You know you’re in Nashville when you go to your local popcorn shop and “Nashville Hot & Spicy” is on the menu – and it’s not chicken we’re talking about but popcorn. Kernels Gourmet Popcorn was born when three sisters – Amber, Erica and Jennifer – realized there was a market for fresh popcorn in their East Nashville neighborhood.
Jennifer had lived in Chicago for a while, and Amber in New York City. Both moved back to Nashville and told their sister Jennifer about the huge lines that were literally out of the door of these urban popcorn stores. Amber says, “Because of the ‘pop’ularity of the popcorn shops, our sister Jennifer encouraged us to start our own Nashville store.” So in 2007, they started popping in the back room of their parent’s house, and the entire family has been involved and supportive ever since.
East Nashville Sisterhood
When a space became available less than five minutes from their home in East Nashville, they jumped on it. {Coincidentally, they are located just 1-1/2 miles from where Nashville Wraps got its start on Woodland Street}. Amber explains, “Being Nashville natives, we have definitely seen the changes, not only in East Nashville. As a whole, Nashville is just growing, and transplants see the jewel that Nashville is.” Nashville has become a foodie destination, with world-class chefs and specialty gourmet foods shops and products turning up everywhere.
Kernels Gourmet Popcorn appeals to a wide market. Amber says, “Our customers range from the child who tells their parent to bring them in, to the business man buying corporate gifts for his clients and everyone in between. One of our popular gifting options is the mini bag. Our customers order large quantities of these bags for birthdays, weddings, showers or any type of event where there is a need to feed a lot of people.”
Southern Favorites Like Nashville Hot & Spicy or Banana Puddin’
From gourmet flavors like White Cheddar and Caramel, to their “indulge” flavors like Frosty, Chocolate Drizzled and Vanilla Cinnamon, Kernels has 14+ flavors to please all of your taste buds. They offer a flavor of the month, like last month’s Green Apple, and they make flavors their customers have requested, like the amazing Banana Puddin’! Their best-sellers are “the Nashville Mix” (Hot ‘N Spicy & White Cheddar) and Sweet Heat.
Customers are the heart of their business. Amber explains, “This may sound “cheesy”- literally – but our popcorn is really made with love – with people we love for people we love: our customers.” They also partner with Nashville Sweets (another Nashville Wraps customer), who uses their popcorn for catered weddings.
A local packaging partner for Kernels is Nashville Wraps. “We love Nashville Wraps because (1) they are local (2) the shipping is quick and (3) customer service is always friendly,” says Amber. Cello bags, ribbon and gift basket supplies are all favorites.
The Greer Family Success Story
Next time you’re in Nashville, we hope you stop in to meet the entrepreneurial Greer family and try some of their spectacular popcorn. Music City may just have to change its name to Hot & Spicy!
Crazy about those “Home Sweet Home” boxes!