Media Contact:
Shamus O’Meara
[email protected]
612-749-4908
New shop will provide job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities
ST. PAUL, MN (October 23, 2023) ̶ Highland Popcorn will open in the St. Paul neighborhood this winter serving Popcorn with PersonalityTM. Located in the Highland Village Center on Ford Parkway, the local nonprofit business will provide a friendly retail destination and welcoming space for customers, employees and the community.
President and founder Shamus O’Meara embarked on this tasty entrepreneurial journey after experiencing his inquisitive and exceptionally social son Conor and other young adults with autism were often excluded from the job market. Highland Popcorn seeks to change that by providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
“We are thrilled to have found a home in our own community for Highland Popcorn,” said O’Meara. “Our Saint Paul neighborhood has been so supportive of our efforts to create a place where everyone feels valued as an integral part of a team – and making great popcorn!”
“I’m so excited for the new friends we’ll make through the shop,” said Conor O’Meara. “Let’s Go!”
Construction is underway featuring a new look retail counter and community area for creative and collaborative projects and volunteerism. Updates to the space include a sensory area, new flooring, paint and finishes, mechanical system upgrades and plumbing work.
“Shamus and his team are creating something that truly makes our collective humanity better,” said Lynne Robertson, executive vice president of brand and growth at broadhead+FAME. “It’s been an honor to be part of such an inspiring initiative.”
Other supporters commented on the new business:
“We are very proud to support Highland Popcorn and look forward to its products and great workforce in our community.”
Doug Loe, General Manager, St. Paul Lunds & Byerlys
“Highland Popcorn will be an important part our St. Paul community and we wish it the very best.”
Chris Tolbert, St. Paul Councilmember
“We’re excited to be a part of Highland Popcorn’s thoughtful mission to provide opportunities for people with disabilities.”
Randy Hoffman, Mpls. Branch Manager, Gold Medal Popcorn
“We are thrilled to partner with Highland Popcorn to highlight workers with disabilities as vital contributing members of our community.”
Julie Johnson, President, MSS
“Highland Popcorn reflects our broader community in a fun and caring way. It’s great to be part of this effort.
John Castillo, President, FoodOps, LLC
“We are honored to work with Highland Popcorn to recognize and value citizens with disabilities.”
Ed Dahlgren, President, Gilbert Mechanical
About Highland Popcorn
Highland Popcorn is a Minnesota-based popcorn business providing meaningful life and employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more about Highland Popcorn and partnership opportunities, please contact Shamus O’Meara at [email protected] or 612-749-4908. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
