The History of Popcorn at the Movies
- 11 years ago
Popcorn became popular in the mid 1800s and was a staple of entertainment events like the circus or state fair, but it was not served in movie theaters at this time. When movies with sound were premiered in 1927, the theaters wanted to open their seats to a broader audience, since people no longer had to be literate to enjoy a film.
Have you ever wondered why they serve popcorn at movie theaters around the world?
Popcorn became popular in the mid 1800s and was a staple of entertainment events like the circus or state fair, but it was not served in movie theaters at this time. Theatre owners instead wanted to preserve their high-class appearance and clientele.
When movies with sound were premiered in 1927, theaters then appealed to a broader audience, since people no longer had to be literate to enjoy a film.
While the Great Depression was in effect, movies were one of the affordable entertainment options and enterprising vendors soon capitalized on this.
Corn kernels were cheap, and popcorn began to permeate the movie theaters of America, with street vendors setting up outside selling bags for 5 or 10 cents each.
Theater owners began to realize the profit potential in selling snacks directly to the customer and concessions became a large part of the movie theater business.
According to one statistic, by the year 1945, more than half of the popcorn in the US was eaten while at the movies.
These days, an estimated 46 percent of overall profits are from concession sales, and popcorn is still on the menu.
Have you ever wondered why they serve popcorn at movie theaters around the world?
Popcorn became popular in the mid 1800s and was a staple of entertainment events like the circus or state fair, but it was not served in movie theaters at this time. Theatre owners instead wanted to preserve their high-class appearance and clientele.
When movies with sound were premiered in 1927, theaters then appealed to a broader audience, since people no longer had to be literate to enjoy a film.
While the Great Depression was in effect, movies were one of the affordable entertainment options and enterprising vendors soon capitalized on this.
Corn kernels were cheap, and popcorn began to permeate the movie theaters of America, with street vendors setting up outside selling bags for 5 or 10 cents each.
Theater owners began to realize the profit potential in selling snacks directly to the customer and concessions became a large part of the movie theater business.
According to one statistic, by the year 1945, more than half of the popcorn in the US was eaten while at the movies.
These days, an estimated 46 percent of overall profits are from concession sales, and popcorn is still on the menu.