At Pop-ity Popcorn in Lansing, Michigan, we pride ourselves on providing top-quality popcorn kernels, liquid butter, state-of-the-art popcorn machines and other products to businesses across the country. One of our most cherished partnerships is with Jackson Popcorn Depot, a thriving local business that has grown exponentially since its inception. In this blog, we’d like to highlight this wonderful relationship and share the success story of Jackson Popcorn Depot, as told by its owners, Greg and Becky Vancalbergh.
The Origin Story of Jackson Popcorn Depot
“Our journey began in 2016 when my wife and I stumbled upon an unexpected opportunity,” Greg Vancalbergh recalls. “It all started when I realized my beloved fishing boat wouldn't fit into our new garage, after constructing our dream home in 2015. With some extra cash from selling the boat and a bit of Sunday morning boredom (a rarity for me, usually spent out on the water), I found myself scrolling through Craigslist.”
Greg’s serendipitous scroll led him to a local popcorn company for sale. After months of negotiations, Greg and Becky became the proud owners of what would soon become Jackson Popcorn Depot, located in the Jackson Crossing Mall.
“Part of the purchase agreement required us to change the name, thus Jackson Popcorn Depot was born,” Becky explains. “We wasted no time in making significant changes to the business model. By diversifying our offerings to include a variety of candies and sweets, we were able to dramatically increase our sales year over year.”
A Growing Partnership
As Jackson Popcorn Depot expanded, so did their need for reliable, high-quality popcorn supplies and equipment. That’s where Pop-ity Popcorn came in. Over the years, we’ve provided Jackson Popcorn Depot with essential supplies and machinery, helping them meet growing customer demand.
“Our experience with the popcorn machines and supplies we've purchased from Pop-ity Popcorn has been nothing short of excellent,” says Greg. “We've procured several popcorn machines and caramel corn kettles, and each transaction has been characterized by a fantastic deal and prompt, efficient service.”
The reliability and quality of our Gold Medal brand products have played a pivotal role in Jackson Popcorn Depot’s operations. “The Gold Medal brand is the go-to brand in the industry backed with great customer service; it’s a win-win,” Becky adds.
Essential Supplies for Success
One of the most frequently used supplies at Jackson Popcorn Depot is our liquid butter. “Charles from Pop-ity teases us about the amount of liquid butter we buy and sell!” Greg laughs. This liquid butter, along with our top-grade kernels and seasonings, ensures that every batch of popcorn they make is delicious and consistent.
“Our favorite machines are the Gold Medal Odyssey Poppers,” Greg mentions. “They’re the best! The combination of a good deal and fast, prompt service has made Pop-ity Popcorn our go-to supplier for all things popcorn-related. We appreciate the partnership and look forward to continuing to work with you as we expand and grow our business.”
A Sweet Selection
Jackson Popcorn Depot offers an incredible variety of products, boasting over 50 flavors of popcorn, cinnamon-roasted nuts, and freeze-dried candies – all made in-house. Their candy selection, which has expanded to include over 1000 different types, caters to every taste imaginable.
One of their standout products is freeze-dried candy, which has become a customer favorite. “We encourage everyone to come in and try our freeze-dried candy and explore the over 1000 different candies we offer,” Becky invites.
Looking Ahead
Building on their success, Jackson Popcorn Depot opened a second location at the Meridian Mall in Okemos, MI, in 2023. They’ve also begun advertising their concept as a franchise opportunity, with plans for further expansion.
“Our journey from a spontaneous purchase driven by a garage space dilemma to a thriving popcorn and candy franchise is a testament to our passion for entrepreneurship and dedication to providing our customers with quality products and exceptional service,” Greg reflects.
At Pop-ity Popcorn, we’re proud to support Jackson Popcorn Depot and other businesses with our superior products and reliable service. We look forward to many more years of partnership and shared success.
For those interested in enhancing their popcorn offerings or starting their own popcorn business, Pop-ity Popcorn is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our products to supply your store or other retail location and our services. Let’s pop to new heights together!