Augusta, GA, January 2, 2026
Downtown Augusta welcomed a new gourmet shop, Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, which celebrates Chicago-style flavors. Owned by Sheila Jones, the store highlights entrepreneurial spirit and contributes to the economic revitalization of the CSRA. The initiative reflects local support for small businesses and showcases unique culinary experiences, bolstering community pride in Augusta’s growth.
Augusta, GA
A Taste of Chicago Sweetens Downtown Augusta’s Economic Comeback
The entrepreneurial spirit is once again bubbling in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) as new businesses choose to invest and innovate within our vibrant communities. Downtown Augusta recently welcomed a distinctive addition to its growing retail landscape with the grand opening of Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts. This new establishment not only brings unique flavors inspired by Chicago to the region but also represents a testament to the power of personal vision and small-business resilience in fostering local economic growth.
The opening of businesses like Popn’ Off underscores a positive trend for the CSRA, highlighting how individual determination and the courage to launch a new venture can contribute significantly to the local economy. Such initiatives often thrive in environments that appreciate private investment and where community support helps lay the groundwork for success, demonstrating the inherent benefits of a dynamic and responsive local market.
Popn’ Off: A New Flavor for Broad Street
Located prominently at 716 Broad Street in downtown Augusta, nestled between the historic Miller Theater and Groucho’s Deli, Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts celebrated its grand opening on November 18, 2025. This new shop offers a wide variety of handcrafted popcorn flavors, ranging from classic caramel to bold, savory blends. Visitors can also enjoy a selection of freshly roasted nuts and complimentary small-batched popcorn during special events.
Owner Sheila Jones, after spending years in Chicago, made the decision to return to her home state of Georgia to share something special to her with the community. This personal journey reflects a common theme among South Carolina entrepreneurs and those across the CSRA: bringing back unique experiences and products that enrich local offerings and tap into a sense of regional pride.
Entrepreneurial Vision and Personal Achievement
Sheila Jones’s venture with Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts exemplifies entrepreneurial innovation. The concept of introducing gourmet Chicago-style popcorn to downtown Augusta demonstrates a keen understanding of market demand for distinctive culinary experiences. Her decision to invest in a brick-and-mortar location in a revitalizing urban core highlights confidence in the area’s potential and a commitment to personal achievement through business ownership. This type of private initiative is a cornerstone of CSRA economic growth, as it often sparks further local investment and job creation.
Revitalizing Downtown Augusta: A Broader Picture
The arrival of Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts contributes to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Augusta. This area has seen concerted efforts to attract new businesses, redevelop vacant properties, and enhance public spaces. In 2021, downtown Augusta experienced a net gain of 53 new businesses and 3 expansions on the Broad Street Corridor, with an additional 34 new businesses and 6 expansions announced or opened as of July 31, 2022. Significant private investment, amounting to $83.1 million, was recorded in the Broad Street Corridor in 2021.
Organizations like the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Augusta actively work to recruit and retain small businesses through advocacy, marketing support, and grant programs. The DDA also provides façade grants, with a $105,000 donation from Georgia Power supporting property owners in improving building appearances. These initiatives create a supportive environment where Aiken SC business owners and entrepreneurs across the region can see tangible benefits from local government and private sector partnerships.
Regional Economic Vibrancy and Small Business Support
The opening of Popn’ Off is part of a larger narrative of economic dynamism across the CSRA, which includes Aiken County. The region is actively working to sustain a strong and diversified economy with a focus on job creation and retention. Programs like Accelerate Augusta, a business development center, were created to support entrepreneurs, startups, and existing small businesses in developing and growing. This center aims to be a hub for budding entrepreneurs, including soldiers transitioning from military service at Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), and students from local colleges and universities.
Furthermore, the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA) provides substantial support and consultation for businesses looking to relocate or expand, including assistance with incentive programs, tax incentives, and navigating regulatory processes. The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) also offers tools, training, and resources to help small businesses succeed across Georgia and South Carolina. Such comprehensive support systems demonstrate a commitment to fostering an environment where Aiken small business owners and those throughout the CSRA can flourish, emphasizing the benefits of a streamlined and encouraging regulatory landscape.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Community Engagement
The success of new ventures like Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is crucial for the ongoing economic health of downtown Augusta and the wider CSRA. It showcases the vitality that comes from individual entrepreneurship supported by a community infrastructure designed to help businesses thrive. By offering unique products and contributing to the local atmosphere, these businesses become integral to the character and prosperity of the region.
We encourage our readers to support local businesses, embrace entrepreneurial endeavors, and engage with the ongoing economic development efforts that shape our shared future in the CSRA. The journey of Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts from a Chicago inspiration to a downtown Augusta staple is a flavorful example of what can be achieved with vision and local support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts?
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is a new gourmet popcorn and snack shop that has opened in downtown Augusta, Georgia, offering a wide variety of handcrafted popcorn flavors, including classic caramel and bold, savory blends, along with a selection of fresh-roasted nuts.
Where is Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts located?
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is located at 716 Broad Street in downtown Augusta, Georgia, situated between the Miller Theater and Groucho’s Deli.
When did Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts open?
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts celebrated its grand opening on November 18, 2025.
Who is the owner of Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts?
The owner of Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is Sheila Jones.
What kind of flavors does Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts offer?
Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts offers a wide variety of handcrafted popcorn flavors, including classic caramel and bold, savory blends, along with fresh-roasted nuts and Chicago-style flavors.
Key Features of Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts |
| Location | 716 Broad Street, Downtown Augusta, GA (between Miller Theater and Groucho’s Deli) |
| Opening Date | November 18, 2025 |
| Owner | Sheila Jones |
| Product Offerings | Wide variety of handcrafted gourmet popcorn (classic caramel, bold/savory blends, Chicago-style), fresh-roasted nuts, small-batched popcorn. |
| Inspiration | Chicago-style flavors, brought by owner Sheila Jones after years in Chicago. |
| Community Engagement | Grand opening celebrated with the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. |
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Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
