Whether you’re walking down Michigan Avenue, navigating the Loop, or hunting down an iconic taste of Chicago, one unmistakable aroma wafts through the air: the scent of freshly made popcorn. Garrett Popcorn Shops is a beloved Chicago institution whose handcrafted popcorn has become synonymous with the city’s culinary identity. What began as a modest shop in the post‑World War II era has grown into an internationally recognized brand, yet it remains rooted in local traditions.
The story of Garrett Popcorn begins in 1949, when Gladys Otto Garrett brought her family’s secret popcorn recipes to Chicago, opening the first shop at Madison and State Street. The kernels were air‑popped in old‑fashioned copper kettles and coated with handcrafted flavors that still remain central to the brand’s identity. From the outset, quality ingredients and meticulous preparation distinguished Garrett’s from ordinary snack popcorn, quickly attracting long lines and loyal customers.
Among its signature offerings were Caramel Crisp, a rich and buttery caramel‑coated popcorn, and Cheese Corn, a sharp, cheddar‑dusted favorite. The combination of these two, sweet and savory, gradually became a fan favorite as customers began mixing the separate flavors by hand in a third bag. Garrett’s officially added this blend to the menu as Garrett Mix in the late 1970s, a version of what locals once affectionately called the “Chicago Mix,” though trademark issues later prevented the company from using that exact name.
For decades, the experience of visiting a Garrett Popcorn shop was as much about the process as the product. Small batches are still made throughout the day in the copper kettles, producing an delectable aroma that spills out onto the nearby streets. The tactile, hands‑on preparation and the sight of popcorn cascading from kettle to cooling table have become part of the allure, drawing tourists and locals alike.
Over time, the brand expanded from its original Chicago location to multiple shops throughout the city, including flagship stores on South Michigan Avenue, at Water Tower Place, ready to go bagged popcorn in grocery stores and in O’Hare International Airport, among others. While the company has grown globally, with locations across the U.S. and in several countries, it continues to celebrate its Chicago roots and traditions.
In 2024, Garrett marked 75 years in business, a milestone that shows its enduring popularity. To celebrate, the company introduced special promotions and seasonal flavors like Apple Caramel Crisp, emphasizing how the brand has both honored its tradition and embraced new tastes over the decades.
What makes Garrett popcorn more than just a snack is how deeply it has woven itself into Chicago’s fabric. The striped tins have become souvenirs, gifts, and tokens of nostalgia, often shipped far beyond the Midwest to share a taste of the Windy City with friends and family.
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Garrett Popcorn has also been part of my family traditions for as long as I can remember. Every holiday, my aunt would send a classic mix in a giant tin to our house, and it was always gone within days. That tin of popcorn has become deeply nostalgic for me, a piece of celebration and family memory every time it arrives at the door. Visiting the shop itself is just as special, a quick trip downtown lets you watch the popcorn being made fresh is almost as satisfying as tasting it. For those who want a taste without leaving home, Garrett also delivers through DoorDash and Uber Eats, making it easy to enjoy a quick, iconic Chicago snack anytime.
About the Author
Hello my name is Simone Graczyk and I am originally from Denver Colorado. I am currently a music performance major with a minor in history. I love playing the flute, reading, and traveling!
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