Meet the Maker: Kernels Gourmet Popcorn
If you haven’t heard of Kernels Gourmet Popcorn, it’s time to meet the maker, Amber Greer! This family-owned business pops corn in one of the hippest neighborhoods in Nashville especially for you to enjoy. Want to know what it’s like to run a business with your two sisters…how you move from modeling to teaching math to making popcorn…how you dream up delicious flavors like S’More and Nashville Hot? Yes?! Then, read on to learn the story behind Kernels Nashville Gourmet Popcorn from co-founder and Greer sister Amber Greer.
How did Kernels Nashville Popcorn get started?
Kernels Nashville Gourmet Popcorn originated from the dream and determination of my two sisters and myself. We were raised in East Nashville. My sister Jennifer moved to Chicago for a while, and I moved to New York for two years to pursue dreams of acting and modeling. (How’d that go you ask? Let’s just say I’m making popcorn now!) While living in these cities, we both became aware of a well-known popcorn shop (which shall remain nameless) that would have lines out the door. Back home in Nashville for Christmas one year, we were with a few other family members sitting around talking, and Jennifer suggested that the family open up a popcorn shop in Nashville. I was taken by this idea and immediately started to imagine what this could grow into! In 2008, I moved back home to Nashville, where Jennifer, Erica (the third coattail-riding sister) and the rest of the family already lived, and started Kernels Nashville Popcorn! The rest is history in the making…
What did you all do before starting Kernels Nashville Popcorn?
I was a math teacher at Tennessee State University, Erica was Architectural Project Assistant at Moody Nolan, and Jennifer is still currently a kindergarten teacher at Explore! Community School.
What’s it like running a business with family?
Running a business with family definitely has its perks. Sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s salty, but mostly, it’s corny! Seriously, though, we’re thankful to have a genuine love for one another that makes working together run smoothly. We know the importance of communication and work hard to keep things open, while staying considerate of everyone’s needs. Most importantly, we have fun! So much fun, we still want to spend time together on our “off days” or special occasions.
[Read more stories from Batch purveyors in our Meet the Maker series.]
Tell us more about your family/families and growing up in Nashville!
We were raised in East Nashville, not far from where the Kernels Nashville Popcorn storefront is located. There was a popcorn store in Harding Mall where our mother would take us to for special rewards, which planted a seed (err...kernel?) for a future business. We attended Inglewood & Dalewood Elementary, Litton Middle School, and Stratford High. Our childhood was filled with outdoor activities, cheerleading, and church.
What does a fun day in East Nashville look like to you?
Honestly, a fun day in East Nashville is a day when we have a huge order, and we need “all hands on deck” to fulfill it. We’ll have music playing, and we’ll order food from a local East Nashville restaurant. Our top choices are Ghot Wingz, King Solomon, or Nicoletto’s.
[Learn more about the best of Nashville on the Batch Blog.]
How do you come up with new flavors and recipes?
A lot of our flavors were birthed through experimenting. The flavors of our Caramel, Cheddar, and White Cheddar were made just right by trial and error and a lot of taste-testing. Our signature flavor, The Nashville Hot, is an original spice blend that was created by Jennifer and Kendall (our popcornologist)! Other flavors, like Vanilla Cinnamon and Frosty (Caramel with vanilla coating), were created simply by thinking, Hmmmm, I think that would taste good, and then trying it.
Which flavor is your favorite and why?
Nashville Hot! It is our original signature flavor and also a customer favorite.
[Check out the Kernels Nashville Popcorn flavors in stock at Batch today.]
How did the partnership with Batch get started?
We actually submitted our product when Batch first started. Just recently, in 2020, Heather reached out via email excited about our product and asked if we’re interested in partnering. And we said….YES!
Anything else you want Nashville and our customers around the country to know?
Kernels Nashville pops fresh daily, works hard to provide excellent customer service, and takes pride in our product by using quality ingredients. We provide Nashville residents and visitors an experience that will last long after they POP that last piece in their mouth.
Get your fill of the Greer sisters’ Kernels Nashville Gourmet Popcorn by adding it to your next custom-made Batch gift set today!
You can also find Kernels Nashville Gourmet Popcorn in one of these holiday Batch gift sets…
America's Best Popcorn Batch, $29
More S’Mores Batch Gift Set, $68
Home Office Snacks Batch Gift Set, $99
Snacks from Coast to Coast Batch Gift Set, $199 (Our most ginormous gourmet snack box!)