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    The Mad Popper

    4.7 (53 reviews)
    ModeratePopcorn Shops
    Closed Closed

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    Caramel and cinnamon bun popcorn

    Great place in Durham to get holiday gifts or to treat yourself. Lots of different flavors like caramel, candy cane, white and yellow cheddar plus many more. Lots of sizes and cute containers.

    Holiday popcorn flavors
    Dan H.

    This place is great for gifts or yourself. I was looking for something different to treat my local baristas to this year for the holidays. Usually I get them a card and a selection of donuts, but I wanted to mix it up this year. I decided to try the Mad Popper for an assortment of popcorns in a nice holiday tins. They had a nice sized one with a selection of three flavors. There was a wide variety of popcorns to mix and match from. They have a traditional selection of flavors and a rotating selection of seasonal ones. The staff is very nice and excellent about explaining all that they offer and helping you find what you're looking for. It's a place I'll easily go back to for myself on more occasions or for gifts. They have selections that varies from big or small. You can also get refills for your own large personal tin. This place is truly a nice hidden gem in Durham.

    a candy cone on a table

    Loved our popcorn cones as favors for our wedding! Our order was ready right when we got to the store, packed and ready to go. Looked great, and our guests loved it!

    Menu board
    Kristin A.

    I bookmarked this place a few days ago and tried it out yesterday. I absolutely love popcorn so I live for shops like this one. Parking was easy and I was greeted immediately upon entering by the owner. I asked if I could sample any flavors and was told I could sample them all. I shared my preference for savory flavors and got recommendations. I tried, and ended up purchasing snack bags of the Jalapeño Cheddar, Q Corn BBQ, White Cheddar and the Maple Glaze (which went well with the BBQ flavor). Each week there seems to be a featured flavor for that time period. So when I saw Dill Pickle in their reviews, I didn't realize it was just for one week. I'm sure they likely keep a high volume of what sells the most, daily. The only thing I wish was different was there being a label with popcorn name on the corresponding bag. Once I got home, I kinda forgot what I'd purchased. This also might be because I got the smallest bags but I'll definitely find out next time I go...I will be back! Oh...and since I plan to go back, the owner gave me "The Popper Card" which offers a $4 credit after 10 purchases of $4 or more. It'll be full in no time!

    Greg H.

    Great place with super friendly people, making incredible popcorn flavors that one wouldn't even think of. The shopping center is a little out of the way but so worth it. So hard to choose which flavor to buy! But they let you sample everything!

    Caroline Z.

    I love popcorn. It is one of my five core food groups (the others being cheese, garlic, dry cereal, and Chinese takeout). When I heard about "popcorn lung", I was devastated. So clearly, when a gourmet popcorn store opens down the street from my house, you know I am going to be there. The Mad Popper is an fun, whimsical addition to the somewhat utilitarian Homestead Market shopping center. They have several flavors of popcorn to choose from - classic, caramel, cheddar (note: I have never really liked cheesy popcorn, but the cheddar here is excellent), Carolina Barbecue (wrap your mind around that), Sweet Tea (ditto), as well as a flavor of the week (I think this week's was blueberry? something blue) and a chocolate flavor. I opted for the chocolate - I'm currently chowing down, as I write this, on chocolate caramel delight. Delighted? Well yes, I am. Popcorn comes in several bag and tin sizes - and tins are refillable at half-price. Yay recycling and popcorn - an unbeatable combo! You can layer flavors in the bags and you can ship your popcorn creations to lucky friends and relatives. Pick up your Kernel Club Card when you go(after 8 stamps, you get a big free bag of popcorn), 'cause you know you'll be back.

    Their version of the Chicago mix, caramel corn with white & yellow chedder - yum!

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    11 years ago

    They have flavored popcorn and you can mix them , I Love the Strawberry , Maple & White Cheddar!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Mad Popper

    Review Highlights - The Mad Popper

    Lots of different flavors like caramel, candy cane, white and yellow cheddar plus many more.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

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    Jimmy's Golden Gourmet Popcorn - Small, Large, and Standard Tins available- Tasty Toffee Treats

    Jimmy's Golden Gourmet Popcorn

    5.0(3 reviews)
    6.4 mi

    I also bought a bag at the Plantation Point Farmers' Market...blame it totally on the other Yelpers…read more(Rachel and Rod) who posted pics that literally sent me flying out to find this popcorn. Sigh, I am weak. And this is really good popcorn! When I said that I preferred savory to sweet, the gal recommended their Platinum mix, and she was so right!

    Popcorn on crack......and it's just as addictive…read more There's not really much else I really need to say, however, i will. We went to the Farmer's market at Plantation point one rainy saturday and bought a bag of their Platnium Mix (caramel and white Cheddar popcorn). Before the day ended the bag was some how empty. i'm pretty sure there was a whole in the bottom and it all fell out.......that's my story and i'm sticking to it! Needless to say, since it all "fell out" we....well technically, I.....my husband was unaware of my shopping decision since he was busy starring at knives, decided to buy the BIG bag of Platnium this time.........There are several other wonderful flavors available, but i am in love with the salty sweet combo. But regardless of what you get, just go ahead and save yourself the time and get the big bag. Not only are you supporting local yummyness, which really should be motivation enough, but you're getting a great and deeee-licious product! (p.s they also are a great fundraising option for all you school people out there, and their popcorn is very reasonably priced!)

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    Jimmy's Golden Gourmet Popcorn
    Jimmy's Golden Gourmet Popcorn
    Jimmy's Golden Gourmet Popcorn

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    Carolina Popcorn Shoppe - Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn.

    Carolina Popcorn Shoppe

    4.5(38 reviews)
    14.7 mi
    $

    I chose Carolina Popcorn Shoppe because it was the only popcorn place in the area that I could find…read moreon google and I am so happy that I found it! The business is situated inside of a small shopping center and there probably always a parking space due to the location When I called the lady answered the phone and she was really nice! She told me that they normally take orders 24 to 48 hours in advance but I called at the perfect time because they were just popping popcorn! I was so happy about that! I ordered 2 bags of their bulk popcorn! The bags individually feed about 40 people! And they are huge! I ended getting 2 because I wasn't for sure if it would be enough and it ended up being plenty I still have an unopened one left! They offer so many flavors. While waiting to pay I was able to try a sample of their caramel siracha popcorn! And it spicy but good! I paid $36 for both bags which was extremely awesome. Overall great store, I would definitely recommend them for huge events! Or if you love popcorn!

    Popcorn. It's hard to go wrong with it when it's fresh. It doesn't matter if it's plain or…read moreflavored. It's a nearly guilt-free indulgence even when mixed with sugary flavorings. It's popcorn, after all. What are a few spoonfuls of caramel or chocolate or nuts? Because some of the flavors use air-popped corn, that means there's no guilt. The calories evaporate when it's air-popped. At least that's how I convince myself it's okay. Carolina Popcorn Shoppe helps you feel better about indulging. They use all natural ingredients (except for the vanilla flavoring in the popcorn that uses it) and it's made fresh. Anything more than a couple of days old gets thrown out. Since there are no preservatives, the product won't keep long and the Shop doesn't make a lot of it in advance. If you're willing to wait, though, they'll make you a fresh batch. On average it's about a 15 minute wait while they fire up the popcorn popper and get things going. I haven't been there while they've done that, but the smell of popcorn popping is one of those "yum" aromas that might make the wait a must-do. If you decide to wait while they make your particular flavor popcorn, or put together a tin or a few big bags to take home or give as a gift, the shop has 3 or 4 tables and a refrigerated cooler with soft drinks for purchase. You can buy the popcorn in nearly any size from a couple of ounces to a pound or more. The hours it's open are limited, but you can always go online and order. It's also available at a couple of shops in the Triangle (e.g. Southern Season, NOFO, Gingham and Posh) so you'll never be too far away from a popcorn fix.

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    Carolina Popcorn Shoppe
    Carolina Popcorn Shoppe
    Carolina Popcorn Shoppe - Jonathan, the manager

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    Jonathan, the manager

    Pop Heaven Gourmet Popcorn And Sweets Shop - This is truly tasty and aromatic popcorn!

    Pop Heaven Gourmet Popcorn And Sweets Shop

    4.9(7 reviews)
    31.9 mi

    Popcorn is delicious!…read more There is very quick service. The ambiance is casual and the fragrance of popcorn permeates the air inside and outside this former bank location in Broadway. They also have ice cream flavors in Blue Bell ice cream cups. They have their hand wrapped fudge and especially good is the Crème brûlée! This is ideal fun for young children to visit this marvelous destination. Pop Heaven Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop in Broadway, NC, is a family-owned store offering a wide variety of gourmet popcorn, fudge, nostalgic candies, and ice cream, with options like cheese, caramel, and seasonal flavors. They are known for their fresh, creative popcorn and have been recognized as a "Best of Lee County" winner, also selling merchandise like t-shirts and hats. This shop is a popular local spot for sweet treats, with an interactive mural for photos. Products: They have over 75 flavors of gourmet popcorn, gourmet fudge, specialty candies (including Dubai chocolate), ice cream (with homemade waffle cones), and sodas. Merchandise: T-shirts, hoodies, hats, tumblers, and koozies. Special Features: An interactive mural for photos. Recognition: Voted "Best of Lee County" in 2023. Services: They are also available for events like corporate gatherings, school fundraisers, and festivals. The website URL for this gourmet Popcorn Heaven Shop in Broadway, NC, is pop-heaven.com You've got to get in your car, truck, motorcycle and get there while the popcorn is hot. I thoroughly enjoyed this store and I highly recommend you make a trip here!

    I stopped in one day while waiting to pick up my kids from a bday party. Nice store set up, plenty…read moreof nostalgic candy and treat options. I wish it were a little easier to understand all the popcorn flavors. They have a ton! Which is great, but it was hard to get the young girls to help when trying to ask a question about the flavors... I ended up with a beer cheese and would have preferred just cheddar as I'm not a fan of beer flavor but I was told they don't have just cheddar. The caramel was good though. I bought 4 bags total. I'd try it again if/when in the area.

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    Pop Heaven Gourmet Popcorn And Sweets Shop

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    Carolina Kettle - Carolina Kettle's Cozumel Jalapeno Queso chips, Raleigh

    Carolina Kettle

    4.7(7 reviews)
    15.1 mi

    This ended up being dinner as I stopped at Little Oblivion, a nano-brewery in Graham NC that does…read morehave its own kitchen and there wasn't a food truck scheduled and I didn't feel like walking down the street for takeout. A selection of potato chips on offer include Outer Banks Sea Salt, Down East Carolina BBQ, Bee Sting Honey-Sriracha, Mama Gin Dill Pickle, Salt and Balsamic Vinegar, Rosemary and Garlic, Cream Cheese and Chive, Coastal Crab Boil, Kettle Cooked Russel Potato and Sweet Potato Gold. I chose the Cozumel Jalapeno Queso. The bag was quite full of chips. Yes, a lot of air but that also meant that my chips weren't broken into little crumbs. Big potato chips, lots of flavor. Tasty and a little spicy! Yummy! [Review 2171 of 2024 - 3828 in North Carolina - 23190 overall]

    Trendy up-and-coming location near the state fairgrounds, and their clever flavor names and North…read moreCarolina culture-themed packaging designs are the stuff of gift basket dreams. There are bulk discounts and you can mix and match flavors to your heart's content. The NC State grad founder actually named his umbrella company '1 in 6 Snacks,' to raise awareness that 1 in 6 people in these United States do not know where their next meal will come from. As mentioned in other reviews, each sale also supports our wonderful Raleigh food banks, which are very well run and have their own vegetable gardens. Most Worth Trying: Cream Cheese & Chive Dill Pickle Down East Carolina BBQ Jalapeño Queso OBX // NC State Pack Snack, Sea Salt plain Salt & Balsamic Vinegar Others: (*Salt overpowers these flavors IMHO, but if you're a salt lover, maybe you'll feel differently) Bee Sting Honey Sriracha Coastal Crab Boil Rosemary Garlic

    Photos
    Carolina Kettle - Carolina Kettle's Cozumel Jalapeno Queso chips, Raleigh

    Carolina Kettle's Cozumel Jalapeno Queso chips, Raleigh

    Carolina Kettle - Carolina Kettle is by the Dorton Arena

    Carolina Kettle is by the Dorton Arena

    Carolina Kettle

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    Gourmet Gatlyn's Popcorn

    Gourmet Gatlyn's Popcorn

    2.1(7 reviews)
    51.4 mi
    $

    It's hard for me to give this place a whole hearted accurate review seeing that I'm not a popcorn…read morefan, other than kettle corn, which they didn't have (yet, they quickly said!) I stopped in on my way to the Juice Shop out of curiosity and was greeted friendly by the employees and offered samples of anything. They had quite a number of sample jars of all sorts of popcorn from sweeter "candy flavors" (think the fair colored popcorn in purple and green) to the salty flavors of dill pickle, pizza, and jalapeño BBQ to name a few. At their suggestion I tried French Toast which was good but seeing I'm not a fan of overly sweet popcorn I couldn't eat a bunch of it. But for those people who like caramel corn, this is right up your alley. I happened to like the pizza and jalapeño BBQ flavors, and wanted to try the dill pickle but also didn't want to look like I was just eating a bunch of samples. Wait, I think I was already doing that... Prices seemed a little high, but then again I'll clearly state again I'm not a popcorn fan so why would I pay for something I'm not a fan of? People who love popcorn might think its reasonable, so take my words with a grain of salt. If you ever remember the old Cotton Mill Square popcorn stand, the smell of candy corn wafting through the halls and that brings good memories to you, you might want to check this place out.

    I bought a groupon for this place, since I'm a popcorn-a-holic and supporter of local businesses…read more I'm admittedly disappointed in this place. The flavors are unique and plentiful, but the popcorn itself is incredibly stale. I'm guessing they don't do a ton of business and that the popcorn sits in the very lightly sealed bags on the shelves for a long time. That, combined with the very odd relationship between the employees (brother and sister, maybe? They certainly fought like siblings) is enough to turn me off. Wouldn't recommend.

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    Gourmet Gatlyn's Popcorn - Nobody was here when it was supposed to be open. I wanted my fudge. Terrible service.

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    Nobody was here when it was supposed to be open. I wanted my fudge. Terrible service.

    The Mad Popper - popcorn - Updated May 2026

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