Almost any problem in life can be solved over a cold craft beer with friends and freshly popped popcorn. Unfortunately, microwavable popcorn can be scary stuff, from GMO’s to chemical additives. Kristy and Coulter Lewis wished there was an alternative, something truly healthy that they could get excited about buying, but there wasn’t, until now. Meet Quinn Popcorn, Microwave Popcorn…re-invented.
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Kristy and Coulter are that couple you want at every party; honest, quirky and driven, this foodie and designer/engineer, are contagiously passionate. Touring their facilities, I was impressed with what Quinn Popcorn has achieved in the 2 years since its inspired ideation mere days after the birth of their son Quinn. Their values reflect strong commitment to sustainability, but creating a pure product that tasted amazing meant completely re-designing microwave popcorn. Because of this, it took nearly a year to make Quinn a reality. Chemical free bags didn’t exist, so they created them. Kristy required pure ingredients that would maintain their quality throughout testing; a quality over locality dilemma that forced her to source from outside the area, however, regardless of this, their product is the epitome of a locally grown crop.
Quinn’s test kitchens were family, friends and coworkers from IDEO and Harmonix. “We gave video cameras and hand made samples to friends & family.” Coulter said. Watching the videos were key, because, “Often times what we were told and what we saw were very different. It didn’t always go well!”
Lemon & Sea Salt, Vermont Maple & Sea Salt, and Parmesan & Rosemary were voted by a consensus of addictiveness. Prototypes in hand, Quinn Popcorn debuted on Kickstarter last July, hoping to raise $10,000. 30 days later with $27,881 from 755 generous backers, Quinn Popcorn hit the ground running, while infant Quinn delivered comedy through sleep deprivation. Mustard in the freezer, eggs in cupboards, and one morning an exhausted Kristy poured milk straight into the cereal box. Thanks to Kickstarter, they now had two babies keeping them up at night.
They were a little worried in the beginning as to whether Boston, a Tech & Pharma town, would embrace their food company. A baseless worry, as the town has affectionately rallied around them. Local artisans, Taza Chocolate, provided early warehouse space, while Whole Foods granted Quinn a Small Food Producer loan. However, with 75% of Quinn Popcorn sold in Massachusetts, it’s the devoted local consumers that have proven essential in their success. They’ve learned how to make their popcorn better by engaging with customers via regular appearances at Farmers’ Markets. It’s these one-on-one connections with the local community, made possible through public events, that excites them most about their upcoming appearance at Brewfest. That, and as Coulter reminded me, “ a bunch of great beer!”
Curious what flavor got away? Peanut Butter & Honey.
Meet Quinn Popcorn at The 3rd Annual Local Craft Brewfest, Friday October 5th from 6PM – 9:30PM at the HarborPark in Ft Point, Boston. Taste some of the best craft beers and locally produced foods in Massachusetts and help raise funds for the Boston Local Food Festival.
This post was written by Michele Martin of Table of Two, go check her out!
