HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – If you’ve ever attended an event in Hopkinsville, chances are you’ve crossed paths with the beloved “Popcorn Lady,” Patty Starbird, the proud owner of Starbird Gourmet Popcorn.
“Everyone loves to snack, and everyone loves popcorn,” Starbird said.
Starbird’s entrepreneurial journey kicked off in 2021 when a friend approached her while she was working at Walmart, pitching the idea of selling his kernels. “I initially thought he meant Walmart was interested in his popcorn,” Starbird chuckled. Little did she know, this conversation would steer her towards selling kernels at events and pop-ups. With her son’s assistance, Starbird transformed ordinary popcorn kernels into a delectable and distinctive treat that soon became a community favorite.
“One night in the kitchen my son and I made three different flavors, we grabbed everything we could in our kitchen,” Starbird said. “At our next event we had 30 little bags which sold out in under an hour.”
Now, Starbird Gourmet Popcorn offers hundreds of flavors and combinations including cinnamon toast crunch, strawberry cookie, Oreo and tiramisu, theater butter, cheddar, caramel, cheesy caramel, dill pickle, and so much more. Patty also makes special order flavors and can create almost anything.
As a small-business owner, she has had her share of struggles, though. After closing two different store fronts, Starbird operates her business out of her house and sets up her stand whenever and wherever she can, including M&S Produce Stand on Lafayette Road.
“Go for your dreams. Don’t try to be like someone else,” Starbird shares. “One popcorn business won’t be like another. I’m just trying to live the American dream whatever that is.”
Patty says as a small-business owner it has been difficult to get support from other businesses where others are very helpful. She shares some small businesses see her as competition rather than a chance to build each other up in the community. But, the support of her customers and her faith in God keep her going.
“My customers are amazing and I have a lot of regulars. Lots of people have been there for me when times are tough and I always hear in my head ‘stay the course,'” Starbird said.
Coming up, Starbird and her popcorn will be at the Christian County Animal Shelter June 6-9 for the 400 mile yard sale event, and at the Christmas in July event at the Sportsplex on July 13.
For more information, visit Starbird Gourmet Popcorn on Facebook.
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