Founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife team Kenny and Dr. Penny Mickey, Mickey’s Popcorn has quickly become a standout local business, known for its small-batch gourmet popcorn and deep commitment to community impact. With backgrounds in advanced food manufacturing, logistics, and executive leadership, the Mickeys have combined their expertise to create a business that produces exceptional products.
Kenny Mickey, known as the “master crafter,” brings decades of experience from his work at Cargill and FedEx, while Dr. Penny has held leadership roles in higher education and government. Together, they launched Mickey’s Popcorn to offer a variety of flavors inspired by geographic regions and top-shelf spirits. The business also serves as a vehicle for positive change, offering transitional employment to domestic violence survivors, autistic individuals, and at-risk youth through their nonprofit arm, The GradUS Project.
In 2022, the couple took a major step forward in growing their business. They were awarded a $15,000 Inner-City Economic Development (ICED) loan from EDGE, enabling them to renovate a 4,588-square-foot facility on Stonebrook Circle to meet food manufacturing health codes. This renovation was crucial to scaling production from 500 bags of popcorn per week to an anticipated 6,000 bags. The ICED loan helped cover upgrades such as plumbing, concrete sealing, and exterior improvements, paving the way for the next phase of Mickey’s growth.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Mickey’s Popcorn had already secured a contract to co-brand its Tennessee Whiskey Caramel flavored popcorn with a premium whiskey manufacturer, further expanding its market reach. This new space allowed the business to fulfill larger orders and continue its mission of producing high-quality, handcrafted snacks while supporting the local economy.
But the impact of Mickey’s Popcorn extends beyond its products. As a social enterprise, the business is committed to providing meaningful employment opportunities for people who face significant barriers to work. Through The Gradus Project, they help individuals from underserved populations build work-based skills and gain valuable experience in a supportive environment.
Mickey’s Popcorn also launched an innovative program in 2024 that engages the next generation. The “On and Poppin Teen Camp,” in partnership with food scientist Ali Manning, supported by FedEx Cares, provided high school students from Youth Villages in Memphis with an immersive entrepreneurial experience, from learning about agriculture and culinary arts to developing their own popcorn flavors. The camp culminated in a competition where students pitched their popcorn creations to a panel of judges, fostering creativity, confidence, and career development in Memphis youth.
The success of Mickey’s Popcorn has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the company was recognized as Business of the Year at EDGE’s inaugural Economic Development & Community Recognition Awards Breakfast, a testament to its innovation, growth, and impact.
Mickey’s Popcorn is more than just a business – it represents hope and opportunity. By blending entrepreneurship with social responsibility, the Mickeys have created a model for how small businesses can make a lasting difference. As they continue to expand and inspire, Mickey’s Popcorn remains a shining example of what’s possible when passion, purpose, and community come together.