Illinois Farmer Developing New Way to Enjoy Popcorn

Andrew Bowman of Pilot Knob Farm in Knox County Illinois has developed something new in the world of popcorn. Will restaurants embrace his idea?

Knox County Illinois Corn Fields

Like many farms in Illinois Bowman grows corn. Hull-less red and blue corn. The gourmet popcorn market is large (especially in Illinois), and it’s hard to create space for yourself and stand out. Where in the food world could that happen? Restaurants.

Soon you could find gourmet popcorn on the menu at select Illinois restaurants

Bowman sees established Illinois restaurants as the partner he’s looking at to grow the popcorn market. He’s has developed a special stainless steel basket that can be used in current restaurant fryers that are being used daily for onion rings or french fries.

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The plan isn’t to sell the basket equipment. It’s about growing the popcorn market. Bowman’s gambit is to include the basket in an exclusivity deal for his family farm’s blue and red popcorn. He’s even willing to strike a super friendly deal to restaurant popcorn pilot program participants that includes his popcorn and the basket without up front costs.

Illinois Red Corn

Sometime soon you may be able to order a side of blue or red Illinois local sourced popcorn at restaurants in the region. Should you see that on a menu, place an order and know that it’s been grown and developed in Central Illinois.