Poppin Huis to remain open under management of three couples
Cassandra Bondie @BizHolland
HOLLAND — Popcorn lovers can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Holland's Poppin Huis, which closed its doors in January after owner Randy Schaap put the business up for sale, will reopen in March under new ownership.
Poppin Huis is now principally owned by Ashley and Ryan Nelson, who are assisted by Katelyn and Ben Herrygers — along with their son Jameson — Lisa Sandor and Craig van Melle.
"It's a family affair," Ashley said. "Lisa is my mom, Katelyn is my sister and Jameson is my nephew. There are two son-in-laws (Ryan and Ben) that are married into the family, and Craig is my mom's boyfriend."
It all started when Katelyn read about the sale of Poppin Huis.
"Ben and I had been talking about what it might be like if we owned a business," Katelyn said. "Jameson has down syndrome, and we were wondering what we could do to help him build community and participate and be active from now until he's older. And then Poppin Huis came up available."
After contacting Schaap, Katelyn made an appointment to see the shop.
"I called Ashley instantly," she said. "It was an amazing opportunity. I could see it as something great for Jameson and our family. So, she came with Ryan and looked at it. Lisa and Craig came and looked at it. And we all decided to do it."
Because Katelyn and Ben have full-time jobs and Jameson, Ashley and Ryan took the lead.
"Ryan left his other job to run the store full-time," Ashley said. "So, he will be the full-time operator and I will be here to help. It makes so much sense for us. My mom has a retail background, my grandma and grandpa owned gift shops when we were kids called Truly Scrumptious. So, we grew up behind the cash register."
Until recently, Poppin Huis was operated by Brian VanDussen, who took ownership in early 2018 from original owner Schaap.
"I initially wanted to sell it because it was more of my wife's dream to have a popcorn and candy store," Schaap told The Sentinel in January. "And she passed away in 2016, so I was working full-time and trying to run a store."
However, less than a year after the transfer, Schaap was forced to retake ownership of the business. Details of the transfer are unknown, but Schapp immediately began looking for a new buyer.
Poppin Huis is known for gourmet popcorn and vintage candies — featuring popcorn flavors like caramel, garlic herb, two cheese, bloomin' tulips, snickerdoodle and chocolate.
The couples plan to make a few changes to the business.
"We're trying to find the perfect blend," Ashley said. "The foundation was a commitment to quality, freshly-popped gourmet popcorn. We're not moving away from that. But we probably won't stock as much vintage candy. Instead, we'll look at highlighting the top-sellers and sourcing products grown or made in the U.S. that complement what we do."
The new Poppin Huis will have organic jams and jellies, candy-scented candles, candy-themed puzzles and gift baskets. It will also offer sales online for the first time.
"We'll do shipping nationwide," Ashley said.
The business will also support the down syndrome community.
"We actually developed a brand specifically for Jameson," Ashley said. "It'll be the Super Jay brand. It will incorporate a doll, a small clothing line and potentially a book one day, authored by Katelyn, about being proud of who he is. And proceeds from the sale of those items will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan."
Ashley and Lisa added that, while the business is located on River Avenue rather than Eighth Street, the location is still "in the heart of Holland."
"We're not on the main drag," Ashley said. "But when we're running the carmel maker, the wind actually takes the scent right down there to bring people in. Katelyn and Ben are residents of Holland. My husband and I live in Belding and Lisa and Craig live in Allegan. So, we're not as close, but we're very used to Holland from visiting Katelyn and Ben for years, so we love the location."
The couples plan to hold a grand opening event on Saturday, March 9.
"We're excited to explore," Ashley said. "The sky's the limit when it comes to popcorn. And because we make everything in-house, we can make small batches and test it. And if people like it, we can start producing it. We really want to elevate the recipes and make sure it's gourmet popcorn."
When it comes to running a business, the couples are working well together.
"So far, in the newness of everything, it's just exciting," Ashley said. "The biggest thing about having six different people involved is the diversity of ideas. It's a good thing. Everybody is bringing their own take to the table. Ideas about merchandise and flavor. And it gives us a really well-rounded place to start. It's a very positive relationship."
For more information, visit facebook.com/poppinhuis.
— Follow this reporter on Twitter @BizHolland.