Did you know that Sunday, January 19, is National Popcorn Day? A celebration of that classic, crunchy, crave-worthy treat you can’t resist munching on, popcorn now ranks among one of the most popular picks for snacking worldwide.
It can even be argued that folks throughout the Mid-Atlantic region are particularly partial to popcorn, especially considering how we’re the home base to so many noted popcorn companies of great acclaim. One such example—an East Coast favorite that is now world-famous—is none other than Fisher’s Popcorn. Originally an exclusive Ocean City, Maryland specialty, Fisher’s Popcorn is now available in many locales, far and wide. Furthermore, the company ships its multiple flavored favorites nationally and internationally regularly. And through it all, they retain their humble roots as a family-owned operation.
For this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m surveying an annotated history of general popcorn popularity. I will then delve directly into the foundational history and growth of Fisher’s Popcorn throughout its nearly 90 years in business as a fan favorite.
Corny Origins
You may have heard references to corn in the ancient world, but note that the term “corn” was once synonymous with all grains. The true origins of corn as “maize” developed right here in the Americas. The oldest evidence on record of corn having been specifically cultivated for popping was discovered in the renowned “Bat Cave” of west-central New Mexico in 1948 and 1950. Those examples are believed to date back over 4,000 years.
Popcorn uses have long been varied and versatile among the early Indigenous people who inhabited the South, Central, and North American continents. From jewelry, decorations, and, most notably, consumption, the contested kernel was long at its peak by the time European explorers and settlers arrived on the scene. And when they were introduced to the novelty themselves, all were instantly hooked too!
Popcorn even predated traditional cereals as a breakfast food. Throughout its growth in popularity among the American people, the craving craze also found its way over to Europe. Universally, it eventually established itself as the perfect palatable pairing for movie-watching. Its in-tandem association with such an act, along with that of a general well-loved snack option anytime, has remained constant and never waned.
The Fisher’s Popcorn Legacy
Popcorn proved to be a filling, economical option as a consumable throughout the Great Depression era. Coincidentally, it was in 1937 when the Fisher’s Popcorn story began. It all started with Everett Fisher, who teamed up with his wife’s cousin Edmund Pusey to open a small popcorn business at the corner of Talbot Street and the Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. Originally named “Pixton’s Popcorn” (using Pusey’s wife’s maiden name), they perfected the art of producing popcorn via copper kettles and utilized the finest, freshest, all-natural ingredients in their craft. There was also a well-regarded secret family recipe to give their popped pleasantries that extra kick no others could compete with.
Edmund Pusey eventually decided to leave the business, at which time Fisher became the sole owner and operator. That was when he rebranded his operation as “Fisher’s Popcorn” and continued carrying out his commitment to delivering the best of the best in the way of popcorn production methodology. There was also plenty to be said about the novelty flavor concoctions he produced, ranging in everything from cheese to coconut, a combination blend of walnuts and traditional hot butter, and that ever-popular classic caramel variety—arguably their most famous featured specialty to date.
Fisher’s Popcorn has forever remained a family operation, passing from generation to generation, beginning with Everett Fisher’s son, Donald. Donald Fisher worked side-by-side with his father from a young age and even manned the stand when his father was drafted for military service during WWII. At the time, the original recipe had to be tweaked, due to sugar rationing and the need to substitute molasses.
Come changing times and even changes to the Ocean City scene, the phenomenal flavor of Fisher’s Popcorn has remained consistent as a crowd-pleaser. So have their authentic copper kettle prep methods, which you can still watch in action today. The company has expanded its chain to include several new locations in addition to the original Ocean City Boardwalk storefront, which is still in operation. Others can be found at notable Delaware Beach sites in Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, and Rehoboth Beach.
Fisher’s Popcorn can also now be found at various grocery stores and other retail locations up and down the East Coast. Also, to reiterate its renown and the high demand for the corny classic globally, Fisher’s Popcorn is even shipped to many places around the world.
So now you know a bit more about ever-popular popcorn and the Fisher’s Popcorn Company as a key contributor. Doesn’t it just make you want to grab a handful of the perfectly popped stuff right now and unwind with your favorite flick?