Business & Tech

Waltham Popcorn Shop To Close

"Unfortunately the drop in sales, as a result of the pandemic, has made it impossible to remain in operation," said Miriam Cohen Franzen​.

WALTHAM, MA — Waltham Popcorn popped on the scene in 2016, serving gourmet popcorn to rave reviews. But the shop's popcorn makers will go silent by the end of the July, according to the owner.

"Unfortunately the drop in sales, as a result of the pandemic, has made it impossible to remain in operation," owner Miriam Cohen Franzen said in a statement.

Such closures are becoming familiar as businesses large and small struggle with either months of closure or severely diminished business amid the pandemic. While the state's moratorium on evictions has just been extended even as the state slowly reopens to allow outdoor dining and limited indoor dining, it just doesn't seem to be enough for many businesses to catch up.

Find out what's happening in Walthamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Restaurant associations estimate that some 35 percent of restaurants alone have closed so far. Others predict many more businesses, especially small ones, will continue to struggle even as more municipalities follow Boston and Waltham and now Newton allowing restaurants to more easily offer Al Fresco dining options and the state moves into Phase 3, allowing retailers to let customers inside.

Franzen said she still has popcorn that's ready to buy as well as equipment and supplies and anyone interested in making a purchase should get in touch at contact@walthampopcorn.com.

Find out what's happening in Walthamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.


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