new caramel corn business startup

opportunity examples

Queen City Popcorn Cincinnati International Airport

Queen City Popcorn Cincinnati International Airport

Many people have seen franchised caramel corn shops in shopping malls and thought, “If I can get a location like that, I can make a fortune.”  Unfortunately, these locations are not easy to get, and some mall managers have decided that all food operations should be stuck out on a “food oasis” or a “food court.” While it is possible to develop a very loyal clientele for your variety flavors of popcorn, and the most successful caramel corn shops do in fact have a loyal following, it’s a lot nicer to have some “impulse traffic” near the shop, making it very easy for patrons to drop in and make a purchase.  Don’t overlook shopping malls.  If you can get an excellent high traffic spot for a multi flavored popcorn shop, and can get it at a reasonable rent, by all means, do it.  A “kiosk” is even better!

Other people feel that there are certain demographics that must be present for a successful multi flavored popcorn shop.  These criteria are certainly open to criticism – and, cannot be “chiseled in stone” as the only way.  Generally speaking, you want high traffic – slightly “upscale” shoppers. For example, ready and steady access to white collar office workers – with a secondary benefit of later afternoon, evening and weekend traffic.  It’s great to be near two or three other retailers who also will be generating heavy traffic with “upscale” spenders.  Remember, you aren’t selling popcorn at the same price they get at the Little League baseball field concession stand – you almost get theatre prices!  If you have an opportunity to observe other successful multi-flavored popcorn shops, make a note to record the types of customers who seem to be “regulars”.  Basically, you would like a location where you can develop plenty of traffic from 11:30 in the morning to at least 7:30 in the evening on weekdays.