The New Owners of Detroit Popcorn Company are Eager to Continue Its Legacy

The Detroit Popcorn Company has been operating on the Detroit/Redford border since 1923. Now under new ownership, the company is committed to maintaining their community-oriented business practices.

The Detroit Popcorn Company was originally located on I-96 and Greenfield in Detroit and later moved to the Detroit/Redford border where is it has thrived as a part of the community it serves. Beyond its namesake popcorn, the business also offers including concession equipment rentals, ready-to-eat snacks, and more.

Detroit Popcorn was sold by the previous owner David Farber earlier this year. After the controversy surrounding the second owner Evan Singer and his Facebook posts which critics say contained racist overtones, Farber took the company back and began the search for a new owner once again.

Now, minority-owned Harris Financial Group LLC, located in Pontiac, has purchased the business.

Kenneth Harris, the CEO of Harris Financial Group, says one priority is restoring the community’s faith in the business. “We’re now doing damage control and mending some relationships that may have been severed because of the previous situation,” says Harris. “But that was then and this is now so I’m staying focused.” 

The company is known for work with schools and community organizations from across the state and Harris hopes to continue that community-oriented business. 

“My first initiative of philanthropic participation in the community is to provide a relationship. The Detroit Public Schools Foundation, where we have already made a commitment to give the foundation 5% of every sale popcorn that we do. And we’re very honored and very happy to do that,” says Harris.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the original location of the Detroit Popcorn Company.

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Author

  • Tia Graham
    Tia Graham is a reporter and Weekend Edition Host for 101.9 WDET. She graduated from Michigan State University where she had the unique privilege of covering former President Barack Obama and his trip to Lansing in 2014.