Metropolis Popcorn Closes Hudson Location After 6 Years

Cuyahoga Falls store and online operations continue; owner cites post-pandemic foot traffic and rent costs.

After six years in downtown Hudson, Metropolis Popcorn has closed its storefront at 72 N. Main St. The final day of business was April 26, owner Brent VanFossen announced in a social media post.

VanFossen cited two primary reasons for the decision: high rent relative to foot traffic, and the Hudson location's inability to recover to pre-pandemic sales levels.

Foot Traffic and Rent at the Heart of the Decision

"Our online and food truck sales are growing, and our overall company sales remain strong," VanFossen said. "However, Hudson has struggled to return to its pre-covid sales levels. We've been using the profits from the higher-performing areas of the company to keep it solvent. It doesn't make sense to continue operating like that."

VanFossen noted the Hudson store drew roughly two-thirds of the foot traffic seen at the Cuyahoga Falls location, despite carrying a significantly higher monthly rent.

Cuyahoga Falls Store Remains Open

The closure affects only the Hudson storefront. The Cuyahoga Falls location, at 2164 Front St., continues to operate. Hours there are Monday through Thursday, noon to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The store stays open late during downtown Cuyahoga Falls events. For details, call 330-928-6446.

Metropolis Popcorn offers more than 60 premium flavors of gourmet popcorn, freshly popped daily on-site, along with old-fashioned candy and specialty sodas. The company has been featuring Ohio-grown gourmet popcorn since 2004.

Online and Food Truck Options Continue

Hudson-area customers can still access the brand through its popcorn trucks, fundraising program, and online store at MetropolisOhio.com.

VanFossen expressed gratitude to the community in his announcement. "Hudson is one of the nicest, friendliest communities in Ohio," he wrote. He added that he spent six years getting to know customers and appreciated their support throughout.

Photo credit: Metropolis Popcorn — Hudson Facebook page.

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