BUSINESS FEATURE Back in Time Popcorn Conroe nurse ‘pops’ every avor in town W hen Crystal Mims decided to trade a career in oncol- ogy nursing for owning
BY JISHNU NAIR
A RAINBOW OF FLAVORS Back in Time o ers dozens of avors, including cinnamon and banana.
candy themed after speci c holidays or sports teams. Mims said she is trying to nd a avor that is equally attractive in the summer months— when chocolate melts quickly. Not every avor has been a success, however. Mims recounts salsa, pizza and barbecue avors as three that never seemed to catch on despite the experimentation. “For barbecue, there were, like, three people who liked it,” she said. Back in Time also features specialty candies, ranging from Sour Patch Kids and hot chocolate balls to more niche picks, such as classic Necco wafers. Mims said continuing supply chain issues mean it is di cult for her to keep up some items’ stocks, but the candy provides alternates. “A lot of people like cane sugar sodas, so we cones. It’s just about trying to keep up with what people want.” Re ecting on six years in business in Conroe, Mims said owning Back in Time has given her a greater perspec- tive on how the world impacts her di erently, citing events such as 2016 ooding, Winter Storm Uri and the COVID-19 pandemic. “When everyone’s house is ood- ing, they’re not going to come buy popcorn, you know?” Mims said. have them too, so there’s something for everyone,” she said. “For our ve-year anniver- sary, we had snow
a small business, she described it as “God leading her” to open Back in Time Popcorn in Conroe. Mims also had family inspiration on her side: Her mother and two brothers are also business owners. Her daughter, however, was the one who inspired her to choose popcorn when she was attempting to nd a gift as part of her drill team. “You couldn’t nd any kind of gift; it was ridiculous,” Mims said. “I just wanted to have something that was a ordable and fun for people.” The popcorn at Back in Time— located on West Davis Street—is made in-house with avors ranging from fruits, such as watermelon and blackberry, to savory tastes such as jalapeno cheddar and esoteric avors like Dr. Pepper. Mims said holiday avors, which usually feature chocolate, are among her most popular. Her personal favorites include dark chocolate with sea salt and peanut butter chocolate. “For Valentine’s [Day], I did choco- late-covered strawberry popcorn, and people requested it all year,” Mims said. “I might bring it back.” Holiday periods are also when Back in Time’s best business happens, Mims said. The shop o ers specialty tins and gift bags for popcorn and
PHOTOS BY JISHNU NAIR COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
THE CANDY COUNTER
Hot chocolate balls, priced at $2.99, are sold at the shop whenever possible, according to Mims—although she warned chocolate can melt in the summer heat.
“I JUST WANTED TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT WAS AFFORDABLE AND
FUN FOR PEOPLE.” CRYSTAL MIMS, OWNER OF BACK IN TIME POPCORN
Necco wafers are a popular selection by customers, Mims said.
Candy jars are shelved across the store. Scoops of candy cost $12 per pound.
Back in Time Popcorn 2107 W. Davis St., Conroe 936-788-2676 www.backintimepopcorn.com Hours: Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sun.-Mon.
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THURSDAY, FRIDAY &SATURDAY AUGUST 25-27
*Dollar Sale runs Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 8/25/22-8/27/22. Sale items can be shopped in-store ONLY at all Twin Liquors and Sigel’s locations. Selection varies by store. Items and prices subject to change without notice. No further discount on Sale Items, Final Few, or Closeouts. Some exclusions apply. Please drink responsibly.
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • AUGUST 2022
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