- Cravings Gourmet Popcorn has been in the Lansing community for over a decade, and the owner, Chad Jordan, has been transparent about their recent issues with the lack of customers
- In a heartfelt email he sent out to customers, he said, "We need your help," as he explained that this summer has been extremely slow and supply prices are going up
- In the attached story, I spoke with the owner, Chad Jordan, about his journey as a business owner and how the community responded to his plea
(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story)
Cravings has been the popcorn place in Old Town since 2010, but the owner says the current economy is taking a bite out of business.
"The Mackinaw Island Caramel and the Mexican vanilla," said one customer.
"The original butter popcorn is my favorite," said another customer.
Chad Jordan has spent over 17 years building what is now Cravings Gourmet Popcorn.
"I was working a full-time job, and I had cravings for popcorn… I did both of them for a while," Jordan said.
In 2010, Cravings found its permanent home in Old Town, and Chad began his journey as a full-time business owner.
"Sometimes it's better because the economy is better.. sometimes it's worse because the economy is worse, it's just really out of our control," he said.
Cravings is still standing after the Great Recession and the Covid-19 pandemic.
But now they're fighting another fight.
"An inflation factor," Jordan said.
Cravings have had to raise employee wages and prices to keep up with the rising costs of products.
"5 years ago, a gallon of vanilla was 60 dollars, and today it is 220 dollars" said Chad Jordan
Chad says he prides himself on being candid with the community, and he did just that in an email sent out to his customers last week.
"I was just trying to be honest and authentic and share with everyone that we could use your help; Sometimes you can feel like your in this boat alone but its not just us everyone is feeling this" he said.
Since then, foot traffic has picked up in the store tremendously, a number of other Lansing business owners have reached out in agreement with his experience, and Chad hopes that all of this serves as a reminder to support your local businesses.
"Just by using your dollars wisely to support your community," said one customer.
In time where every dollar counts
"Whether it's restaurants or boutiques or popcorn stores! Support what's local first," Jordan said.
If you want to contribute, you can visit Cravings here on Turner Road Tuesday through Sunday.
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