What’s poppin’ up around the corner?

 

By Beth Garcia

C & G Staff Writer

     ROYAL OAK —The East Coast’s hottest gourmet snack business is now popping up in Royal Oak.

      Dale and Thomas Popcorn, a two-year-old gourmet popcorn business co-owned by former Detroit Piston and current New York Knick head coach Isaiah Thomas, has its roots in Englewood, New Jersey. With five locations in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the business is now looking to expand throughout the country, with one of the first new locations coming to downtown Royal Oak.

     According to Rosie Gurock, director of public relations, the business’ second franchise store will open at 304 S. Main Street next month. It will be located between Starbucks and Prodigy Clothing store, in the former Anything Couture shop.

     “We are expanding our business with eight new stores. The Royal Oak store is the first in Michigan,” she said.

     According to Paul Chambers, franchise owner, construction on the popcorn store began Oct. 6. Chambers said business will begin as soon as the store is finished.

     Chambers, a Royal Oak resident, said he knew the city was the perfect location for Michigan’s first Dale and Thomas shop.

     “There is great nightlife and foot traffic here in Royal Oak,” he said. “It’s such a bustling town, and I think the store will help bring more excitement downtown.”

     Gurock said the shop will offer patrons an opportunity to purchase products now only available to them online. The popular popcorn flavors range from traditional kettle corn and caramel corn, to the highly popular drizzle corn.

     “The drizzle corn is a gourmet specialty popcorn that takes different flavors like chocolate and peanut butter, then drizzle white chocolate over them,” Chambers said. “The women absolutely die for this, and the men enjoy it too. My mother and girlfriend can’t get enough.”

     The gourmet popcorn will be available in a variety of sizes, from small bags to large corporate gifts. Chambers said he will also have popcorn lollipops, truffles, and chocolate-covered kernels. Dale and Thomas’ Chef Ed Doyle, who the company claims as the world’s first popcorn chef, creates the recipes and special flavors featured at Dale and Thomas stores.

     “There will always be new products coming out,” Chambers said. “Chef Ed is constantly working on new recipes, which are then sent to all Dale and Thomas locations.”

     The Royal Oak store will also offer a room for large parties and corporate events. Chambers said he wants to create a business that will fit into the feel of Royal Oak.

     “I fell in love with this popcorn the minute I threw the first kernel in my mouth,” he said. “I new this was the perfect addition to our city. One thing you never stop doing is treating yourself to snacks, and everyone loves popcorn snacks and treats.”

     Although the store is scheduled to open next month, Chambers said residents do not have to wait to try Dale and Thomas Popcorn. October is free popcorn month at the company. Those interested can log onto daleandthomaspopcorn.com for a free sample of the gourmet snack.

     You can reach Beth Garcia at bgarcia@candgnews.com