Happy Kernel, a local favorite, part of statewide program
The smell of fresh popcorn wafts through downtown Beatrice inviting people into the Happy Kernel Gourmet Kettle Corn and Pork Rinds shop. It is a favorite local shop and a stop on the 2024 Nebraska Passport.
The purpose of the Nebraska Passport program is to help travelers discover Nebraska's hidden gems. The Passport offers a variety of travel adventures, including museums, parks, restaurants, wineries, retail stores and more. There are 70 stops listed with 15 bonus sites.
Brenda Greiss and her son, Anthony, bought the store a little over two years ago. Her husband, Bob Leaper, says he is the taste tester. Brenda said she had been working for the previous owner, Dean Lottman, when he decided to retire.
There is a Happy Kernel table at most area flea markets, craft shows and some farmers markets. They decided to try the Passport program as a new way to market their products.
"It's helped tremendously," Brenda said. "We have several pages full of visitors. We had one from England. We've had several locals, but also people from Tennessee, Colorado, Kansas, Ohio and Indiana. It's been fun. We've gotten to talk to a lot of people and hear their stories."
Anthony said their shop is unique because of the variety of flavors available in kettle corn and pork rinds.
"There are about 25 flavors in each," he said. "We've added some new flavors since we started."
Anthony said his favorite was the taco pork rind. Bob likes some of the extreme heat flavorings. They are always open to suggestions.
Anthony does most of the popping and seasoning, while Brenda puts the kettle corn and pork rinds in bags.
"We're constantly learning," Brenda said.
Depending on the event they are preparing for, the store uses one to two 50-pound bags of popcorn a week to make its product.
The store will ship its products. In addition, it offers fundraising opportunities and different types of parties.
Happy Kernel also carries jams and jellies, honey and wood craft items from area vendors.
The Happy Kernel is online on Facebook. You can visit the shop to get a Passport stamp or book at 811 Court St.
The 2024 Nebraska Passport program started May 1 and runs through Sept. 30.
