A new shop in St. Paul is serving up popcorn with a purpose.
Nonprofit Highland Popcorn is on a mission to create employment opportunities for those living with developmental disabilities, and is bringing it's unique flavored popcorn to west St. Paul.
Founder Shamus O’Meara, says his son, who is autistic, is a part of a team of twelve employees that's learning new skills at Highland Popcorn and putting smiles on customers faces.
"Our employees are walking in with a sense of pride that they're working in an environment that's welcoming and it means so much more than, you know, than just working," explains O'Meara. "It means you'll be part of the fabric of a larger community. And I think collectively it's really a really cool thing."
O’Meara first pursued the idea after seeing how inclusive employment had such a positive impact his son who is autistic, he says he wanted to give that opportunity to others.
"For him and many individuals with those types of challenges in their lives, it's about getting out of the community and being more independent and having the opportunity for employment that you or I might take for granted," O'Meara tells WCCO.
Highland Popcorn also provides specialized workforce training for its employees and even has a sensory room in house for when they need a break.
They make four flavors: cheese, caramel, buttery and the combo of all three for that sweet and salty mix.
You can visit O'Meara and his staff Monday through Saturday 10:00-6:00 and Sundays from 12:00-5:00. They're located in the Highland Village Center just off of Ford Parkway in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood.