Amaize Gourmet Popcorn Shoppe
Why we love it: Owners Laura and Jeremiah Hruby give the traditional treat a new spin at their Hudson storefront. “We really just try to layer flavors,” says Laura. “When you’re cooking a dish, when you take the time and you put the layers and the effort in there, that does make a big difference.”
Try this: The Endurance Popcorn ($2.50-$27) is popped in extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
72 N. Main St., No. 6, Hudson, 330-342-0300, amaizepopcorn.com
Campbell’s Sweets Factory
Why we love it: At Campbell’s Sweets Factory, co-owner Jeff Campbell uses mushroom popcorn kernels, which deliver firm, round pieces. “Everybody wants popcorn that crunches,” says Campbell. “So it’s a really good, crunchy product.”
Try this: The Dichotomy Corn ($4.95 per 7-ounce bag), a mix of cheese-coated caramel corn.
2084 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-965-0451, campbellssweets.com
Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop
Why we love it: The iconic shop celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019. General manager Patti Raymond believes a commitment to quality helps the shop get stronger with age. “We use the finest ingredients,” she says. “Our caramel corn is brown sugar and butter.”
Try this: The Sweets Lover ($4.25-$7.50) combines caramel corn with kettle corn.
53 N. Main St., Chagrin Falls, 440-247-6577, chagrinfallspopcorn.com
Grand Pacific Popcorn Co.
Why we love it: The Grand Pacific Popcorn Co. serves small-batch, house-made popcorn in the Grand Pacific Junction Historic Shopping District. “We wanted to match the historic nature of the area,” says co-owner Liz Marshall.
Try this: The Cheddar Pretzel Ale popcorn (small $4) has a faint taste of beer.
8064 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, 440-235-2886, grandpacificpopcorn.com
Nom Nom Popcorn Co.
Why we love it: Christi and Marc Albert have turned Nom Nom from an online shop into a brick-and-mortar spot. “We usually have anywhere from about 50 to 60 flavors,” says Christi.
Try this: The Reese’s Peanut Butter (three for $10) is topped with melted peanut butter and milk chocolate, then sprinkled with peanut butter chips.
1965 E. Maple St., Suite D, North Canton, 330-880-6670, facebook.com/nomnompopcorn