09/24/2015
We are coming to the end of an era for this family owned and operated business. Pop'n Mama has been a huge part of our lives for over 18 years. It's time for a change. I'm moving on and want the time to do other things. We are selling equipment and packages. The last thing we will have is one set up for sale that comes with the rights to the space we have occupied at the Temecula old town farmers market since before Temecula was even a thing.
Its bitter sweet. This business has raised my kids...and myself. I have short timers disease and don't want to do it anymore. Yet hate to see it go.
We were at the grass roots of kettle corn. Here's a few interesting facts:
~We were the first kettle corn business to have a website.
~We were the first kettle corn business to operate in San Diego farmers markets. ~Pop'n Mama was the first permitted food vendor in the world famous Temecula old town farmers market and the Hillcrest farmers market. ~We built our seven kettle corn machines and to this day wouldn't trade them for any others. ~We built and sold many kettles when you couldn't buy them anywhere else.
Our last hoorah is next week. I get to work with Maria, Kyle, Pamela and Kyle's girlfriend Sierra one last time at Las Vegas BikeFest October 1st-4th downtown Fremont st. After that we have a few things but will be wrapping it up.
I want to thank a lot of you for your support. There are so many friends I have made doing this. I will miss so many people. So many vendor coordinators, producers, customers, friends and neighbors I have enjoyed over the years.
My son Kyle Billen has been working with me since he was 10. He had to stand on something to stir the kettle. He's 19 now and turned into one of the most innovative and productive people I have ever worked with.
Here's a very special thanks to the people who held down the fort:
Kyle Billen
Sierra Clifford (Kyle's GF and our other daughter)
Pamela Billen
Greg West "G-Dub" (10 years of loyal service)
Bryan McCutchan "Brock" (10 years of loyal service)
To David "B-man" Billen, Scotty Billen and Kerry Billen: You three kids just got started here and I"m very sorry it won't be here any longer. But... Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" -Seneca
And a huge thanks to Maria Valencia. You're an angel sent to me from above.
Stay tuned as I may post some vintage pix and / or interesting stuff.
Yours Truly,
Daniel Billen "the kettle corn guy"
Make Some Memories The parties, the hot spots, the concerts, the never ending fun and excitement. Don't forget all the fun shopping with the vendors at
