Great American Popcorn

Galena, United States

4.6

Open now

24 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 815-402-3122
Website:
www.greatpopcorn.com
Address:
110 S Main St, Galena, IL, 61036
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes

Today

Today 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Galena) 10:29 Thursday, 12 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

GAPCO is known for its array of homemade and DELICIOUS popcorns. With over 250 flavors, we are sure to have a vice for you. As Dave always says, «You got a vice, we got a fix!». With ranges from the basics of Old Fashioned Caramel and Cheese, to Cookies & Cream and even Hellfire & Damnation, we are sure to have your favorite.

We also have a fantastice selection of handmade chocolates, Chocolate Shoppe ice cream, jelly beans, candies and MUCH more. Please visit out new location or website to cure your sweet-​tooth today.

History

Established in 1994.

Great American Popcorn Company was started in 1994 by Dave Lewis and wife, Cathie Henle-​Lewis. By putting their creative minds together they have become a «hot spot» in the historic town of Galena, Illinois and a «must buy» to many around the United States. After nearly 16 years in business GAPCO has become more than the Lewis’ could have hoped for; and with plans in the future to franchise they can old dream of the possibilities the future holds.

With the love and pride this family holds for their business, GAPCO is sure to become another «generation» mom and pop shop, as their Daughter, Victoria, has high hopes in helping franchise and eventually, one day, take over the family business.

Customer Service is a BIG thing here at the popcorn shop. You will always find a smile on our faces and a loud, yet loveable, man in a hat giving out samples all day long :) Nothing is more important to Dave than to have a strong business that emplifies «GREAT Customer Service».

Nearby

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24 reviews of Great American Popcorn

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Place rating: 2
Chicago, IL
Popcorn is good. Compared to Garrett’s popcorn it’s just ok. I was turned off by their hygiene/​sanitary conditions which I noticed shortly after entering the shop. They were sampling popcorn from this very large vat. The employee would scoop popcorn from the vat and then she would shake some of the popcorn from the scooper into the out-​stretched hand of the customer. The thing is, everytime she did this the scooper would touch the customers hand. The employee would then put the scooper, after touching the customers hand, BACK in the large vat and then proceed to mix the popcorn. It just wasn’t pleasant to see.
Place rating: 5
Buckley, IL
Just there yesterday! Super cute store. Great selection of not only popcorn but fudge, ice cream, taffy, specialty sodas. VERY hard to decide which flavors to choose. We went with Kitchen Sink, Half Time, Pepper and Garlic, Buffalo Wing and traditional Cheddar Cheese. Boy was my family happy when I brought these home. The staff was beyond helpful and super friendly. Prices were reasonable. When we bought 3 bags of popcorn, we got to pick the 4th bag for free. Can’t wait to stop back here next time we are in town!
Place rating: 5
Chicago, IL
Customer service is amazing! Everyone is so friendly and goes far beyond to make you feel welcomed. We took advantage of the buy 3 get one free and got the galena mix, cheddar and bacon cheddar along with kettle corn. All three are so good! Will definitely come back.
Place rating: 5
Davenport, IA
This place seriously has the best customer service. I have NEVER been anywhere and had so many friendly, positive people trying to help me. The popcorn is amazing. I would recommend getting the kitchen sink it is delicious!!!
Place rating: 3
Pittsburgh, PA
I love popcorn, so we made the Great American Popcorn shop one of our final stops before leaving Galena. A nauseatingly strong smell greeted us at the door, which we soon assumed to be the shop making their butter rum flavor. The smell was so obnoxious that I almost turned around and left as soon as I had entered.
The flavors were pre-​bagged, which I didn’t particularly love. Our local popcorn shop bags the popcorn when purchased, which just seems a lot fresher to me. My first thought was, how long have these bags been sitting on these shelves? What if I pick a bag that isn’t purchased frequently?
My hubby selected a flavor — the butter rum, I think — and I tried a few pieces as we headed out of the shop. It was descent but didn’t blow me away. Overall, I think I’ll save my popcorn calories for my favorite local shop.
Place rating: 2
Frankfort, IL
Honestly, we did not find the popcorn to be that great tasting. The experience was fun — they have unimaginable flavors and the service was excellent. The owner was in the shop at the time and informed us we could sample any flavor we wanted and offered that if we bought three bags, the fourth would be on him. We just winged it with the flavors we bought — 2 «Galena» Mix (aka Chicago Mix), 1 Olive Oil & Herb, and 1 Texas Tornado. We didn’t even end up eating the latter two. And perhaps it is because we have been spoiled with Garret’s Popcorn of Chicago that we didn’t find the Galena Mix that great either, unfortunately.
Place rating: 5
Villa Park, IL
I highly recommend this place if you’re a popcorn lover like my husband and I. When we walked in we were greeted by Victoria who told us about all the deals going on. There was a buy three bags get one free deal which we took advantage of. Dave was behind the counter and was so friendly. They let you sample everything which was really great. We ended up buying the better than movie theater, cheddar, stuffed potato and cracked pepper and herb. Can’t remember if those were the exact names. They had so many choices. They also had fudge and ice cream as well but we didn’t try it. Dave also gave us recommendations for lunch and chatted with us for a bit. Really great customer service.
Place rating: 5
Platteville, WI
So many great and different flavors of popcorn to eat. Loved it! and the corn is really good
Place rating: 5
Oconomowoc, WI
I absolutely HAVE to write a review about this place, not because of the AWESOME popcorn, but because of the experience provided by the man behind the counter when we were there. He was super friendly and engaging, and just made the buying experience super fun! On top of that, the popcorn and fudge are amazing! Thank you.
Place rating: 5
Roscoe, IL
Best Popcorn Place! They have rows and rows of every flavor you could imagine. If you are unsure about committing to a flavor ask for a sample. They are always willing to have you sample their stuff. We came home with Cherry and Blueberry Cheesecake as well as Apple Cinnamon. The crew is cheerful and always will to help. This will be a place we stop at with every visit.
Place rating: 4
Madison, WI
You must stop in the Great American Popcorn shop if you’re visiting Galena. I’ve been coming here for years and am still surprised on the combination of flavors they come up with. From traditional to unique, you can find a variety of flavors on any given day. Every heard of Potato flavored popcorn?
I aim always to get one super unique (Tornado Anyone?) and one traditional dessert option. Typically, your dessert type options like peanut butter or other varieties are more expensive. These can run up to $ 9.95 per bag. Some of the other options are more in the $ 5.95 range. However, they are always running deals like buy 3 bags get one free.
Also, they let you try flavors before buying. A huge plus in my book. The only thing I don’t like in here are the super narrow aisles. When it’s busy, it can get hard to navigate through as it can get packed.
If you have a favorite and are coming into town, I’ve been told in years past that you can also call ahead to see if they can make it. Not sure if that is still true. You can also order from their website.
Place rating: 4
Romeoville, IL
I would have given 5, but they lost one for over charging.
Great flavors of caramel corn and fudge. They will let you sample anything you want.
Problem I had was I asked if there was any special pricing on the fudge and she had told me buy one pound get ½ pound for free, so I asked for 1 ½ pounds, but she charged me for the full amount. Unfortunately I didn’t see this until later as she stuck my receipt in the bag.
Also there was a large family purchasing from another cashier at the same time. They were buying 12 bags of caramel corn and they were told they could get three of those bags for free (they were only charged for 9). The advertised special was buy 3 bags get one bag of their «scrap» for free. Scrap is their garbage waste product that they can not sell, but give away and has no value, they store it behind the counter. I received one of these bags, which does taste good, but is not the quality of the pricier products for sale. So they received three of their «for sale» products for free, while I only got the scrap for free.
So yes their food is good, but be forewarned they may over charge, so keep an eye on that.
Place rating: 5
Willowbrook, IL
Love this place! They make the popcorn fresh and right in front of you. They have a huge variety of flavors and have a candy selection. Every flavor is available to test taste and the manager is super friendly.
Place rating: 5
Oak Park, IL
The best part about this place is how nice everyone is! Great customer experience. Add fabulous ice cream, popcorn, and sweets and you have a delightful visit. Thanks!
Place rating: 5
Kouts, IN
The smell of fresh popped popcorn draws you in! Once inside, you can choose from many flavors of popcorn. The proprietor is friendly and funny! Also, if you bought 3 bags, the 4th was free. Yummy popcorn and great gift to bring home for others.
Place rating: 5
Geneseo, IL
Popcorn heaven is how I would describe this place. They have a huge selection of flavors that meet just about any craving. Salty, sweet, spicy, take your pick. You can ask to sample anything you’re curious about. My favorite it the Tiger Butter. So freaking delicious you find it easier to push aside that guilty feeling you get when you realize you just ate an entire bag.
Place rating: 5
Oak Park, IL
awesum place that has a bunch of flavored popcorn that ive never had before. the guy is really nice cuz he lets u try any flavor popcorn u want before buyin it. im now obsessed with the salt & vinegar flavored popcorn! I ate the whole bag in 2 days! soooooo yummy! the caramel was good too and some of the various bbq flavors.
Place rating: 5
Galena, IL
This place is a suburb of heaven. Seriously! You walk in and the smell alone is enough to die for.
Great American Popcorn isn’t just flavored syrup coated popcorn. Oh no, their coating is dense, thick, and most times textual from their use of toppings such as pecans, toffee, peanut butter cups, dinner mints, white chocolate, and the list goes on and on.
They also have savory flavors like honey, buttered rum, and a host of «hot» recipes that only the brave dare attempt to try.
If the great popcorn isn’t enough they also have a broad assortment of chocolate treats, fudge and specialty soda drinks of all kinds.
What top this store off as a five star location is the amazing service and greeting you receive just going in.
You can try any kind of popcorn before you buy it and most of the time they run a special buy 3 get one free offer that makes passing up taking «several» bags home nearly impossible.
It’s a must-​stop-​location in galena every time!
Place rating: 5
Addison, IL
Friendly faces in a warm place. My favorite fudge and popcorn go-​to. You are welcome to sample all the delicious sweets the have, very appealing to experience. Also all the way in the back their is a wonderful assortment of ice team too.
Place rating: 5
Crystal Lake, IL
Walked in and oh my god! Fell in love … Got a friendly greeting as soon as we walked in, and also were handed some samples of popcorn. Went in the back and got some ice cream for my daughter, and it was delicious. Bought a couple bags of popcorn, buffalo blue cheese, and bacon cheddar. Absolutely spot on!
Had to go back today for some more Fat Elvis ice cream (vanilla ice cream, bananas, chocolate, and peanut butter– to die for!)
And of course some more popcorn. (3 more bags!) A gentleman behind the counter, believe he’s the owner, is extremely friendly and very helpful. Next time we visit Galena this will definitely be the first spot to head to!!!
Place rating: 5
Cary, IL
Delicious fresh popcorn and soft, yummy salt water taffy. Free samples of all popcorn flavors. Very unique and fun flavor combinations. Only thing they could do to make the place better is label the salt water taffy flavors. We bought a whole bag and didn’t like a few that we chose. Would have been nice knowing what the flavors were before purchasing. I’d definitely recommend if you’re in the area!
Place rating: 5
Des Plaines, IL
Another reason to visit Galena! Huge selection of flavored popcorns and you can sample anything before buying. So much fun! Staff is always very friendly and I always see the owner when I’m there.
Place rating: 5
Madison, WI
Great store. Of course popcorn focused with umpteen different flavors which you can ask for before purchasing. We bought 3 flavors all of which we devoured and were fresh. Staff were attentive and talkative to customers. They also have a back area full of ice cream buns and old school glass bottled sodas of all different unique flavors.
We were so impressed with the popcorn were in the process of purchasing some for our upcoming wedding for late night snacking!
Place rating: 5
Lake Forest, IL
Oh happiness! When I walked in, I was greeted by the incredible smell of fresh caramel corn and the woman cooking it. «How are you today?» she asked. «Better now that I’ve smelled your shop,» I replied.
When you step in, you will be transported to an old fashioned candy store. Weathered wood floors. Candy machines brightly lit up. A complete wall of different sodas by independent makers. (They even had RC Cola, which DH got a kick out of.) Ice cream in the back.
But the star of the show is the different popcorns. We took a lovely bag of salted caramel as well as a cheese popcorn. My tummy remained happy the rest of the night.