At Gerdy’s Gourmet Popcorn in Waukegan, visitors are treated to unique flavors like red velvet cake, pecan caramel, and cheesy bacon. Beyond these delicious offerings, the shop serves as a training ground for young employees to hone their business and customer service skills.

“Our mission is to empower the youth,” explained Nina Davis, the founder and owner of Gerdy’s Gourmet Popcorn. “They are the future of our community.”

Interestingly, “Gerdy’s” isn’t named after a person. Instead, it stands for “Growth, Empowerment, Resilient, Developing, Youth, Success.” Davis was inspired to open Gerdy’s following her experience at another popcorn shop, where she was also involved in hiring young people.

“We wanted to establish our own business while maintaining that supportive environment,” Davis stated. “So, I began experimenting with various ingredients at home.”

Eshantee Epps, one of Davis’s mentees and early employees at Gerdy’s, expressed the profound impact the job has had on her life, becoming emotional as she shared her experience.

“Thanks to my godmother, I’ve been exposed to incredible opportunities,” Epps said. “I’ve met people I never imagined meeting. Working here has not only helped me step out of my comfort zone but has also greatly benefited my mental health.”

Davis says young people who’ve worked at Gerdy’s have gone on to do military service, enroll in college, and develop their skills at other places of work. She said she wants to continue to hire teens at the shop and pour into them what she’s learned about business, character, and life.

“They are the cornerstone of what we do,” said Davis. “Without them, this business would not be here.”

For more information about Gerdy’s Gourmet Popcorn, visit their website gerdyspopcorn.com