Today we’d like to introduce you to Penny Mickey.
Penny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to Mickey’s Popcorn is really a story of blending entrepreneurship, purpose, and a deep family legacy in food. I come from a long line of food entrepreneurs, so creating something in the culinary space always felt like a natural path. But my professional career didn’t begin there—I spent many years in higher education and workforce development, eventually serving in executive leadership roles where I focused on creating pathways to economic mobility for people facing barriers to employment.
The idea for Mickey’s Popcorn was born at the intersection of creativity and opportunity. I wanted to build a brand that could compete in premium hospitality spaces while also creating meaningful jobs for individuals who needed a second chance. What started as a small, handcrafted concept quickly evolved into a luxury, spirit-infused gourmet popcorn brand, known for signature flavors like our trademarked Tennessee Whiskey Caramel.
As demand grew, so did our vision. We began securing licensing and private-label partnerships with iconic spirit brands and expanded into hotels, airports, retail, and experiential venues. Today, Mickey’s Popcorn is positioned as a luxury snack experience—designed for minibars, gift shops, distilleries, and entertainment spaces—while also operating as a social enterprise that provides transitional employment and workforce training.
What makes this journey meaningful is that growth and impact have gone hand in hand. We’re not just building a premium brand—we’re building opportunity. And now, as we continue expanding into larger hospitality, sports, and entertainment venues, the mission remains the same: create a product that delivers a memorable experience while opening doors for people who are ready for a fresh start.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, we’ve had to navigate the realities of building a premium product in a highly competitive food and hospitality market while also operating with a strong social impact mission. Early on, one of our biggest challenges was access—getting decision-makers in hospitality, retail, and entertainment to see popcorn not just as a commodity snack, but as a luxury, experience-driven product worthy of placement alongside high-end offerings.
Operationally, growth has also come with its share of hurdles. Scaling production while maintaining handcrafted quality, managing supply chain disruptions, weather-related facility issues, and the day-to-day realities of manufacturing have all tested our resilience. At the same time, because we intentionally hire individuals who are rebuilding their lives, we invest heavily in training, coaching, and creating a supportive work environment—which is the right thing to do, but it requires patience, structure, and resources.
There have been moments where the path felt uncertain, but each challenge has strengthened our systems, our team, and our clarity about who we are. If anything, the obstacles have reinforced our value proposition: we’re not just selling popcorn—we’re delivering a premium experience with purpose. And that combination has ultimately helped us build stronger partnerships and sustainable growth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the co-founder and CEO of Mickey’s Popcorn, a luxury gourmet popcorn brand that specializes in spirit-infused and elevated flavor experiences designed for hospitality, retail, and entertainment environments. We create handcrafted products like our trademarked Tennessee Whiskey Caramel and Kentucky Bourbon Caramel, positioning popcorn as a premium amenity for hotel minibars, distilleries, airports, gift shops, and experiential venues. My work spans the full spectrum of the business—from flavor innovation and product development to strategic partnerships, licensing, and national business development within the hospitality and tourism industry.
What I specialize in is building premium, experience-driven products that align with the evolving expectations of today’s traveler and consumer. Our brand is known for turning a simple snack into a memorable, story-driven luxury experience that reflects regional culture and craftsmanship. We’ve been able to secure partnerships with iconic brands, including serving as the gourmet popcorn provider for the Nearest Green Distillery—now one of the most visited distilleries in the world—and developing private-label products for global partners.
What I’m most proud of is that Mickey’s Popcorn is both a luxury brand and a social enterprise. We provide transitional employment and workforce training for individuals rebuilding their lives after domestic violence or other economic barriers. Growth for us isn’t just measured in sales or placements—it’s measured in lives stabilized, skills built, and opportunities created.
What sets us apart is that we compete at the highest level of quality, branding, and customer experience while operating with a purpose-driven model. We’re not just selling popcorn—we’re delivering a premium product with a meaningful story, and that combination resonates strongly with partners who want their guest experience to reflect both excellence and impact.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned about mentorship is that longevity matters more than proximity to your current role. My longest-running mentor relationship began during my undergraduate years at Fisk University. Even though my career has evolved far beyond higher education into entrepreneurship and hospitality, that relationship has remained one of the most grounding and influential in my professional life. A great mentor doesn’t just advise your job—they understand your character, your values, and your long-term growth.
For anyone looking to find a mentor, my advice is to focus less on titles and more on trust and alignment. Look for someone who will tell you the truth, ask hard questions, and invest in your development over time. Networking works best when it’s approached as relationship-building, not transaction-building. Stay in touch, share your progress, ask thoughtful questions, and be willing to give value back whenever you can.
Pricing:
- $7 each on the website
- $12 and up in a hotel
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mickeyspopcorn.com
- Instagram: @mickeyspopcorntn
