Popcorn Charlie’s owner Michael Bloch does a tasting at Hart’s. Photo by Christine Chen
BY DEB AND TIM SMITH
Only on the rarest of occasions has the Sentinel been able to bring to you a story on a local entity where we can truly say, “There’s nothing else quite like this in the world.” So why not pop some corn and kick back in your most comfortable chair while you enjoy one of those rarest of occasions right now.
Let’s head north on Pittsford Mendon Road where we’ll drop in on Michael Bloch who we’re sure to find sporting an inspired smile. The man who owns the Pittsford business Popcorn Charlie’s finds himself the source of daily inspiration because of the many smiles he puts on people’s faces all over the world. Here’s his story…
When he started Popcorn Charlie’s eleven years ago, one of his goals was to provide truly amazing customer service. He knew that if he treated customers right, the business would be successful.
“I was frustrated that so often you had to fight to buy things from so many businesses,” Michael said. “Customer service was awful. I wanted to do the opposite. I wanted to treat every customer like they were my best friend.
That is one of the reasons I started Popcorn Charlie’s.” Judging by the reviews posted on Google, Bloch has managed to achieve his goal, with great customer service being an accolade frequently stated.
Of course, the popcorn is important, too. Popcorn Charlie’s sells a wide selection of popcorn flavors including Cajun, Dill Pickle, Birthday Cake, Toffee, Blueberry, Pizza, Sour Cream & Chives and many more. “We have a lot of flavors,” said Bloch, “but the most popular four are consistently Caramel, Kettle Corn, Cheddar and Movie (salt & butter).”
Popcorn Charlie’s popcorn is sold in a select number of retail stores in the Greater Rochester area. These include Leo’s Bakery and Deli, Powers Farm Market, Pittsford Farms Dairy, Red Bird, Skip’s in Fairport, R’s Market, and more. It is also sold in the cafeterias at Strong and Highland hospitals.
In addition to the retail stores, popcorn is sold online and shipped across the United States. Local shipping and order pick up by appointment are also available.
Popcorn is also sold in bulk by the gallon for popcorn bars at weddings, dinners and corporate events. Special bags are available for wedding and shower favors.
Popcorn Charlie’s can also sell popcorn by the truckloads. A few years ago, Calvin Klein purchased 50,000 gallons of popcorn for a fashion show that was part of fashion week in Manhattan. It took three tractor trailer trucks to deliver all that popcorn. A video of the fashion show can be viewed on the Popcorn Charlie’s website.
Here is Michael’s description of what you’ll see if you go to the video… “The popcorn was used to fill the entire ballroom, six inches deep. A set was built in the ballroom at the American Stock Exchange. It was made to look like the outside of a barnyard. The popcorn was used to look like snow.”
“We used special popcorn that is very white and it was made without oil, salt or butter. Celebrities including Cindy Crawford and Nicole Kidman attended the fashion show.”
It was the popcorn that got Calvin Klein news coverage around the world. Bloch was interviewed by The New York Post and he was quoted in articles on foreign fashion websites in several countries and in various languages.
How’s that for some Pittsford popcorn publicity?!
Despite the fact that Popcorn Charlie’s can sell large quantities of popcorn, this is not a mass production business. All popcorn is made in small batches, so it is guaranteed fresh and tastes great.
Popcorn kernels come by truck in 50-pound bags. Pure cane sugar is used in the sweet flavors instead of less tasty and unhealthy sweeteners. Because nut allergies are common among children, Bloch decided to keep the entire operation nut free.
Businesses of all types buy popcorn for customer gifts and for employee motivation. Businesses also buy popcorn as thank you gifts for business referrals and for special events.
“Popcorn can have a very positive impact on businesses of all sizes,” said Bloch. “It can increase employee motivation and it is a great way to say thank you to customers and suppliers.”
Prior to starting the popcorn business, Bloch was an entrepreneur. He published a business newspaper, worked in advertising, owned an attorney recruiting firm, and had done marketing consulting. He also started a local business group called the Rochester Entrepreneurial Society that held lunch meetings for more than ten years.
“The popcorn business is a lot of fun,” Bloch said. “Most everyone likes popcorn, and it’s very rewarding being in a business where customers are extremely happy.”
Bloch takes customer service very seriously. In today’s digital world, he makes a special effort to stand out by mailing handwritten thank you notes to his customers; real note cards mailed in an envelope with a stamp. It is one of the reasons he proposed a popcorn stamp to the United States Postal Service. It is currently under consideration, and he is hopeful that, if it gets approved, it could be released in about a year.
Popcorn Charlie’s does not have a retail store. However orders can be placed online and picked up at its manufacturing facility on Monroe Avenue in Pittsford. Orders can also be shipped locally as well as nationwide. Visit the website at PopcornCharlies.com, or give Michael a call at 585-928-6262.
