Southern Kernels celebrates national popcorn day

HATTIESBURG, Miss - Southern Kernels a gourmet popcorn shop celebrated National Popcorn Day.

Owner Taj Stewart began Southern Kernels two years ago, the idea started when Stewart and his wife had movie nights and topped their microwavable popcorn with a variety of salty and sweet mixes.

"It is like my Christmas (National Popcorn day), you know it is a day where everyone can appreciate popcorn. It is something different than what you would have at the movies and you can enjoy it throughout the year" Stewart says.

Although in the beginning the community was apprehensive to new flavors of popcorn, Stewart mentions they warmed up and some even became regulars.

Allison Finch, second time customer says, "You can't get a cinnamon roll popcorn at the movies, which is really cool, it is like you have your savory side and your sweet side, you have twenty flavors."

Stewart says the community is welcome to take part in his business by throwing out different flavors for their flavor of the month.

In February Southern Kernels will have Red Velvet popcorn to honor Valentine's day.