Fresh Popcorn 24/7: Wally’s Winning Snack for Road Travelers

Home of the Great American Road Trip

At Wally’s, fueling up goes beyond filling the tank. Travelers know that the best road trips aren’t just about the miles—they’re about the memories. And no memory is complete without great snacks. That’s why Wally’s has become more than a pit stop; it’s a must-visit destination.

Known for fresh, irresistible treats, Wally’s most popular menu item is a road trip classic: popcorn. Popped fresh and served in a variety of flavors, it’s the snack that turns any stretch of highway into a little more fun.

Get to Know Wally’s

With flagship stores in Illinois and Missouri—and exciting new locations planned for Indianapolis and Kansas City—Wally’s is quickly becoming an icon for road trippers in the Midwest. Inside, guests discover a one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience that raises the bar for convenience. It’s not just a place to buy gas, it’s a destination packed with retail merchandise, fresh food, and welcoming hospitality.

So why popcorn?

“It’s all about making guests feel welcome,” explained Chef Lute Cain. “The appearance and aroma from in-store popping really draws people in. We literally pop 24/7—the smell is what sells.”

Food Court 2.0

At the heart of the Wally’s experience is their three signature stations: a bakery, a sandwich shop, and a popcorn station featuring six different flavors. This “food court 2.0” model was designed to delight guests and drive sales by focusing on freshness. The live action of popcorn popping in real time not only boosts revenue but also transforms a simple snack into a memorable part of the journey.

The Popcorn Setup

Wally’s relies on Gold Medal equipment and supplies to keep their popcorn program running at peak performance. From Gold Medal popcorn machines to the Mark 10 Cooker Mixer, cheese tumblers, and Main Street display cabinets, they’ve built a system designed for quality and efficiency. But for Wally’s, the partnership goes beyond the equipment.

“Our rep is part of our team,” said Cain. “He helps with the setup, trains our staff, shares new ideas—he makes the whole process easier.”

Keeping Guests Coming Back for More

Wally’s has been popping popcorn for over five years, and their commitment only continues to grow. With a dedicated chef focusing exclusively on popcorn, innovation is always on the menu. Their top sellers—classic butter, caramel, cheddar, and OREO®—are fan favorites, but Wally’s also delights guests with unique signature flavors like Maple Sea Salt, Lucky Charms®, and Cookie Crisp®.

Popcorn tins are another guest favorite, both in-store and online. Each two-gallon tin offers a trio of flavors—caramel, cheddar, and butter—that keeps fans coming back for refills. Some guests even travel from states away just to restock, proof that Wally’s popcorn is a destination in itself.

Customer Service & Hospitality

For Wally’s, popcorn is more than product—it’s an experience. Live popping draws a crowd, creates an inviting atmosphere, and keeps guests engaged.

“Popping fresh is a differentiator from the competition,” said Cain. “It’s a great revenue source and a fun experience.”

Looking ahead, Wally’s plans to continue expanding with new locations, all complete with their famous popcorn station. Future plans may even include taking their popcorn into retail outlets, extending the Wally’s experience far beyond the roadside.

With a vision built on hospitality, innovation, and, of course, irresistible popcorn, Wally’s is showing how a snack can become a signature—and how fueling up can become the highlight of the Great American Road Trip.

For more inspiring success stories like this, visit the Gold Medal blog.

* OREO is a trademark of Mondelez International Group, used with permission.

* Lucky Charms is a trademark of General Mills IP Holdings II, LLC.

* Cookie Crisp is a trademark of Gardetto’s Bakery, Inc.