From gourmet popcorn and holiday sweets to childhood Christmas memories and gifts made with love, Sandy's Popper is spreading a little extra cheer in Downtown Kenosha!
What's better than the smell of freshly popped popcorn?
How about freshly popped popcorn, homemade chocolates, Christmas decorations, and a whole lot of holiday cheer?
Sounds like the perfect combination to us!
If you've spent any time exploring Downtown Kenosha, chances are you've heard of Sandy's Popper, a longtime local favorite known for its gourmet popcorn, delicious ice cream, nostalgic candy, and family-friendly atmosphere.
But there's a lot more to this sweet little business than popcorn!
Meet Emily Hawes, who helps run Sandy's Popper alongside her husband, Tom, and her in-laws, Sandy and Dave Hawes.
For more than 18 years, the Hawes family has been making memories in Kenosha, one bag of popcorn and scoop of ice cream at a time.
And when the holiday season rolls around, they really know how to make things festive!
We caught up with Emily to talk about the family's business, holiday gift ideas, Christmas traditions, and why shopping local means so much to the people behind the counter.
From Popcorn Wagons to a Downtown Kenosha Favorite!
Every great business has a story, and Sandy's Popper has one that began right here in Kenosha.
Tell us a little about yourself, your business, and what makes Sandy's Popper special.
"Hi, my name is Emily Hawes. My mother- and father-in-law, along with me and my husband Tom, run our family business, Sandy's Popper.
Sandy and Dave opened the brick-and-mortar location in 2008, after popping popcorn out of our two vintage popcorn wagons at Kenosha's HarborMarket downtown for a couple years, operating as Sandy's Popper Express.
In 2024, we moved to our current location at 5700 6th Ave. so that we could expand to a larger, more accessible space.
For over 18 years, we've been proud to bring smiles, sweet treats, and a little nostalgia to the Kenosha community. From family traditions to unique gifts and locally inspired collaborations, we love creating experiences that bring people together. We're proud to be a locally owned business."
From those vintage popcorn wagons at HarborMarket to their current home on Sixth Avenue, Sandy's Popper has become a familiar part of the Downtown Kenosha experience.
And that history is part of what makes the business so special.
After all, there's something wonderful about a family business that has grown alongside the community it serves!
More Than Just Popcorn!
Of course, if you've never stepped inside Sandy's Popper, you might be surprised by just how much there is to discover.
For someone who has never visited Sandy's Popper before, what can they expect when they walk through your doors?
"Welcome! We specialize in small-batch gourmet popcorn, having developed over 100 flavors of popcorn, including seasonal and limited varieties.
We offer custom-branded wholesale popcorn opportunities and cater to large corporate orders as well. Planning a smaller event? Let us create custom popcorn favors. We can even make a custom label for you!
We also carry Wisconsin-made Cedar Crest ice cream. We hand-scoop ice cream cones, ice cream sundaes, shakes, malts, floats, and over-the-top hurricane shakes.
Looking for a gift? We fill popcorn tins to order, assemble gift baskets, and have plenty of novelty gifts, chocolate confections, and nostalgia candy.
Grab a treat and stay awhile!"
Wait a minute. More than 100 popcorn flavors?
Now that's a lot of popcorn!
From classic favorites to creative combinations and seasonal specialties, Sandy's Popper has something for just about every popcorn lover.
And if you're more of an ice cream person, they've got you covered there, too!
Can't decide which flavor to try? Sandy's even offers an ice cream sampler dish where you can choose six flavors of Cedar Crest ice cream.
Because sometimes choosing just one is simply too difficult!
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!
When the holidays arrive, Sandy's Popper doesn't hold back on the festive fun.
And for Emily, decorating the shop is one of the highlights of the season.
How does Sandy's Popper get into the holiday spirit?
"The approaching holidays mean pulling out all the stops!
Holiday flavors of popcorn and ice cream are released this time of year, and we start putting out seasonal novelty gifts, holiday popcorn tins, and gift baskets. Even our chocolates get dressed with holiday sprinkles!
I love working on holiday corporate orders, but my favorite thing is to decorate the shop. We bring out the Christmas trees, garlands, and lights.
I have fun decorating the display window and planters outside. It really feels like a bit of magic when we lock up the doors at night and everything is just glittering in the holiday lights!"
We love that!
There's something special about seeing Downtown Kenosha businesses transform their storefronts for the holidays.
And when you combine Christmas lights with the smell of freshly popped popcorn and sweet treats, it's hard not to get into the holiday spirit!
Popcorn, Presents & Holiday Goodies!
Let's face it. Holiday shopping can sometimes be a challenge.
There's always that one person on your list who seems impossible to shop for.
But Emily has a pretty good solution.
Popcorn!
Why should locals and visitors add Sandy's Popper to their holiday shopping plans?
"We are THE one-stop shop for the holidays! Everyone loves food!
We have gift cards, gift baskets, novelty gifts, and handmade chocolates.
No need to worry, our popcorn is popped in small batches and heat sealed to ensure freshness. Your popcorn will stay fresh well after Christmas!
Have other shopping plans? Stop by any of the other great downtown businesses and shop small, then take a break with us and have a treat before going out to shop some more!"
That's a holiday shopping plan we can get behind!
Start with a little shopping at Downtown Kenosha's locally owned stores, stop at Sandy's Popper for something sweet, and maybe pick up a few gifts while you're there.
And if you need something for a teacher, coworker, neighbor, friend, or family member, Sandy's has plenty of options.
What does Sandy's Popper offer that would make a great holiday gift?
"We specialize in gourmet popcorn. We do offer grab-and-go gifts, but we make all of our popcorn tins to order.
You can customize what comes in your gift basket, and we do the wrapping for free!
We also have sampler boxes that come with up to nine different flavors of popcorn for a set price. Grab one off the shelf or choose your own flavors. These are perfect if you want something to ship out to family.
We also have snack packs, small individual bags of popcorn, perfect for stocking stuffers.
Gift packs pair two flavors of popcorn along with a homemade chocolate pretzel rod and chocolate turtle, all wrapped up and ready to give.
Can't decide? Grab a gift card for their stocking or pair it with a bag of popcorn for an easy gift anyone would love!
All of our popcorn is made in small batches and is the freshest popcorn you can find!"
Now that's a lot of gift-giving possibilities!
We especially love the idea of creating a custom popcorn tin or gift basket.
And those sampler boxes with up to nine flavors? Perfect for someone who loves trying a little bit of everything.
Plus, with gift wrapping included on custom baskets, that's one less thing to worry about during the busy holiday season!
Pop Into Sandy's Popper for Black Friday & Small Business Saturday!
Looking for another reason to shop local this holiday season?
Sandy's Popper has some sweet deals lined up for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday!
Friday, November 27 – Black Friday
Stop in for a little holiday shopping and enjoy a FREE hot cocoa or popcorn ball, while supplies last!
Plus, receive 10% off holiday pre-orders placed in-store. It's a great opportunity to get a head start on those popcorn tins, gift baskets, and holiday treats!
Saturday, November 28 – Small Business Saturday
The holiday fun continues!
The first five customers to spend $50 in-store will receive a special gift bag filled with Sandy's Popper swag, treats, and local goodies!
Guests can also enjoy FREE hot cocoa, while supplies last, and receive 10% off holiday pre-orders placed in-store.
Whether you're shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or just treating yourself, it's a great weekend to support this longtime Kenosha family business.
And remember, Sandy's Popper offers custom popcorn tins, gift baskets, and corporate orders to help make holiday gift-giving a little easier!
Christmas at Grandma's House!
One of our favorite parts of these Holiday Q&A interviews is hearing the personal stories behind the businesses.
And Emily shared a childhood Christmas memory that might just bring back a few memories of your own.
What's one of your favorite holiday memories from childhood?
"My parents both grew up in large families of nine and eleven. Crazy, I know!
I have A LOT of cousins, so we always sat at the kids' table, packed like sardines. There were so many people that once you sat down, you didn't leave your seat.
I don't know how my grandma cooked for so many people in her tiny kitchen. She could practically cook the whole turkey dinner from one spot in the kitchen and not move. It was so small!
My cousins fighting over mashed potatoes, the house full of chatter and laughter. The food was incredible, yet simple.
That little house was so full of love.
So when I think of Christmas, I don't remember the gifts I got. I think of being with family, togetherness, and good food.
It doesn't get better than that!"
Now that's what Christmas memories are made of!
We can just picture the crowded kids' table, everyone reaching for the mashed potatoes, and Grandma somehow pulling off an entire holiday dinner from her tiny kitchen.
And Emily's right. Years later, it's usually not the presents we remember most.
It's the people, the laughter, the food, and those little moments that stay with us.
It's also a fitting memory for someone whose family business has spent so many years helping other families create traditions of their own.
Making New Christmas Memories!
While Emily treasures those childhood memories, she now has a few new traditions to look forward to with her own family.
Do you have a favorite holiday tradition that you look forward to every year?
"After having my daughter, it's become the little things like decorating the tree, going for a drive to see the Christmas lights, wrapping gifts, and seeing my daughter squeal as she opens her gifts on Christmas morning as I drink my morning coffee that are the things I look forward to the most.
Getting together with family for the holiday meal is great too!"
Sometimes it's those simple traditions that make the holidays so special.
Decorating the tree, driving around to look at Christmas lights, and watching the excitement on a child's face on Christmas morning.
And of course, there's always the food!
What's one holiday food, dessert, or treat you absolutely cannot go without?
"I'm sorry, just one?!
When it comes to a holiday meal, I instantly think of a full turkey dinner, complete with all of the sides and of course tamales and pozole rojo. YUM."
Now that's a holiday feast!
Turkey, all the traditional sides, tamales, and pozole rojo?
We might need an invitation to Christmas dinner!
A Little Christmas Music & Holiday Cheer!
Of course, we couldn't let Emily get away without answering a few of our fun holiday questions.
And as someone who spends plenty of time surrounded by festive decorations at Sandy's Popper, we were curious about her personal Christmas preferences.
Are you decorating in October, or waiting until after Thanksgiving?
"I typically start after Thanksgiving at home, but working in the retail world it's hard to not do it earlier!
My favorite season is fall, so I like to savor the short season as long as possible."
We understand that!
It's hard to rush through fall when there's so much to enjoy, but when you work in retail, Christmas has a way of arriving a little early.
You're stuck listening to one holiday song on repeat for 24 hours. What's your choice?
"'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' by Frank Sinatra."
A timeless holiday favorite!
Real Christmas tree or artificial? White lights or colorful lights? Eggnog or hot chocolate?
"I love a real Christmas tree. We always had a real tree growing up, and I love the smell. It just smells like Christmas.
Twinkling warm white lights for sure!
Eggnog and brandy on Christmas Eve is the best!"
There's something about the smell of a real Christmas tree and the glow of warm white lights that makes everything feel a little more festive.
And after a busy holiday season at Sandy's Popper, we're guessing those quiet Christmas Eve moments are especially appreciated!
Why Shopping Local Matters!
There's no shortage of places to shop during the holidays, but Emily hopes people remember the impact of supporting locally owned businesses.
Why do you think shopping, dining, and supporting local businesses is so important, especially during the holidays?
"Anyone can go online and order something to wrap up and gift, but shopping locally means supporting local families and communities that make it their livelihood to provide high-quality local goods for guests like yourself.
You are putting food on the table, sending kids to after-school activities, creating jobs, and getting something that you oftentimes can't find online or at a chain restaurant.
The best part? Quality service and people that really care about the businesses they represent and the customers they serve.
I would encourage everyone to start by picking just one local shop or restaurant to support this holiday season.
Let's support local!"
We couldn't agree more!
Behind every locally owned business is a story, a family, and people who care deeply about what they do.
And when you shop at a place like Sandy's Popper, you're supporting a family that has been part of Kenosha's business community for more than 18 years.
You're also helping keep Downtown Kenosha the kind of place where unique businesses, familiar faces, and personal experiences continue to thrive.
So while you're out shopping this holiday season, why not make a day of it?
Explore the shops, grab a bite to eat, enjoy the decorations, and stop at Sandy's Popper for a sweet treat.
It's a simple way to make the holidays a little more special while supporting the people who make Kenosha such a wonderful place to visit.
From the Hawes Family to Yours!
As the holidays approach, Emily and the Hawes family have a special message for everyone who has supported Sandy's Popper over the years.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Kenosha community this holiday season?
"Every year as we approach this season of giving and thankfulness, we can't help but be grateful for the people that pass through our doors.
Whether it be a stop with the family for a scoop of ice cream, grabbing treats for stocking stuffers, or shipping a care package to family who can't be home for Christmas.
The companies that think of us when they want to give back to their own customers and employees.
We see every purchase as a person, a smile on a familiar face when they enjoy our product, and the memories that are made between family and friends.
We thank you for letting us be a part of those little moments, now and always.
With love from our family to yours, Happy Holidays!!
— The Hawes Family"
And that's what makes Sandy's Popper so special.
It's not just about the popcorn, ice cream, or candy.
It's about the families who stop in after a day of exploring Downtown Kenosha, the grandparents treating their grandchildren to ice cream, the holiday gifts being shipped to loved ones, and the little traditions that become lasting memories.
For the Hawes family, those moments mean everything.
Make Your Holidays a Little Sweeter at Sandy's Popper!
Whether you're searching for the perfect holiday gift, putting together stocking stuffers, ordering treats for coworkers, or simply looking for a fun place to visit with the family, Sandy's Popper has plenty of ways to make the season sweeter.
Stop in, explore the popcorn flavors, pick up some homemade chocolates, and enjoy a scoop of Cedar Crest ice cream while you're at it!
And don't forget to check out the holiday decorations!
Be sure to stop by November 27 and 28 for Sandy's Popper's Black Friday and Small Business Saturday specials!
Because sometimes the sweetest part of the season is simply spending time together.
5700 Sixth Avenue, South Unit
Downtown Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 605-3202
Holiday Gift Ideas: Gourmet popcorn tins, custom gift baskets, popcorn sampler boxes, snack packs, handmade chocolates, novelty candy, and gift cards.
Here's wishing everyone a holiday season filled with family, laughter, wonderful memories, and plenty of sweet treats!
