Ever since Edward Johnson was a little boy he knew deep down he wanted to be a culinary revolutionist. While his parents felt his efforts in life could be better utilized elsewhere, he eventually made his way after eight years in the U.S. Navy and as a surgical equipment training specialist by becoming a gourmet popcorn superstar.
The dream was sparked after viewing an ordinary episode of “The Prophet” on CNBC back in May 2014. This particular episode featured a woman who supplied gourmet popcorn to one of the most magical places on earth, Disneyland®. Edward remembers like it was yesterday watching the show with his nephew and saying to him, “This would be such a cool job, I can do that.” His nephew’s response was simple, yet powerful, “Then do it!” A mere six months later Edward was opening the doors to Popped Perfections, a gourmet popcorn store in downtown Titusville.
During those six months he taught himself, through trial and error, the craft of true gourmet popcorn. Each new batch he created brought him closer and closer to what is now a lineup of 100 mouth-watering flavors. These flavors range from fantastically sweet, like Red Velvet Cake, Peanut Butter Cup and Cinnamon Bun to tantalizing savory, like Gold Cheddar, Cool Ranch and Buffalo Blue Cheese, just to name a few. He has even developed his proprietary Vanilla Almond flavor for the fitness-minded consumer. This popcorn packs a hefty 30 grams of protein with only 300 calories per two cup serving. It’s a favorite amongst his workout buddies at the YMCA.
With such a large selection to choose from, he encourages customers to try multiple samples while at his shop so that they find the flavor that pleases their palette before making a purchase. Knowing that the customer is walking out of his store with the possibility of the bag not making it home to be shared with others, puts a smile on his face and fulfillment in his heart.
The most unique thing about Popped Perfections in Titusville, besides its wide variety of flavors, is the type of ingredients used to make these delectable treats. Edward uses entirely all natural, organic, GMO and gluten-free ingredients to pop, flavor and color his popcorn. They start with organic popcorn (GMO free) then cook all their kernels in organic cold pressed coconut oil. This process allows Popped Perfections to provide its consumers with a top of the line product that trumps its competitors in quality, taste and texture.
Edward hopes to one day pass the business along to his children to help provide for their future. He already had the help of his daughter during this past summer and he was quite impressed with her mastery of the kitchen in this short time. Not only can she complete recipes on her own, but she also has the ability to mix and match ingredients to develop new flavor combinations.
Popped Perfections
213 S. Hopkins Ave., Titusville
(321) 506-8767 | PoppedPerfections.com
This article appears in the September 2015 issue of SpaceCoast Living.
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