ROCKWALL —
Everyone goes through life looking for that one thing that could make them happy, but few find it. Most go to work with the goal of making money and use that to facilitate passion, but never quite get that pop.
This is not the case for Theresa and Craig Johnson who in 1989 took over a business that has brought a good deal of flavor to their lives.
“When we first took over the store it was just a conventional popcorn shop that had flavors like caramel and white cheddar,” Theresa said.
Popcorn Papa became the staple of the Johnsons’ lives and they’ve grown it from one location with a few flavors to three stores with dozens of varieties ranging from the common to the incredibly original. Flavors such as dill pickle, strawberry and s’mores are readily available at every location. The Rockwall location sits one door down from Burger House, across the street from Buffalo Wild Wings.
Popcorn Papa’s origin was a bit dark, but the business recovered. It was started in 1982 by a couple that were murdered during a drug deal that went bad involving the couple’s son. An older couple picked up the business in probate, but the business was a bit too much for them according to Theresa.
“At the time Craig was in the business of buying and liquidating small businesses and he told the couple, who were working on a deal with a company to buy the shop, to contact him if the deal fell through,” Theresa said. “They called him within two days.”
The first store was located at Coit Road and Campbell Road, but it didn’t take long for the couple to sprinkle a few new ingredients into their business.
“There are about 36 locations nationwide who have consulted with us,” Theresa said.
Although their influence can be found all over the country, the Popcorn Papa name is local to DFW alone.
“If we allow them to use our name and you don’t have control over it, people can ruin your reputation,” Theresa said. “We encourage them to come up with their own names and put their own spin on it.”
It was not until this year that the couple brought the business to Rockwall despite being long-term residents.
“We have been here 15 years and we’ve seen the growth,” Theresa said. “The store at Firewheel mall had a lot of people coming from Rockwall and this is really my store. I begged and pleaded with Craig to open one out here and the people in Rockwall have been incredible.”
The Popcorn Papa name has done a lot to draw business to the Rockwall location according to Theresa.
“I had somebody come by and say ‘I happened to catch the pa in your sign and wondered if it was Popcorn Papa and I was so thrilled that it was,’” Theresa said.
The Johnsons’ life hasn’t been an easy ride though. Craig had a bout with cancer that had the couple thinking their treat may have been permanently burnt.
“He was diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer,” Theresa said. “People don’t realize how hard it is. They think we just pop popcorn, but there is so much more to it especially given our consultant business.”
With ingredients weighing upwards of 50 pounds and Craig doing most of the lifting the situation almost became overwhelming, but Theresa said her employees managed to keep Popcorn Papa roasting kernels.
“We were only able to open a new store because of their help,” Theresa said.
Craig has been in remission for two years now and although they have no plans on opening another store Theresa said the possibility is always open.
“Never is not a final word. We could still decide to open another,” she said.
Regardless of whether the couple decides to open another location, Theresa said she would love to keep the business in the family for many years to come.
“My daughter’s fiancé grew up here and I’d love to see the two of them take it over,” she said. “People love going to smaller mom and pop stores no matter what the size of the city. The small family-run store works.”
Multimedia
Related Videos
Related Photos
Discussion
VIDEO: Family pops it fresh
Popcorn Papa provides multiple flavors for patrons
- Multimedia
-
-
VIDEO: GOP debates
The most anticipated debate of the evening featured former judge Jim Pruitt facing ex-professional football player Scott Turner.
-
VIDEO: GOP debates
Freddie Jackson was unable to attend this three- person contested race, but candidate Michael Johnston and Dennis Lewis answered questions about major issues facing Rockwall.
-
VIDEO: GOP debates
Julie Zurek was unable to attend the forum as she was on official business with the rest of the Heath City Council in Houston. Her husband, Craig represented her in the debate with candidate Joan Ream.
-
VIDEO: GOP debates
Daniel Fuqua was unable to attend the forum, but candidates Linda Duran and Brian Young were on hand to answer questions.
-
VIDEO: GOP debates
Scheduling conflicts prevented candidate Joseph Bennett from attending the forum, but Eric Fort still answered questions about funding for RCISD and technological upgrades in the district. -
VIDEO: New gym aims to bring best fighters to Rockwall
It has never been more popular than it is now to engage in mixed martial arts. The craze has surpassed both boxing and wrestling in popularity and Rockwall has not been immune to its charms. Wolfpack MMA is the most recent gym to open where all fans of the sport can go to train and learn more from experienced fighters.
-
VIDEO: Creating a wrap
Bullet Wraps owner Aaron Baldwin is a true family man. He has hired his step sister to work for his company and tries to involve others he is related to as oftern as possible. Check out his full story in the Dec. 9 issue of the Rockwall Herald-Banner.
-
VIDEO: Rockwall dedicates new courthouse
Saturday morning residents, politicians, musicians and veterans converged at the new Rockwall County Courthouse for its dedication ceremony. Check out the Nov. 18 edition of the Rockwall Herald-Banner for in-depth coverage of the dedication and photos.
-
VIDEO: Family pops it fresh
Everyone goes through life looking for that one thing that could make them happy, but few find it. Most go to work with the goal of making money and use that to facilitate passion, but never quite get that pop.
-
VIDEO: Kids scare up the square
Hundreds of children and their parents gathered into the square Oct. 29 for a night of treats and a few tricks.
The annual Scare on the Square saw numerous businesses from across the county providing candy, hair color and balloon animals for the customed masses. A costume contest was also held.
- More Multimedia Headlines
-
Postal Service to Begin Closing Plants Soon
Witness: Moose in Utah 'Just Running Around'
Census: Minorities Now Surpass Whites in Births
Facebook IPO: What You Need to Know
Selig: Oakland Move Might Be Considered
Disco Queen Donna Summer Dies at 63
Verizon to End Unlimited Data Plans
New Mom Contracts Flesh-eating Bacteria
Georgia School Buses Escorted After Threat
Lady Antebellum Plays Prom in Tornado-hit Town
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Wife Found Dead
GM Says It Will Stop Paying for Ads on Facebook
Jury Convicts Steve Powell of Voyeurism Charges
Skechers to Pay $40 Million for Bogus Claims
Coffee May Be Key to Living Longer
Police to Groom of Slain Bride: Turn Yourself In
Laurie Fine: My Life Has Been Destroyed
FBI Confirms Leak Probe on Al-Qaida Plot
Honda Unveils New Robotics-powered Scooter
NJ Gov., Mayor Channel Seinfeld in Video Parody
