Pop City Popcorn

07/15/2026

Thank you, Lake and Local ! 🥰

07/15/2026

Lake and Local Spotlight: Pop City Popcorn

I recently had the chance to sit down with Becky, the owner of Pop City Popcorn in Kalamazoo, and hear the story behind the business.

It's funny because when you walk into a popcorn shop, you don't really think about everything that had to happen for it to exist. You see the shelves of colorful flavors, smell fresh popcorn, and probably start deciding what you're taking home.

But like so many of the people I've met through Lake and Local, there's a lot more behind the counter.

Pop City Popcorn first opened in 2013 under its original owners, and the story of how it began is a pretty neat one. When a local movie theater closed, they held onto one piece of it: the popcorn popper. What started with that single machine eventually grew into Pop City Popcorn.

In 2018, Becky and her husband purchased the business and have continued building on what was started.

What surprised me most was finding out that popcorn wasn't even part of their original plan.

Before taking over Pop City, they owned a jam and jelly business and sold at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. Becky told me they were making around 100 jars every week at one point. As time went on, though, they realized they couldn't keep doing both. They made the decision to focus their energy on Pop City, and that's been their full attention ever since.

As Becky shared her story, one thing became really clear. She loves creating.

Of course there are the classic flavors, but she lights up talking about themed creations, seasonal specials, and trying things people won't find just anywhere. We even talked about their Star Wars-themed lineup that came out for May 4th, which I thought was such a fun example of how they keep people coming back.

At one point she said something that really stuck with me.

"If every popcorn shop made the same thing, what would be the draw?"

I smiled because she's absolutely right.

The businesses I feature aren't memorable because they sell the same products as everyone else. They're memorable because of the people behind them and the passion they bring every day.

So if you're in Kalamazoo, stop by Pop City Popcorn. Try a flavor you've never had before, and grab an extra bag for a friend. 💙🍿

📍 Pop City Popcorn
346 S. Kalamazoo Mall
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Can't make it downtown? You can also find a selection of Pop City Popcorn flavors on the "Michigan Favorites Shelf" at Meijer, making it easy to support a local favorite while you're doing your grocery shopping.

07/15/2026

☀️ Summer tastes better with popcorn! 🍿

Our July Flavors of the Month are here, and they're everything you love about summer...

🔥 S'Mores Mix - All the delicious flavors of a campfire treat... without having to sit around a campfire. (And with these temperatures, we're pretty thankful for that! 😅)

⚾ Ballpark Mix – Sweet, salty, crunchy goodness that brings all the fun of a day at the ballpark.

If you're spending the day inside to escape the extreme heat or the smoky skies, these limited-time flavors are the perfect summer snack. Grab a bag, turn on a movie, and let us bring a little taste of summer to you. No campfire or ballgame required.

Stop by Pop City Popcorn and grab a bag (or two!) before these July favorites are gone!

🍿 Which one are you reaching for first: S'Mores Mix or Ballpark Mix?

07/13/2026

🥵 It's HOT out there! 🍿

How are you surviving this heat wave?

🏖️ Heading to the lake? Grab some popcorn for the beach bag.

🎬 Staying inside with the A/C cranked up and a movie marathon? You definitely need popcorn.

🚗 Road-tripping? Popcorn makes the perfect snack for the ride.

🎆 Hosting friends? Bring out a bowl of gourmet popcorn and watch it disappear.

🥗 And let's be honest, with all the recent produce recalls, you're probably not reaching for lettuce or berries right now anyway. 😅

Whatever your plans are this week, we've got a flavor to match your mood. From sweet to savory and everything in between.

Stop by Pop City Popcorn and stock up on your favorites. We'll keep popping. You keep snacking! 🍿❤️

Tell us: What's your favorite hot-weather activity, and which popcorn flavor are you taking with you?

07/13/2026

You knew we would have to post this one sooner or later. 🌽🍿☀️☀️☀️

07/13/2026

Check on your loved ones and be sure to stay hydrated.

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤; 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚
The National Weather Service predicts that the Kalamazoo area will experience another period of extreme heat this week, Monday, July 13 through Thursday, July 16, 2026. It could possibly extend into Friday, July 17. The most current forecast calls for the actual temperatures to reach the low to mid 90’s during these days. In combination with these high actual temperatures, the humidity is also predicted to be high, causing the heat index to reach 100 to 105 degrees each day. Temperatures are expected to drop during the evening hours, but remain in the 70’s.

Extreme heat can become dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning.
When temperatures and humidity are high, remember to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity, wear lightweight light-colored clothing, spend time in air-conditioned environments when possible, and check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

For individuals who do not have access to a cool location, the following cooling shelters and cooling centers will be available during their listed hours of operation.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome. A valid state-issued ID or Kalamazoo County identification showing residency within the Kalamazoo metropolitan area is required for shelter utilization. For additional information, call (269) 345-2974.

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
448 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 4 PM.
No identification or residency requirements for cooling center use. Guests may remain and transition directly into dinner service.

Ministry with Community
500 N. Edwards St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Adults and children accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcomed between 6:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is no identification or residency requirement for cooling center use. Pets are permitted if they remain under their owner’s immediate control and are not aggressive.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Central Library
315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 9 AM – 8 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays, Closed on Sunday

Kalamazoo Public Library – Washington Square Branch
1244 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Eastwood Branch
1112 Gayle Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 1 PM – 8 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Alma Powell Branch
308 W. North St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Open 1 PM – 6 PM on Mondays, 1 PM – 8 PM on Tuesdays, 1 PM – 6 PM on Wednesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays, 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

Kalamazoo Public Library – Oshtemo Branch
7265 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Open 10 AM – 8 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 AM – 6 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, closed on Sundays.

The Salvation Army Kalamazoo
1700 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open 9 AM – 4 PM Monday through Friday (closed from 12 PM – 1 PM each day)
Service animals permitted; no other pets allowed.

Portage District Library
300 Library Ln., Portage, MI 49002
Open 9 AM – 9 PM on Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 6 PM on Fridays, 9 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays, Closed on Sundays.

Portage Zhang Senior Center
203 E. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002
Open 8 AM – 5 PM Mondays and Fridays, 7 AM – 7:30 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 2 PM – 5 PM on Sundays. Closed on Saturdays.
*Service dogs permitted; no other pets allowed.

Comstock Community Center
6330 King Hwy., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Open 8 AM – 4 PM Monday through Thursday. Open 8 AM – 12 PM on Fridays. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
May close during severe weather if staff safety becomes a concern.

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Residents can access free drinking water at the following public hydration stations:
Dr. Martin Luther King Park
507 N Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Bronson Park
200 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Southside Park
2156 Race St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴
When the heat index reaches 100 degrees, the City of Kalamazoo strategically opens twelve designated fire hydrants to provide additional relief for residents. For safety reasons, residents should never attempt to open a fire hydrant themselves. Unauthorized operation can negatively affect water pressure throughout the system, potentially compromising firefighting efforts and public safety during an emergency. As conditions warrant, the following hydrants will be open this week from 1 PM - 9 PM:

• Fox Ridge Apartments
• Interfaith Apartments
• Norway Ave. at Princeton Ave.
• Burrell Ave. at Lawrence St.
• Krom St. at E Clay St.
• N Church St. at Norway Ave.
• Fairbanks Ave. at Center St.
• Charlotte Ave. at Sherwood Ave.
• Clarence St. at Jackson St.
• Washington Ave. at March St.
• Hays Park Ave. at James St.
• Hays Park Ave. at March St.

𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀
Residents may also cool off at these public water recreation facilities:

Kik Pool
1018 Walter St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1:30 PM – 6 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 PM – 8 PM, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:30 PM – 7 PM.

La Crone Park Splash Pad
535 W Paterson St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Florence Street Splash Pad
534 Florence St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, stay cool, stay hydrated, and take precautions to prevent heat-related illness throughout the day.

07/11/2026

Come see us today at the Westnedge Meijer.

07/11/2026

07/08/2026

🎨 Art Hop is This Friday! 🎨

Stop by Pop City Popcorn this Friday, July 10, from 5:00–8:00 PM during Kalamazoo Art Hop and check out the incredible artwork of Jade Nitro Art!

We're always excited to host Jade. Her work is as vibrant and creative as she is, and her fun-loving personality makes every Art Hop a great experience.

Grab your favorite popcorn, browse some amazing local art, and enjoy an evening exploring Downtown Kalamazoo. We can't wait to see you!

07/02/2026

🇺🇸 Declare Independence... from our popcorn surplus! 🍿

We're so disappointed that tonight's Patriotic Pops Concert was canceled due to the extreme heat. We had popped A LOT of fresh popcorn and now we need your help!

🎆 July 4th Weekend Special
Buy 3 bags, Get 1 FREE!

Mix and match from our concert stock of flavors and help us become independent from a mountain of popcorn! 😄

Fresh popcorn. Great savings. Everybody wins!

📅 Sale valid Thursday & Friday (while supplies last).
We'll be closed on Saturday, July 4, so stop in before the holiday!

❤️🤍💙 Thank you for supporting our small business! We hope everyone has a safe, cool, and happy Independence Day!