Sara Crocker of Phoenix New Times spent a morning in our production facility seven miles east of downtown Phoenix, watched a batch come out of the kettle, and ran the story on August 17, 2026.
Here is the short version of what she found.
It started at game two
In the late 1990s our founders tried kettle corn at a farmers market in Prescott and could not let it go. They went downtown to the very first Arizona Diamondbacks game in Arizona as fans. By game two they were outside Chase Field selling bags of Cactus Corn. Ten seasons later the Diamondbacks brought us inside the ballpark.
That was 28 years ago. The kettle has not changed much.
What we make now
- About 10,000 pounds of kettle corn a month, all of it popped in Phoenix.
- Four to five minutes per classic batch. Kernels, oil, sugar, and salt. That is the whole list.
- Southwest flavors get tumbled after popping, which is how prickly pear powder, dehydrated jalapeño, and cheddar actually stick to the corn.
- A new packaging machine that portions, fills, and seals. Dialing it in has been a steep climb, and it is worth it.
Where you will find us this year
Chase Field, same as always. This football season, Arizona Cardinals fans will find our classic kettle corn at concession stands throughout State Farm Stadium. We are also at AJ's Fine Foods, at gift shops around the state, at Phoenix Sky Harbor, and at events like the WM Phoenix Open. A churro popcorn joins the Southwest series next month.
The line from the story we are keeping: "My hope is we're this 28-year overnight success story."
Read it, then taste it
Read the full Phoenix New Times story. Then try what it is about, in craft popcorn flavors or an Arizona landmark gift tin.
Buying for a store? Start at wholesale. Buying for employees or clients? Start at corporate gifting. Every feature we have picked up lives on our press page, including FOX 10 Phoenix, Arizona Highways, and Phoenix Sky Harbor.