The first flavor of Lush Popcorn that Marcia Taylor created is white chocolate. That was close to a decade ago, when the Milwaukee entrepreneur started making flavored popcorn for friends and serving it at potlucks. That grew to farmers markets and a 300-square-foot space at Sherman Phoenix.
Lush’s grand opening in its new, almost 3,000-square-foot space in Riverwest (920 E. Locust St., the former Klinger’s East) is on Friday, Sept. 22.
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Much more than a retail location, this will be a gathering spot to linger over snacks and beverages. Lush – which, fittingly, makes flavors like with maple bourbon – is also available for purchase at Ray’s Wine & Spirits in Tosa, Axe Milwaukee on the East Side, and NorthSouth Club in Walker’s Point. They also operate on a pop-up basis at the South Shore and Tosa farmers markets.
In the Lush popcorn flavor department, there’s also (among other kinds) chipotle cheddar, cookies-n-cream, CBD-infused Strawberry Love, and the bestseller, the Milwaukee Mix, which combines caramel, cheese and chipotle.
As for the space, “We wanted to keep it in the theme of what’s going on in Riverwest. And really make it like a modern industrial, fun vibe. We’re providing something that’s new with the popcorn and café combination,” says Marcia, who operates Lush with her brother/business partner Marc.
The drink menu will be inclusive, Marcia says, with alcohol-infused and nonalcoholic options: “We really want to be a space for everyone and we thought Riverwest was a great neighborhood that embodies that.”
The grand opening festivities will highlight the various popcorns for sale, as well as hand-crafted lemonade and specialty cocktails.
Hours: Tues-Thurs 4-7 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4-9 p.m.
