than restaurant food. You’re getting something fun and, even locked up with COVID, something new to try.” Both work full time, so popping corn late into the night combined with three hours of deliveries each day was untenable. Kamara was reluctant about a brick-and-mortar store, and locating downtown wasn’t high on Chris’ list, but Albany Downtown Manager Lequrica Gaskins convinced them. Kingscorn opened on Dec. 4 at 104 Pine Ave., where popcorn aficionados can find up to 30 flavors in the store at any given time. Chris insisted they sell saltwater taffy in the store for others like him who don’t care for popcorn. Kingscorn also has candy, soft drinks and shaved-ice “snow blasts.” The Kings plan to add pecan pralines and fudge this fall. “People talk about how Albany doesn’t support local businesses, but that has not been our experience,” Chris said, adding store traffic has been great. “We’ve had all the local businesses around come and purchase product from us and talk about doing partnerships. I’m really excited about the local community involvement when it comes to this small business.” Prophet and Herzog also have been pleased with community support. Prophet adds that she encourages those thinking about opening a business “to just go for it. There are still opportunities to have a profitable business during the pandemic. You just have to be strategic, and very creative about your products and your services.”
18 MARCH | APRIL 2021
