(Talk of the Town photo provided)

Today, Monday, June 21, 2021, the Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware store in Columbia City announced that they had popped their first batch of complimentary popcorn for customers for the first time in 472 days.

By J. Romano

In many ways, it’s the small things that signal life in Whitley County returning to some normalcy in the wake of the pandemic. The annual festivals like Turtle Days and Old Settlers Days have returned — and today, another community favorite returned as well: the fragrant aroma of freshly popped popcorn is once again greeting customers at Columbia City’s Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware. 

Bags of fresh popcorn have long been a favorite treat for store customers, yet the last time customers were able to enjoy a complimentary bag was 472 days ago. The shoppers’ perk was eliminated due to worries about germ transmission during the pandemic. 

According to store social media, the popcorn’s presence won’t become regular again until store cashiers are fully trained on making it. They’re asking for the community’s patience as the popular snack is reinstated at the store.