Business is ‘popping’ for Warren County woman

Anna Donovan is the owner of Anna’s Gourmet Popcorn located in Maineville. She’s expected to open a second storefront this March in downtown Lebanon. CONTRIBUTED

Anna Donovan is the owner of Anna’s Gourmet Popcorn located in Maineville. She’s expected to open a second storefront this March in downtown Lebanon. CONTRIBUTED

A Warren County gourmet popcorn business will soon be expanding, less than one year after its first location opened.

After spending over a decade working for a flavor company, Anna Donovan decided to venture out of the corporate world and start her own business.

In April 2016, Donovan opened Anna’s Gourmet Popcorn in the heart of Maineville.

The business offers a variety of uniquely flavored popcorn. In addition to flavors like “Birthday Cake” and “Five Alarm” popcorn, Anna’s also carries more traditional flavors like cheese and caramel, which is all popped fresh daily on site.

“My love for popcorn and being able to create food in bright vibrant colors and flavors was the inspiration behind Anna’s Gourmet Popcorn,” Donovan said.

With a degree in food science from Purdue University, Donovan said she loves that her company allows her to use her creative side to develop new monthly flavors.

Studying market trends and following the seasons, the monthly flavors have always been a hit with Donovan’s customers.

“Mitten Mix,” a popcorn infused with cocoa and peppermint, was a big seller in December. This month, Donovan is focusing on the health-conscious snacker by creating “Slender POP.” It’s made with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and cooked in 100 percent pure coconut oil.

“I really do love creating the monthly flavors and love even more that customers will request certain flavors,” she said.

Donovan plans to open up a second location in downtown Lebanon this March.

“Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful and I feel like everyone here wants me to succeed,” she said.

Donovan also works with local schools and businesses for a variety of events and fundraisers.

You can also find her popcorn in local shops, such as Celebrate Local at Liberty Center, and at local farmer's markets throughout the spring and summer.

— — —

ANNA’S GOURMET POPCORN

WHERE: 6054 Ohio 48, Maineville

MORE INFO: Click here to visit the business online

About the Author