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Highland Popcorn licenses mobile popcorn unit in St. Paul

Highland Popcorn licenses mobile popcorn unit in St. Paul

New Capabilities Saint Paul, MN local

After a State Fair debut and grocery-store growth, the disability-employment nonprofit adds a mobile unit

2 days ago: Mobile food handler license recorded

Overview

Updated 2 days ago

Highland Popcorn, a St. Paul nonprofit that hires people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, appeared on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's license list September 10 for a mobile food unit at 2185 Edgcumbe Rd. The license lets the shop sell popcorn beyond its Highland Village storefront.

The shop opened in February 2024, when founder Shamus O'Meara and his son Conor, who has autism, set out to create meaningful jobs. Since then it has sold at the Minnesota State Fair and reached all 30 Lunds & Byerlys stores. It has also logged more than 4,500 requests from people seeking work.

Why it matters

The mobile license lets a St. Paul nonprofit extend a disability-employment model that already reaches 30 grocery stores.

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Key Indicators

1
Mobile food-handler license
State license for a mobile popcorn unit at 2185 Edgcumbe Rd.
30
Lunds & Byerlys stores carrying the popcorn
All 30 locations carry Highland Popcorn products.
55
People employed through the program
About 55 people have worked through direct hires, partner teams, or internships since opening.
4,500+
Job requests received
Requests from people with disabilities and their families seeking work at the shop.

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People Involved

Organizations Involved

Timeline

February 2024 September 2026

5 events Latest: 2 days ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date
  1. Mobile food handler license recorded

    Latest Licensing

    Highland Popcorn LLC appears on Minnesota Department of Agriculture's license list for a mobile food handler at 2185 Edgcumbe Rd.

  2. Two years in business

    Milestone

    Highland Popcorn celebrated two years of operations, saying its mission is meaningful employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  3. Debuts at the Minnesota State Fair

    Event

    Highland Popcorn was a first-time vendor at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair, which ran Aug. 21 through Sep. 1. General Manager Craig Applebaum said the debut could help the nonprofit add jobs.

  4. One year in business

    Milestone

    Highland Popcorn marked its first year in the Highland Village shop. By then its popcorn was in 18 Lunds & Byerlys stores.

  5. Highland Popcorn opens store in Highland Village

    Opening

    The nonprofit popcorn shop opened in St. Paul's Highland Village on Feb. 11, 2024, hiring people with disabilities.

Scenarios

1

Highland Popcorn's mobile unit hits local events

Likely Resolves by Mar 10, 2027

Discussed by: Local news outlets covering the store's opening, such as CBS Minnesota and FOX 9

The mobile unit likely debuts at farmers markets, fairs, or corporate events within a few months. The license permits sales across Minnesota, and the nonprofit has already seen high demand for its store. If the unit operates regularly, it could add several part-time jobs and boost revenue for the mission.

2

Mobile unit stays parked, storefront remains focus

Possible Resolves by Sep 10, 2027

Discussed by: Operational realities of small nonprofits

The license may be obtained but not used if the storefront demand is high enough or staffing is insufficient. The mobile unit requires a vehicle, permits, and staff time. If the nonprofit prioritizes the store, the mobile license could lapse unused. This is a common pattern for small food operators.

3

Highland Popcorn launches online ordering

Likely Resolves by End of 2026

Discussed by: Shamus O'Meara, interviewed by The Catholic Spirit

The founders said they planned to launch an e-commerce platform for nationwide order fulfillment by Mother's Day 2026. If it is live, the shop can ship beyond Minnesota and fund more jobs. If not, retail and wholesale remain the focus.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

1902 onward

Goodwill Industries (1902)

Methodist minister Edgar J. Helms started collecting used goods and hiring people with disabilities to repair and resell them. The first Goodwill store opened in Boston.

Then

Created jobs and vocational training for disabled and poor individuals.

Now

Grew into a global network of nonprofits employing millions, demonstrating sustainable social enterprise.

Why this matters now

Highland Popcorn follows the same model: using revenue from retail operations to create meaningful work for people with disabilities.

2004 forward

Specialisterne (2004)

Danish engineer Thorkil Sonne founded Specialisterne, a company that trains and employs autistic people as software testers and consultants. The model spread to multiple countries.

Then

Proved that people with autism can excel in skilled technical roles.

Now

Inspired a global movement of 'neurodiversity' hiring, encouraging companies to adapt roles to individual strengths.

Why this matters now

Highland Popcorn taps the same idea: matching repetitive, detail-oriented tasks to the strengths of employees with autism and other disabilities.

Sources

(10)