The Popcorn Store

Do you like popcorn?  Well, I sure do.  A couple of weeks ago we were out in Wheaton, Illinois and we had to stop at The Popcorn Store.  This place has been in business since 1921 and I can almost guarantee that you've never been inside a store quite like this...

Check out their address:  111 1/4 Front Street.

What's so special or unusual about a popcorn store?  Well, this particular store is only 49 inches wide and 60 feet long.  Yes, you read that correctly!  The space was originally a walk way between 2 stores and somebody decided to roof over it and make it a shop.

When you step inside the front door, you are immediately in line against one wall... 

There are 4 different size bags of fresh popcorn that you can buy.  They only sell white popcorn and it's really good. 

 All the popcorn is hand popped in batches while you wait.  I have to say, everyone in line was patient. Nobody was rude or in a hurry or pushy.  It was nice.  It was quaint.  It was, well, old fashioned.

 

 

The opposite wall is lined with shelves that are full of all kinds of different candy.  You grab a bag and fill it up with whatever candy you want.  Check out the assortment.  It's exactly like the penny candy that I used to buy at the corner candy store when I was a kid.  Who remembers penny candy??  I sure do - root beer barrels, bull's eyes, licorice whips, paper dots, mary janes, caramels, flying saucers, bazooka bubble gum, slow pokes. 

So you stand in line, pick out some candy, toss it into a bag and slowly work your way up to the popcorn guy.  He fills your popcorn bag with freshly popped popcorn and then he dumps your candy onto a sheet of paper, adds up what you bought, and then you pay and squeeze your way past everyone to get out....

 

It's quite the experience and I have to tell you, my grandparents used to take me here when I was a little kid.  It's exactly how I remember it too.  Except the penny candy isn't a penny anymore.  LOL. 

If you're ever in Wheaton, Illinois you should try to stop by The Popcorn Store.  Be sure to get the large bag of popcorn - you'll be glad you did!