For three generations, popcorn popping has been the sweet sound of success for the Kenney family's business--Nuts on Clark.
"Nuts on Clark started in 1979. My father bought this building for my mother, who is an artist," explains Robert Kenney who says his father, Herb Kenney, then decided to start a business at the 3830 N. Clark location. Herb then asked his wife, Robert's mother, Estelle, to come up with a name for it.
"Our last name is Kenney and she goes, 'Kenney’s Nuts,' and my father goes, 'no.' My father's name was Herb. She said, 'Herbs Nuts,' and he goes, 'no,' and then she said 'Nuts on Clark,' and he says, 'print a brochure and that was it,'" explains Robert who is now the company's Director of Sales.
Estelle Kenney, who is now 97 years old, hand drew the iconic "Nuts on Clark" logo that is still used on all the business' packaging and merchandise today.
"I gave all of my effort to the business," shares Estelle, "it’s everything. It’s everything."
Hoping to capitalize on Cubs fans walking to games at Wrigley Field, Nuts on Clark started with just three offerings: cashews, pecans, and blanch peanuts.
The business quickly expanded to include other snacks and treats including their world famous popcorn.
"My grandmother had a great recipe for caramel corn, and we took it and tweaked it," explains Robert.
Nuts on Clark now boasts seven Chicago locations--including at O'Hare and Midway airports--which also feature cashless popcorn vending machines which sell the product 24/7.
"They are taking these products for business, family and friends, all over the world," explains Robert. He adds their internet business has expanded greatly because of the international interest from people who purchased their products at the airports.
Estelle Kenney is still the President of Nuts on Clark, but her children Robert Kenney and Carla Kenney-Phillips, along with her grandchildren Zach Kenney and Carly Kenney run the business these days.
Carla who is the company's Managing Director says being a family business is part of what makes Nuts on Clark so great. "I’m very proud. It’s very exciting. It’s even more exciting to have the third generation here," says Carla.
Carly who is Nuts on Clark's Director of Marketing and Zach who serves as the company's General Manager, agree, sharing that they lived out the dream of so many children. "When I look back of my childhood, a lot of it was spent in the store on Clark Street and honestly I grew up in a candy store," says Carly.
Zach says beyond the fun and sweets, there were also many valuable lessons. "The things that I learned in this business I would’ve never learned anymore else," he explains.
Herb Kenney died in 2016 at the age of 91, but his legacy lives on through his family and his business. Estelle says he would be amazed, and as for what she thinks of the family's beloved product and business, she says, "it’s made in heaven."