Prime Highlights: 

Poppy’s Hand-Crafted Popcorn closed its pop-up shop at Birkdale Village in Huntersville, NC, just months after opening in October. 

The Asheville-based business faced significant disruptions due to Hurricane Helene in September, causing a four-week closure of its production facility due to power and water issues. 

Key Background: 

Poppy’s Hand-Crafted Popcorn, a woman-owned Asheville-based business, has closed its pop-up shop at Birkdale Village in Huntersville, North Carolina, just months after its October opening. CEO and founder Ginger Frank announced that the company’s last day at the location was Friday, citing the need to refocus efforts on stabilizing their main operation in Asheville, following the significant challenges posed by Hurricane Helene. 

While the company’s Asheville production facility avoided physical damage during the hurricane on September 27, it was forced to cease operations for four weeks due to a lack of power and potable water. This disruption occurred during the critical month of October, typically the busiest shipping period for the company as retail partners prepare holiday inventory. As a result, Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn experienced over $400,000 in order cancellations, significantly impacting its holiday sales, which are vital to sustaining the business through the first quarter of the following year. 

Frank shared that the business’s insurance claim was denied because there was no physical damage to the building, a challenge faced by many businesses in Western North Carolina. She also noted the limited financial support available from state and federal sources. Additionally, a planned retail store in Biltmore Village was completely destroyed before it could open, further hindering the company’s expansion plans. 

Looking ahead, Frank emphasized that the focus would be on securing a future retail location in Asheville, though a return to Charlotte remains a possibility when the company achieves greater operational stability. Poppy’s Hand-Crafted Popcorn, known for its unique flavors like Sugar Cookie, Pimento Cheddar, and Cinnamon Bourbon Pecan, will continue to be available for purchase online. The boutique at Birkdale Village will also carry its products. Frank expressed deep gratitude for her time at Birkdale, calling it a “beloved spot” while urging consumers to support Asheville brands during the recovery process.