Bluffton-based Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co. is announcing plans to open a Lima store in the fall of 2016.

The store, co-anchoring a newly-constructed retail plaza at 435 S. Eastown Rd., will be the company’s fifth location overall, and second corporate store alongside the flagship location in downtown Bluffton.

Co-founder and CEO Pete Suter said the newest location is the result of a history of strong ties between the Shirley’s brand and the Lima community.

“Over the last several years we’ve done successful fundraisers with Lima-area organizations, created co-branded flavors alongside several colleges, and of course helped customers who made a special trip to Bluffton just to refill their popcorn tins,” said Suter. “So opening in Lima made perfect sense for us.”

Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co., established in 2009, focuses on about a dozen core flavors including Caramel To Die For, Windy City Style, and Dark Salted Caramel, all created by hand, in small batches, locally at each store.

“Gourmet popcorn really isn’t a trend or a fad,” said Suter, explaining the product’s appeal as a timeless American snack that all generations can enjoy. “So we’ve designed each of our stores with bright colors, lots of chances for everyone to sample our flavors, and an emphasis on creating relationships with our customers.”

With a growing web business and additional franchise locations open in Maumee, Findlay, and Westerville, Suter said short-term plans include franchise expansion throughout the region.

“Right now we’re talking with candidates interested in opening their own business not only in the major Ohio cities,” said Suter, “but also throughout the Midwest, South, and Northeast.”

Suter said he is confident that Shirley’s will thrive in the Eastown Road building.

“We’ve always known that Lima is a great town, and the people from our local building developer to the convention and visitor’s bureau have all been outstanding to work with,” said Suter. “We are very proud that Lima is the next step in our business growth.”

Photos:
Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Company management team members (clockwise from left) Dan Stanowick, Kim Suter, Pete Suter, Jennifer Althaus, Samantha Lawrence, Amber Anderson, and Toni Smith celebrate the company’s fifth location, opening in Lima in fall 2016.

The storefront of Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Company’s newest location, opening at 435 S. Eastown Road in Lima, Ohio during the fall of 2016.