The Gourmet Kernel Brings Popistas and Oh Sweet Cheezus to Algonquin Commons

While commuting to Chicago when she worked in the technology field, Judy Reyes says she had a lot of time to dream. Two weeks ago, her dream of opening a gourmet popcorn store has come true.

Reyes' store, the Gourmet Kernel, located at 1724 S. Randall Road in the Algonquin Commons, is popping "Caramelt Apple" as its Flavor of the Month.

"I liked a popcorn shop in Geneva, and I watched it grow," said Reyes, who lives in Carol Stream. "I thought it sure seemed like the ultimate semi-retirement business."

With 30 years as an entrepreneurial technology specialist, Reyes knew how to come up with a business plan. She also knew she had a lot to learn about the art of popping.

"I found a training center in Texas," she said. "I learned all about gourmet popcorn."

She also purchased her equipment in the Lone Star state, but her flavorings—like "Oh Sweet Cheezus," a cheddar and caramel corn mixture—are her own blends.

"I came up with the name 'Oh Sweet Cheezus' years ago when I was driving," she said.

Though she opened the business earlier than originally planned, it's because the opportunity seemed ripe.

"I still have two children living at home, my son Jonathan is 22 and Elizabeth is 17, so it will probably be awhile until we have the house to ourselves anyway," she said. "So why wait?"

She liked the idea of downtown Elgin, because the historic architecture seemed to lend itself to a nostalgic popcorn concept. But she observed that office workers made up most of the foot traffic there, so she came up with Plan B.

"How likely would it be for repeat business with people who are working in the area?" Reyes said. "It makes more sense to be in a mall or shopping center atmosphere like this."

Her goals are to work with corporations and organizations to provide creative popcorn options for their events. But it's the face-to-face interaction with popcorn lovers that she's looking forward to the most.

"I can remember the old-fashioned popcorn shops with the kettle corn," she said. "I really want to offer that consistency, so no matter what time of the day people come in, they will get the same consistency."

She has seven part-time employees who are learning various areas of the operations.

"They're not poppers," she said. "They're popistas."

The team is cross-training now so they are ready to go during the holidays, wherever they're needed. One of her popistas is Chris Orda of West Chicago, a friend of Reyes' son, Jonathan.

"I've known Chris since he was in first grade," she said. "And my son comes in and rolls up his sleeves and gets to work too," she said.

With plans to fill one of her walls with retail offerings, the store now consists of a counter where popistas serve up the corn into bags that range in price from $3.99 to $11.99. Tins are available for $16.99 up to $59.99. And water, soda and sports drinks are sold as well, from $1 to $2.

In addition to corn, Reyes know the importance of the right look.

With teal walls, a vintage-style chalkboard for prices, and tins stacked in the window, Reyes offers a clean look she considered for awhile.

Her graphic designer created a logo of a waiter serving up one perfectly popped, oversized kernel of corn. With the art-deco mode interior, she keeps the focus on the popcorn, which is compartmentalized in plastic sections with a description and price.

And she sells peanuts separately, by the cannister.,

"I just thought that by doing it this way, people can still enjoy the flavorings of peanuts with popcorn, but some people have allergies to peanuts so this way they don't have to worry about that," she said.

Reyes said she chose to sell Sanfillippo products because she believes in supporting local businesses.

Store hours for The Gourmet Kernel are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.