A longtime Western New York business owner is looking to sweeten things up this holiday season. Marty Zwierzchowski is hoping business pops, literally, with a product that's made in WNY.
Many people are familiar with Marty's Formal Wear on Main Street in Williamsville. It's been there for 20 years. Now, right next door at 5546 Main St., you'll find Main Street Popcorn.
Marty came up with sweet business idea after tasting gourmet popcorn on a trip to Pittsburgh with family members. "My nieces and nephews all liked it," he said. "I had a brainstorm to open a popcorn store in my vacant store."
After nearly a year of research and planning, Main St. Popcorn opened in June 2014. Now Marty is using high tech means and social media to spread the word, but still relies on that first taste. "It's www.mainstpopcorn.comand we're on Facebook," he said. "When customers come in, I give them a sample before they buy to make sure they like it."
Then it's usually an easy sell with fresh popcorn in unique flavors from caramel chocolate and white chocolate peppermint to dill or salt and vinegar, even bacon cheddar.
This time of year, several businesses are buying popcorn in tins complete with company logos as a corporate gift items for customers.
Main Street Popcorn is open six days a week.
