Matthew Wisniewski/Curb
One of Clary’s most popular and eye-appealing products, Rainbow corn, takes nearly seven hours to make.

A product like rainbow corn takes time and dedication—two things Clary continues to be devoted to. Each flavor of colored popcorn needs to be made separately. Pfeiffer, a lively and energetic redhead, makes the rainbow corn at the 500-block location, leaving the door open for customers to inhale the smells of the different flavors as she prepares them throughout the day. Pfeiffer prepares the flavors in a certain order as well, starting with the lightest color—white (vanilla)—and ending with the darkest—green (lime). Unlike cheese popcorn, which only needs to be mixed in the kettle for two minutes, rainbow popcorn takes nearly seven hours to create. Although making rainbow corn is a long process, Clary said the end result—a variety of delicious flavors—is worth the hours it takes to create it.

First, Pfeiffer boils water to 280 degrees; then she adds the ingredients—including 2 ½ pounds of butter. The white corn, which has been popped previously in the kettle, is added to the pot where it is saturated in the syrup. It is crucial for both the flavor and texture that the popcorn doesn’t burn and is taken out at the right time. 

When Clary first entered the popcorn business, it was his creative vision to perfect every detail from temperature to time to the specific amount of each ingredient. Although he is always looking for new flavors, he feels the art of popcorn making goes beyond just color coating white corn. According to Clary, it is about being original and innovative with his product and continuously perfecting this process to ensure the best quality of popcorn.

So, what if the smells that pour out the doors of Clary’s two locations don’t lure someone in for a taste? Then the incredible array of colored popcorn varieties displayed in the storefront window are sure to make a person stop and re-think their afternoon snack. Clary’s windows are vibrant, with bags of Badger corn, Patriot corn—red, blue and white—and many other products. While making many different batches a day and stocking them on the shelves, Pfeiffer said, “You go through it as fast as you make it.”

The experience of Clary’s Popcorn provides a true discovery to popcorn's many delicious and unique flavors. Clary's products are memorable for their distinct flavors and tantalizing smells that always bring people back for another bite. As Clary continues to improve his products, in return, his products continue to trigger people’s taste buds. With Christmas around the corner, Clary and Pfeiffer have spent time creating Clary’s green and red Christmas popcorn mix. As always, Clary encourages everyone to stop in and ask for a taste, and to experience the excitement Clary’s popcorn offers.