There are a few places inside Crosstown Concourse that feel like instant comfort; spots you return to again and again, whether you’re grabbing a quick snack between meetings, treating your kids after school, or just treating yourself. Pop-A-Roos is one of those places.
Located in the Central Atrium, Pop-A-Roos has become a go-to staple for Crosstown tenants and visitors alike, known for its gourmet popcorn, friendly service, and a mission that makes every purchase feel even sweeter.
And if you’ve been in before, you already know one of the best parts: walking up to the counter and seeing Ms. Tracy’s smiling face welcoming you in. She’s at the counter most days, and her warmth is part of what makes Pop-A-Roos feel like home.
Pop-A-Roos was founded in 2014 by Ephie Johnson, who also serves as president and CEO of the nonprofit Neighborhood Christian Centers. With a full schedule already, she didn’t start Pop-A-Roos as a side hustle.
Instead, it began as something more meaningful: a way to teach her sons, Jonathan and Andre, what it really takes to build something from scratch.
“We were trying to teach our children about work ethic and what it meant to start something from the ground up,” Johnson says. “The ministry I run serves 58,000 people… But it doesn’t just happen. You have to work hard to get there. We wanted them to see something created out of nothing.”
The inspiration behind Pop-A-Roos goes back to Johnson’s childhood—watching her father make homemade popcorn on the stovetop. That memory turned into hand-popping corn with her sons… which turned into experimenting with flavors… which turned into a business that has become a Memphis favorite.
Today, Pop-A-Roos is known for having more flavors than Baskin-Robbins (yes, more than 31!). The Crosstown Concourse location typically features around 12 flavors daily, with a lineup that ranges from classic comfort to adventurous twists.
There’s a reason people keep coming back—and it’s not just the smell of fresh popcorn drifting through the Atrium.
Some of the most-loved flavors include:
And for those who like to switch it up, rotating flavors may include:
Pop-A-Roos isn’t just about popcorn (though it’s hard not to make that your whole personality once you find your favorite flavor).
They also serve up a few Memphis classics and fun add-ons, including:
And for Crosstown workers looking for a quick bite, Pop-A-Roos offers easy lunch options like a hot dog combo, making it a reliable midday stop when you need something fast, affordable, and satisfying.
One of the most special parts of Pop-A-Roos is what’s behind the counter: a mission rooted in opportunity, community, and second chances.
Pop-A-Roos is powered by a staff of mostly women, guided by their philosophy of “popcorn with a purpose.”
“We hire primarily women in need of a new start,” Johnson says. “They’re mostly 35-plus… or they may have fallen on hard times and are looking for a new opportunity. Popcorn is a fun and hospitable way to do that.”
That purpose shows up in the way the team connects with customers every day—especially when you’re greeted with Ms. Tracy’s smile and a recommendation you didn’t know you needed, until you taste it.
Pop-A-Roos serves up popcorn, pickles, and more Monday to Friday 10:30am-5:00pm and Saturday 11:00am-7:00pm, and they occasionally stay open later during special events at Crosstown Concourse. They’re also the official popcorn vendor for events in Crosstown Arts Theater, so if you’re heading to a movie, you already know what you need in your hands.
Whether you’re a long-time tenant, a first-time visitor, or someone who “just came in for one bag” (and left with three), Pop-A-Roos is one of those Concourse staples that makes the building feel even more like a community.
So next time you’re passing through the Central Atrium, stop by, say hey to Ms. Tracy, and grab a flavor, or two, you’ve never tried before.
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