The Little Shop That Pops: Tinley's Popus Popcorn Going 1 Year Strong

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tracy Smith wasn't entirely sure what she was getting herself into when she left the corporate world and leapt into becoming a small business owner.

Smith, the owner of Popus Gourmet Popcorn in Tinley Park, was eager to give entrepreneurship a pop—or shot—and knew there'd be a learning curve. Now one year into her venture, Smith says she's all the wiser, and even more so, grateful.

"The whole community’s just been so welcoming," Smith said. "The Village takes great pride in their small businesses. No one else really wanted to take a chance on us, but Tinley Park did."

Frankfort resident Smith tried on several locations, before slipping into the door in what was the roughed-out space in The Boulevard in downtown Tinley Park, 6741 South St.

"We looked so many places," Smith said. "This location, when we walked in, it just felt like home.

"It just felt right, there was people walking up and down the street. It just felt 'homey.'"

It's all personal for Smith, 52. The mother of four and wife to David injects her own vision into everything at Popus. From the 50 flavors, to daily specials and playing a part in local events—Smith has a hand in all things popping up at the shop.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.

"I’ve always wanted to have something to call my own," she said. "There isn’t really many people out there who don’t love popcorn. The fact that we could get creative with the flavors and the things we do, it sealed the deal for us.

"There’s just so much creativity in this place."

Caramel, cheese, Sriracha, "Fruity-tooty"—those are just a few of the 50 flavors made fresh at the shop. Their caramelized popcorn stays fresh for six months, savory popcorn for 60 days. Smith's favorite flavor? Bacon.

"Pretty much comes right from the kettle, to the bag," Smith said.

New flavors are created constantly, Smith said. She employs teenagers from the area, including Tinley Park, Oak Forest and Frankfort. The popcorn is all made in-house, and her staff often brainstorms the newest flavors.

"That’s where our flavor ideas come from—they come from within," she said. "One of my favorite parts, is working with the people."

As a small, independently owned business making its debut in Tinley Park, Smith said she had no idea how essential the town's support would be in the shop's early days.

"All the little places on Oak Park Avenue are so welcoming, always helping each other," Smith said. "They wrap you in a big hug, and they guide you."

Smith is originally from the south suburbs. She and her husband previously lived in Blue Island, before making the move to Frankfort. Before she left her corporate role, she worked in warehousing and logistics. Her husband is a regional manager for a major appliance parts distributor.

In her previous position, Smith worked alongside the owner of a Popus location in Joliet. He asked if she'd want to be a franchisee of his, but she declined. She wanted to do this for herself.

"It’s a lot more than I thought," Smith said, laughing, of what she's learned about being a business owner. "Owning a small business isn’t as easy as some people make it look. You learn a lot along the way. .... It's well worth it, though."

Smith uses social media to promote daily specials, interact with customers, and spread the word about her popping passion.

"The most important thing that I’ve learned is that it’s the people that come in that make the differences," she said. "Knowing your customers, is the most important thing I’ve learned."

As the business continues to grow, they've been invited to participate in town events, increasing visibility of their very new name. They've been featured at farmers markets, holiday events, Brew and Vine, and community concerts, to name a few. They'll be at the Caribbean Block Party this year, too. They'll also be selling packaged popcorn at EVEN Hotel in Tinley Park. You can also find them at Short & Tasty Treats in Frankfort, 26 Ash St. They partner with local nonprofits and groups for fundraising opportunities, too.

With kids ages 17, 32, 34 and 38, and grandchildren, too, Smith prides herself on her shop being one where her family—and others—can gather for something salty (or sweet).

"My grandkids coming in and feeling like they own the place, is the best feeling for me," Smith said.

With the shop's first anniversary approaching on May 7, Smith recently unveiled they've added a cotton candy machine, and hinted at anniversary specials to come. The anniversary also falls on her 53rd birthday.

A bustling business has been hard-earned, Smith said, but she knows there's a magic behind it besides just the kernels: the people.

"I feel like I personally know a lot of them now, and they take the time to come in and use the business," Smith said. "It’s a relationship that we have with our customers. They could spend their money anywhere they’d want to, but I try to let them know they’re important to me.

"I’ve learned how much I appreciate people I never knew before. Complete strangers have changed my life."

Hours are:

• Mon: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tues-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Follow Popus Gourmet Popcorn Tinley Park on Facebook for the daily specials and flavor announcements.