Popus Gourmet Popcorn Reopens In Joliet: 'It's A Great Feeling'

JOLIET, IL — An award-winning, locally owned business reopened Friday morning to a steady stream of customers. Popus Gourmet Popcorn was one of numerous small businesses that remained closed the past seven weeks during the new coronavirus outbreak.

Popus is at 2004 West Jefferson St., inside the Marycrest Shopping Center.

Business owner Walter Dean told Joliet Patch that he was ecstatic by Friday's turnout during his first couple hours of being open for curbside pickup.

"The outcry from the community has been great," Dean remarked. "It's a great feeling. The community has embraced us, and we appreciate the support."

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Even though Popus Gourmet Popcorn had been closed for several weeks, Dean said a GoFundMe account allowed customers to donate to its first responders program.

Their donations allowed Popus to bring popcorn and other treats to the workers at AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical, Silver Cross Hospital, Joliet Police Department and Joliet Fire Department, Dean said.

On Friday, Popus had 11 flavors of popcorn available for purchase, including banana pudding and green apple. Dean said the cheesy caramel is a customer favorite.

"It's a caramel layered in cheese," he said.

Midwest Mix was the most popular seller on Friday. "We've had to refill that three times," Dean remarked.

Popus opened in Joliet in October 2018. Since then, the one-of-a-kind business has won awards for having the best caramel popcorn, Dean said.

Popus Gourmet Popcorn also captured an award from the Joliet Chamber of Commerce for New Business of the Year.

Popus is staying open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The business is closed Monday and Tuesday, Dean said.

Customers are urged to call ahead for their orders at 815-280-5133. Popus also utilizes DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats for deliveries.

To place an online order or see the menu, visit the website for Popus Gourmet Popcorn here.

Joliet Patch continues to write about the city's small local restaurants and businesses during the ongoing health crisis. Patch created a simple survey to let everyone know they are open and their current hours of operation. About 140 Joliet businesses have been added to Patch's list so far. If you want to add your business to Joliet Patch's list of open and closed businesses, you can do so here.

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• Illinois Coronavirus Update May 1: 2,355 Deaths Reported
• Joliet Park District Golf Courses Have Reopened
• Big Apple Pancake House Makes Comeback In Joliet