Jordan says his second store will create five to 10 new jobs, as well as new popcorn mixes that pay tribute to the community.
"We already have our Old Town mix of white cheddar and caramel," says Jordan. "So we'll probably have mixes for Okemos, Williamston and Haslett. And the East Side, too."
Source: Chad Jordan, Owner, Cravings Popcorn
Writer: Ann Kammerer, Development News Editor
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