New Popcorn Store 'Has Many Delicious Flavors'

JOLIET, IL - Word is getting out around Joliet about a new one-of-a-kind business that opened up recently in the Marycrest Shopping Center. Popus Gourmet Popcorn opened in October at 2004 West Jefferson St. On Thursday afternoon, the Joliet Patch paid a visit to the new business that offers a huge variety of popcorn flavors.

Among the many options are: kettle corn, movie butter, Jalapeno, simply blazing and sriracha. Additionally, there's the always changing flavors of the week.

Signs in the window storefront advertise chocolate drizzle, cheese and fruit explosion.

The new Joliet business is owned and operated by Walter and Leanne Dean.

How good is the popcorn?

The business motto for Popus is "You Deserve the Best."

"We love popcorn, so we just decided to open a business," Leanne Dean told Joliet Patch.

So far, the Midwest Mix: a combination of cheese and caramel corn has been the customer favorite. Playing it safe, the Joliet Patch bought a $5 bag of Midwest Mix to share with the family.

No complaints. It was quite good.

While Patch visited Popus Gourmet Popcorn around 3 p.m., a half dozen walk-in customers stopped in the store to order popcorn. Some were repeat customers. Others were clearly first-timers.

"They come in all day," Leanne Dean told Patch.

Dean said the new popcorn store can make just about any flavor including cherry, dill pickle as well as sour cream and chives.

"We will create them as well, so it's hard to say (hypothetically) that we have eighteen flavors. We have an endless number. A lot of people mix all kinds of brands together," Leanne Dean told Joliet Patch. "So then you get a personal preference."

Popus Gourmet Popcorn is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. It's next to the Sidelines Sports Bar.

You can also place a pickup order by calling 815-280-5133.

Images via John Ferak/Joliet Patch Editor