🍿 Kernel of success: How Disney helped ‘pop’ Orlando business into hit at Magic Kingdom and beyond

BAY LAKE, Fla. – In its ongoing dedication to fostering economic growth in Florida, Disney has played a pivotal role in boosting entrepreneurship and job opportunities for over five decades.

Currently collaborating with 2,500 local small businesses, the company has been a key driver in sustaining livelihoods and delivering beloved products and services to its millions of guests each year.

Among these thriving enterprises is Orlando-based company, Popcorn Junkie.

The popcorn business was first established in 2016 by Neal Crosier and his wife Minetta, a University of Central Florida graduate.

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Originally from Chicago, the couple envisioned bringing gourmet popcorn flavors to Florida, setting up shop first - not far from Orlando’s soccer and basketball scene in the Parramore community.

“We came here to Central Florida and we really couldn’t find popcorn that we liked. So, I came home from work one day and I told my wife that we should start our own popcorn business and she said, ‘you must be crazy!’” Neal Crosier explained. “We looked into it further and saw what popcorn can do, and we decided to go for it and make our own popcorn company.”

Today, the company offers a variety of flavors. From popular favorites like sweet and salty kettle popcorn to Crosier’s personal favorite, a PJ mix, which includes a crispy caramel and cheesy cheddar mix. The company also serves up bold flavors including a jalapeno cheddar and a fiery buffalo popcorn.

During the pandemic, Crosier said he was forced to realign the business, boosting his business online. Since that time, Popcorn Junkie closed its retail location – but continued to sell its delicious flavors to its loyal fans.

The business popped into a sensation, after Crosier says he got a serendipitous phone call from Disney.

“I was busy cooking when someone called me from Disney and the lady honestly sounded like Minnie Mouse,” Neal explained. “I said, ‘I’m busy right now, can you call me back?’ and I hung up, but I didn’t get her number! She called me back and we started with some of the hotels and smaller places. Then the business expanded to include Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and then it just grew even more.”

That encounter with a Disney cast member propelled Popcorn Junkie into the hearts of visitors at Walt Disney World Resort and, more recently, Disney Cruise Line.

Popcorn enthusiasts can try some of the delicious flavors from Popcorn Junkie at Magic Kingdom’s Confectionery Kernel Kitchen.

On Jan. 19 — National Popcorn Day, the company is dishing up a limited-time flavor, the Strawberry Crunch Popcorn flavor. This delectable sweet treat at the Confectionery Kernel Kitchen is whipped together featuring a medley of brightly colored strawberry popcorn, marshmallows, M&M’s, and white and milk chocolate. The limited-time flavor will be available through Valentine’s Day, or possibly longer, Crosier explained.

Since working with Walt Disney World, Popcorn Junkie’s small kernel of success in Central Florida has flourished with a number of business opportunities.

“Now that we’re working with Disney it has caused others to do business with us. We’re doing a lot of events around Orlando. We work with a lot of companies now and it’s all thanks to Disney - the growth has been tremendous,” Neal concluded.

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2,500 Florida-based small businesses are contracted to supply products and services to Walt Disney World, forming a major part of the over 8,500 small businesses nationwide contracted by The Walt Disney Company, according to a recent economic study.

“It’s not just about the business relationship – it’s building a relationship with those companies and getting them to understand what our guests love and are looking for. It helps them grow their business while also helping provide product to our guests that they absolutely love,” said Patrice Guy, category manager of Disney merchandise. “It’s just great to see that business grow for them and to also see them change their capabilities because that’s so important to us and to really be able to keep up with us as well as be someone we can lean on for creative conversations, new product concepts – it’s just fabulous! "

Click here to learn more about Popcorn Junkie and to learn more about Disney’s efforts to help small businesses in Central Florida.

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