This story was originally published in 2021. It has been updated for 2024.
It’s National Popcorn Day on Jan. 19, 2024, and Grand Prairie’s Mama Moore’s Gourmet Popcorn, a Black-owned small business, is celebrating by giving away treats all day and debuting new flavors like Spicy Dill Pickle and Chicken & Waffles.
Owner Debra Moore started Mama Moore’s Gourmet Popcorn in 2012, selling fresh-popped kettle corn at area fairs and festivals. The U.S. military veteran had worked in manufacturing and the corporate world for years, but was looking for a new challenge — not to mention a way to help pay for her youngest son’s college tuition.
After deliberating with her husband, Moore realized it was something she wanted to pursue, and started looking for a storefront in 2018.
After research, “a lot of research,” she says, Moore made her move. In May of that year, she opened her retail store, located at 5244 State Highway 360, in Grand Prairie, on the cusp of Mansfield and Arlington.
Moore quickly branched out from her plain kettle corn and began making savory, premium and sweet options.
“I messed up tons of batches of caramel,” she says, perfecting her recipe for the flavor, which she says is one of the most popular.
In fact, there are 40 different flavors at the store, from traditional (Movie Theater Butter) to non-traditional. Think dill pickle, lemon pound cake, Wild West Wings & Ranch, Banana Pudding and Birthday Cake flavors, among others.
“I’m always changing and adding flavors,” Moore said.
Mama Moore’s Popcorn is located at 5244 South State Highway 360, Suite 310, Grand Prairie. mamamoorespopcorn.com.