After a setback with their original retail space in Macomb, Cool Bliss Popped Bliss is now open for business in Macomb and owners Alven Allison and Isis Griffin are ready to share their unique – and delicious – treats with everyone who enters their doors at 528 W. Jackson St.
'We are so excited to be here in Macomb and the support from the community has been absolutely amazing,' the duo said. 'We love having CBPB here and can't wait to bring even more delicious treats to this wonderful place.'
Allison started Cool Bliss as a shaved ice business in Champaign in Summer 2009 when he got tired of driving to Decatur to get his favorite treat. Cool Bliss first called a mobile trailer home, and a few months later, Allison had ventured into the world of popcorn when he realized that most people wanted shaved ice in the warmer months. Griffin joined Cool Bliss Popped Bliss (CBPB) three years later, and with that, the popcorn joint really got to popping.
They've perfected the popping process over the years and together they've created a niche product that doesn't compare with other mass-produced popcorn treats, Allison said. With around 19 flavors – most savory, with some sweet mixed in – the pair, who describe themselves as popcorn perfectionists, use top-of-the-line products, including seasoning mixes (some of which they make themselves); the right temperature to pop; good oil and proper storage which allows their products to have at least a two-week shelf life … all without preservatives.
'The last thing we want is to have people spend their money and have a product that goes stale within a few days,' Griffin pointed out. 'Consistency is the big thing for us and we've stuck with what works. Whether we're selling 2,500 bags to University of Illinois {CBPB has been the official popcorn provider for the Champaign-based public university for seven years, and just entered into another contract} or one bag to a customer in our store, there is consistency with the product.'
In addition to offering unique flavors such as buffalo cheese ranch, jalapeno cheddar, Devil's Dust (which is very hot, according to Allison) and cheesy bacon, they offer the traditional kettle corn, caramel corn, cheddar/ caramel mix and white cheddar, along with several nut-laden delights, as cashew cluster, caramel pecan (complete with glazed pecans), almond clump and more. CBPB also offers other delights to those venturing into their store in the former dentist office next to Subway on West Jackson Street. Custard-style ice cream – 'frozen bliss' is sold year-round; frozen beaded treats called 40-below (think Dippin' Dots), which includes ice cream 'beads' and frozen coffee 'beads,' and freeze-dried M&M's and coffee candies.
Watch Cool Bliss Popped Bliss Facebook page for holiday hours, and for the 'official' grand opening date.
