Poppee’s Popcorn Acquired by Lehi Valley Trading Company

Categories: Arizona Business NewsArizona State News

Poppee’s Popcorn: A legacy of quality and flavor.

News Summary

Poppee’s Popcorn, a cherished family-owned business in North Ridgeville, Ohio, is being acquired by Arizona’s Lehi Valley Trading Company. Founded in the 1940s, Poppee’s Popcorn has been a staple in the community, known for its quality popcorn products. The transition ensures the legacy of the brand continues as co-owners Tom and Jennifer McGuire will remain with the company for three months post-sale. The acquisition opens opportunities for growth and innovation while maintaining the company’s commitment to quality popcorn.

North Ridgeville, Ohio – Poppee’s Popcorn, a family-run business that has been a local favorite for decades, is being acquired by the Lehi Valley Trading Company based in Arizona. This transaction marks a significant moment in the history of the iconic popcorn brand, known for its commitment to quality and its involvement in the community. The acquisition is part of a transition plan that ensures the continuation of Poppee’s Popcorn operations in North Ridgeville.

Founded in the 1940s, Poppee’s Popcorn began as a small operation in a West Park basement by entrepreneur Walter McGuire. Following Walter McGuire’s passing in 1949, his wife, Edith McGuire, took the reins of the business. She expanded its offerings by opening a penny candy store in Lakewood and introduced the first flavors of caramel corn and popcorn balls.

In 1961, their son, Tim McGuire, took over the family business and spearheaded further expansions. Notably, the company moved to North Ridgeville in 1985, becoming the first occupant of what is now recognized as Taylor Woods Industrial Park. Under Tim’s leadership, Poppee’s Popcorn flourished, eventually launching the brand Jenny’s Old Fashioned Popcorn. The business was honored as the Business of the Year by the City of North Ridgeville in 2009.

After Tim McGuire’s children, Tom and Jennifer, acquired the business in October 2007, the company continued to grow. The sale to Lehi Valley Trading Company is viewed as a new chapter for Poppee’s Popcorn, which has had a longstanding relationship with the buyer as a client prior to the acquisition. To ensure a seamless transition, Tom and Jennifer McGuire will remain with the company for three months following the sale.

Poppee’s Popcorn is renowned for a variety of popcorn snacks, with items like Jenny’s Caramel Dittos being among the top sellers. The company prides itself on its rigorous quality control and traditional popcorn-making methods. They maintain the philosophy that popcorn should be just as fresh when it reaches the customer as it was when it was made, and they order 45,000 pounds of popcorn at a time to meet production demands for seven to eight workdays.

The reach of Poppee’s Popcorn has expanded significantly beyond North Ridgeville, with distribution across 25 states and into Canada. This growth reflects the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, established during over 60 years of operations under the McGuire family.

Mayor Kevin Corcoran recently recognized the McGuire family during a City Council meeting for their contributions to the local community and the lasting impact of Poppee’s Popcorn. The company’s transition to Lehi Valley Trading is anticipated to uphold the legacy of the business while integrating new opportunities for further expansion and innovation in the popcorn market.