Exploring Life & Business with Derrick & Tavia Jackson of Tastebuds Popcorn – Concord

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick & Tavia Jackson. 

Hi Derrick & Tavia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
During the pandemic, my husband and I were discussing nostalgic foods and comforting memories. We were reminded that popcorn was a snack represented from family and fun! 

After venturing to great distances to taste the best popcorn across the country, we resolved that we would simply offer our interpretation of the best to our local community. 

Our goal is to develop an entrepreneurial legacy and show our three children that we can bring smiles to hundreds of thousands of faces by daring to pursue our dreams. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In January of 2002, we had three consecutive weeks of winter storms. The roads were impassable for our staff and so we were forced to close for several days. Once we were able to reopen, the next storm came and ravaged our building and its plumbing and HVAC. 

Supply chain shortages and price hikes dramatically affected the way that we do business. Several recipes needed to be reworked to compensate for varying ingredients. 

Workforce shortages impacted our business as well. We reduced our hiring age to fifteen years old and started offering unique incentives and cash rewards for our employees. 

We’ve been impressed with Tastebuds Popcorn – Concord, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Tastebuds Popcorn Concord is a Veteran, Woman, and Black-owned business. The brand proudly offers over 200 unique flavors of gourmet popcorn that are handcrafted in small batches and feature only the finest ingredients! 

We would love to partner with you for your next event, employee recognition, birthday party, wedding, shower, and holiday celebration! 

Tastebuds Concord clientele features Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, professional sports teams (Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, NASCAR, etc), as well as popcorn lovers nationwide. Patrons may choose to visit the store (located just 1 mile north of the Charlotte Motor Speedway), or they have their decadent and savory snacks delivered. Flavors range from Salt & Vinegar to Everything Bagel to Cherry Lemon Sun Drop. From Cookies & Cream to Cheddar Jalapeño. From Banana Pudding and Reese’s, your outlook of popcorn possibilities will be forever changed. Pop into our store for free samples! 

Recently, Tastebuds won the 2021-22 New Business of the Year from the Cabarrus County Chamber of Commerce. We’re located at: 

3805 Concord Pkwy S., #132 

Concord, NC 28027 

Or online at www.tastebudsconcord.com 

https://linktr.ee/tastebudspopcornconcord 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
Popcorn has always been there. For the blockbuster movie, for the championship sporting match, for the exhilarating three-ring circus. 

So many of our childhood memories are painted with hot butter and scented with the wonders of popcorn. 

Pricing:

• 1.95 – 200.00 Find the bag size and flavor that best fits your needs (at tastebudsconcord.com)
• 45.00 for the exclusive Share-A-Smile Gift Bundle

Contact Info:

• Website: TastebudsConcord.com
• Instagram: @tastebudspopcornconcord
• Facebook: @tastebudspopcornconcord
• Linkedin: @tastebudspopcornconcord
• Twitter: @TastebudsConc
• Youtube: @tastebudspopcornconcord
• Yelp: @tastebudspopcornconcord