OWN A TASTEBUDS POPCORN
TURN AMERICA'S FAVORITE SNACK INTO YOUR NEXT BIG SUCCESS
Our Story
Tastebuds Popcorn was founded in 2011 in Belmont, North Carolina by Jay Pithwa, affectionately known as “The Kernel.”
A lifelong movie lover, Jay was tired of the same old popcorn at the theater and set out to reinvent the world’s most popular snack. After years of experimentation, he perfected recipes that would change the popcorn experience forever.
Today, Tastebuds has grown from a humble 200-square-foot kitchen into a 4,000-square-foot popcorn facility, producing more than 250 handcrafted flavors—from classics like Caramel and Cheddar to inventive favorites like Dill Pickle, Birthday Cake, and Cookies & Cream.
For 14 years, Tastebuds Popcorn has been a local favorite, celebrated as CRVA Retailer of the Year, featured on Food Network and national news outlets, and recognized as a Best of Weddings pick by The Knot.
In June 2025, new owners Matt and Meghan Robinson took the reins, carrying forward the Tastebuds legacy while infusing fresh energy, family spirit, and a new chapter of growth for the brand.
WHY POPCORN? WHY NOW?
A BOOMING INDUSTRY WITH LIMITLESS POTENTIAL
A BUSINESS THAT'S REALLY POPPIN'
At Tastebuds Popcorn, we believe popcorn should be more than just a snack—it should be an experience. We’re looking for passionate entrepreneurs who want to bring more than 200 gourmet popcorn flavors to their community and join one of the fastest-growing snack businesses in the country.
From birthday parties to corporate gifts and weddings, popcorn is always in demand. With Tastebuds, you’ll offer customers a flavor adventure they can’t find anywhere else.
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Popcorn sales are exploding. Market research from Mintel shows overall popcorn sales have jumped 32 percent in the last five years.
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The Ready-to-Eat (RTE) popcorn segment has grown 118 percent, making it a 1.1 billion dollar market.
Consumers crave convenient, flavorful, and better-for-you snacks, and gourmet popcorn hits every trend—indulgent, shareable, customizable, and fun. Now is the perfect time to join the movement with a proven brand and turnkey business model.
Multiple Ways to Pop Profits
Owning a Tastebuds Popcorn means you’re not just running a retail shop — you’re managing multiple revenue streams under one brand:
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Retail storefronts that attract repeat customers
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Online store and point-of-sale sales with national shipping
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Events and festivals with strong local visibility
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Corporate accounts and gift programs
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Weddings and special event favors
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Fundraisers for schools and organizations
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Wholesale opportunities with local businesses
THE PERFECT LOCATION
Tastebuds Popcorn stores thrive in high-traffic, high-visibility areas like shopping centers, tourist towns, and walkable main streets.
But customers also travel from miles away just to get their favorite flavors, making every Tastebuds location a true destination.
WHAT MAKES TASTEBUDS DIFFERENT?
SIMPLE, SCALABLE, AND SMART
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One of the lowest-cost business opportunities in the food industry
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No cooking, no grease, and no mess—just flavor and fun
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Fast setup so you can open in weeks, not months
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Small footprint ideal for high-rent markets
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Low waste with shelf-stable products
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Family-owned and operated brand with strong franchise support
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Proven marketing, training, and operations systems
You don’t need restaurant experience—just a love for people, creativity, and great snacks.
Tastebuds in the Spotlight
Tastebuds Popcorn has been featured on NBC, FOX, ABC, Charlotte Today, and Good Day Charlotte, and highlighted in Food Network Magazine.
AWARDS INCLUDE:
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
BEST OF WEDDINGS - THE KNOT MAGAZINE
THE EPIC AWARD
When people talk about popcorn, they talk about Tastebuds.
START YOUR TASTEBUDS JOURNEY
Ready to bring the joy of gourmet popcorn to your community?
Join a growing family of entrepreneurs who are making people smile one kernel at a time.
Request your free business opportunity information kit today.
Just complete the short form below and see how easy it is to get your Tastebuds Popcorn business poppin’.
HANDCRAFTED HAPPINESS.