PHOENIX (AZFamily) – Garrett Popcorn Shops, a well-known Chicago-based popcorn retailer, aimed to expand its footprint by opening its first Arizona location in Phoenix. The company is famous for its gourmet popcorn varieties, such as CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn, which have garnered a dedicated following.

Proposed Location

According to City of Phoenix documents, Garrett Popcorn Shops submitted a detailed proposal to establish a store in Terminal 4 of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The proposed location was strategically planned to be pre-security, making it accessible not only to travelers but also to local residents and fans of the brand who wanted to enjoy their popcorn without passing through security checks.

Evaluation Criteria and Denial

The proposal faced a competitive evaluation process. The airport authority considered multiple factors, including:

- Proposed Concept: The overall vision for the store and how it would fit within the airport's existing retail environment.

- Merchandise Plan: The variety and appeal of the products that Garrett Popcorn would offer.

- Design and Quality of Tenant Improvements: The proposed design of the store and the quality of improvements Garrett Popcorn planned to make.

- Operations and Technology Plans: How Garrett Popcorn would manage operations and integrate technology to enhance customer service.

Despite a robust proposal, Garrett Popcorn Shops was ultimately denied in favor of a Travel Treats & Coca-Cola Lounge. The decision was based on the comparative assessment of the aforementioned criteria.

Current Status and Future Prospects

An airport spokesperson confirmed to Arizona’s Family that there are currently no other bids for a Garrett Popcorn location at Sky Harbor. This decision leaves the possibility of Garrett Popcorn exploring other opportunities within the Phoenix area or submitting a new bid in the future.

Existing Locations and Availability

While Garrett Popcorn Shops has not yet established a presence in Arizona, they operate in other major airports, including those in Illinois and Texas. For Arizona residents, pre-packaged Garrett Popcorn is available at World Market stores throughout the Valley. Additionally, the closest standalone Garrett Popcorn location is in Las Vegas, providing a destination for dedicated fans willing to travel.

Company Response and Plans

Arizona’s Family reached out to Garrett Popcorn Shops for comments on their future plans in Arizona, but the company has not responded. It remains to be seen whether Garrett Popcorn will pursue other retail opportunities within the state or focus on expanding its presence in other markets.

Airport's Vision and Retail Strategy

Sky Harbor International Airport continues to evolve its retail and dining offerings to enhance passenger experience. The decision to favor the Travel Treats & Coca-Cola Lounge reflects the airport's broader strategy to diversify its concessions and provide a range of options to meet the varied needs of its travelers.

Conclusion

While Garrett Popcorn Shops' bid to open a location at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was denied, the company’s interest in expanding to Arizona highlights the state’s growing market potential. Fans of Garrett Popcorn in the Phoenix area can still enjoy their favorite treats through local World Market stores or by visiting nearby locations in Las Vegas. The possibility remains that Garrett Popcorn Shops may explore other avenues to establish a presence in Arizona in the future.