Why Zion Popcorn in Downtown Madison is Much More Than Popcorn

Explore, Food, Resources, Shop

June 26, 2020

I loved growing up in Madison, but I would have loved it even more a few decades ago had Zion Popcorn been around. This downtown Madison staple is a dream for both kids and kids-at-heart, and I’m excited to take you for a spin through the shop.

Warning: This virtual walk through the store today may tempt you to physically walk through the store tomorrow because it’s that good, and I cannot be held responsible for the money you spend on the treats your eyeballs force you to buy. Enjoy.

Sandra Polk opened the Zion Popcorn storefront in 2018 after a successful three-year run at the Limestone Flea Market.

When asked what her motivation was to open the store, she confidently remarked “I just like popcorn. I love popcorn. So that’s how I got started. And I still like it!”

Like the store’s name implies, Zion Popcorn is full of popcorn options. She has over 15 flavors, including green apple, s’mores, classic cheddar cheese, and much more.

Customers are welcome to come in to purchase available bags, or they can call to place custom orders. Polk shared that she receives a lot of custom orders from realtors who are creating gifts for their buyers and sellers.

Polk, who works with her son as her only employee, says that she really enjoys doing custom orders for birthday party favors. These favors consist of small, individual clear bags of popcorn, often matching the color theme of the party if desired. All interested customers have to do is call ahead of time and she’ll have them ready to please party attendees!

Zion Popcorn extends far beyond popcorn though, which is often such a pleasant surprise for customers who are coming in expecting just popcorn options. From gelato to homemade fudge to dipped apples to chocolate to kosher candy and more, the list goes on and on regarding what Polk offers those who walk through her doors.

“I love my customers,” says Polk. “They are treated like kings and queens why they walk in here. I even have a crown up here as decoration!”

{Author note: And she did – A paper gold one displayed sweetly on the counter near the fudge display.}

Speaking of fudge, Polk says she makes it all herself and serves roughly 11 flavors at a time. Some of her other treat selections include pecan pralines, chocolate-covered Double Stuf Oreos, and much more.

There are a couple of small tables that allow customers to sit inside and enjoy their treats while watching a train that runs near the ceiling.

When I remarked that children must love the train, she said “The grown-ups do too!”

Polk couldn’t say enough good things about how the community has rallied around her small business in the last couple of years, especially the last few months.

“Everybody just keeps coming in here or calling me and making sure we are okay. We love being here in this community. They really support you.”

Polk says that she doesn’t often share publically all of the ways she supports the community but says that she’s always quietly trying to love on the city that has given so much to her.

As a customer, her charitable, glad heart was very evident.