Life & Work with Kernels Nashville Popcorn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kernels Nashville Popcorn.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Kernels Nashville Popcorn originated from the dream and determination of three sisters raised in East Nashville, TN. One sister, Jennifer, moved to Chicago for a while. And the other sister, Amber, moved to New York for 2 years to pursue her dreams of acting and modeling (How’d that go you ask? Let’s just say she’s making popcorn now)! While living in these cities both became aware of a well-known popcorn shop (which will remain nameless) that would have lines “out the door.” While on Christmas break Jennifer, Amber and other family members sat around casually talking and Jennifer suggests that the family open up a popcorn shop in Nashville. Amber was taken by this idea and immediately started to imagine what this could grow into! In 2008 Amber moved back home to Nashville, where Jennifer, Erica (the third coattail riding sister) and the rest of the family already lived, and started Kernels Nashville Popcorn! The rest is history in the making…

The Kernels storefront is located in East Nashville at 2501 B Gallatin Ave, the same neighborhood the sister’s were raised. With more than 14 flavors, Kernels is the birthplace of “Nashville Hot Popcorn”! Other POPular flavors include Music City Mix (Caramel/Cheddar Mix), Chocolate Drizzled, Vanilla Cinnamon & Sweet Heat. The owned and operated family business is “popping” and thriving! Some of their top clients include The Country Music Hall of Fame, Batch USA, The Goo Goo Shop and countless other Nashville businesses that reward their employees with gourmet popcorn treats. For online ordering or more information visit www.kernelsnashville.com or call 615.378.7674. Kernels Nashville celebrated 8 years at their storefront location in March 2021.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We’ve renamed our “struggles”…”challenges”.

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but each challenge has helped us evolve. One of our main ones has been keeping the store staffed. We’ve tried several ways to keep employees motivated, but for some reason they dwindle off. At first, we took it personal but discovered other local businesses were experiencing the same challenge (it still hurts a little). Another challenge we face is sometimes executing store improvements. A lot of great ideas are thrown our way, but sometimes we don’t know where to start.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
All three sisters graduated college expecting to take certain paths. We set out on those professional/corporate paths, but when the idea of a family business came about we turned our focus on entrepreneurship.

Jennifer, a kindergarten teacher (still in the field). Erica, employee at an architectural firm. Amber, college math teacher

Erica and Amber left the corporate world to focus on Kernels Nashville, but they brought along with them skills to build the business. Graphic design, accounting, problem solving, teamwork and so many other important skills needed to run a successful business.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If you see a business that impresses you, contact the owner and JUST ASK. A lot of business owners want to share the knowledge of their experiences with up and coming local businesses.

We asked Mignon of Cupcake Collection Nashville, TN to mentor us and she jumped on the opportunity. She was there for us in the beginning and helped us get off to a great start.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: kernelsnashville.com
• Instagram: kernelsnashville
• Facebook: kernelsnashville
• Twitter: kernelsnashvill
• Yelp: kernelsnashville

Image Credits
Jonathan Snorten