Why a legendary Chicago popcorn shop won't be opening at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
A beloved Chicago gourmet popcorn purveyor has lost a bid to open in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The Phoenix City Council unanimously approved awarding vacant pre-security restaurant space in Terminal 4, formerly occupied by three restaurants, to a new concept called Travel Treats & The Coca-Cola Lounge at its June 26 meeting.
Garrett Popcorn had the only other competing proposal. Garrett's other airport locations are Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Sky Harbor's staff said they were looking for other space in the airport that would suit tenants like Garrett Popcorn. Here's what we know.
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What is so special about Garrett Popcorn?
Garrett Popcorn is a chain of gourmet popcorn shops that opened its first store in 1949 in Chicago. They produce their popcorn in small batches using fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
When it opened, Garrett's flavors included a caramel popcorn cooked in copper kettles called CaramelCrisp and a cheese popcorn made with real cheese called CheeseCorn.
According to Garrett's website, many customers enjoyed mixing both flavors and often asked for an empty bag in which to mix them. So, in 1977 Garrett added Garrett Mix, also known as Chicago Mix or simply The Mix, which is CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn mixed together. It's Garrett's most popular item.
Why did Phoenix reject Garrett Popcorn's proposal?
When the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board's Business and Development Subcommittee considered the proposals in March, Phoenix Aviation Superintendent Corinne Harbaugh said city staff recommended approving the Coke Lounge's proposal over Garrett Popcorn because the lounge would use all of the available concession space.
It would occupy about 2,685 square feet previously occupied by Joe's Real BBQ, Yogurtology and LoLo's Chicken and Waffles.
The Phoenix Aviation Department sought proposals for the vacant space from Sky Harbor's existing concessionaires through an "internal solicitation process." The selected vendor would operate through at least Aug. 31, 2026, when Sky Harbor's food and beverage contract with SSP America expires.
Four concessionaires expressed interest; two submitted proposals. They went through several subcommittees and the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board before they went before the City Council, which approved the Coke Lounge unanimously.
What is Travel Treats & The Coca-Cola Lounge?
The Travel Treats & Coca-Cola Lounge concept will be open 24 hours a day and include packaged meals with vegan, gluten-free and kid-friendly options, plus Coca-Cola & Go coolers with more than 30 types of soft drinks.
City staff estimated it would generate about $400,000 in annual revenue for Phoenix, documents showed.
Travel Treats could extend to offer a full-service kitchen depending on future demand, and Coca-Cola intends to add seats with televisions and charging stations in the lounge, Harbaugh said.
Travel Treats is a new concept, though Coca-Cola has lounges at other U.S. airports, she said.
Is Garrett Popcorn only in Chicago?
No. Garrett Popcorn also has stores in Las Vegas and Atlanta, and distributes its products nationwide.
In Arizona, Garrett Popcorn is available at World Market's seven metro Phoenix locations, two Tucson locations and one Flagstaff location.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why Garrett Popcorn lost bid for Phoenix airport location
