Crunchy, buttery goodness awaits at Yoder Popcorn. The Amish family-owned shop began in 1936 in the back garden. Today, fourth-generation owners Allyse and Russ Yoder continue to uphold tradition and create long-lasting memories by carrying on the Yoder Popcorn business.
Found on the corner of US 20 and Indiana State Road 5, Yoder Popcorn has grown from its roots in the 88 years since it started. “Rufus Yoder began growing popcorn in his garden. In the Amish custom, he would share the excess crop with his friends and neighbors and soon a business was born,” said Allyse.
That garden turned into acres of fields all homegrown right here in Indiana. “Russ currently grows 400 acres of popcorn and farms 2000 acres in total.”
Walk into Yoder Popcorn and you’ll find shelves full of packs, buckets, and various flavors. There’s the Red blend, a medium kernel, and nutty flavor, Baby Blue, a small kernel and sweet flavor, Sunburst, a Medium kernel and fewer hulls, Mushroom, a large kernel with a strong corn taste, and Ladyfinger popcorn.
Though, there is one flavor that people seem to gravitate to. “Our trademark and most popular product is the Tiny Tender White and Tiny Tender Yellow. We wholesale a lot of our Premium Yellow and White popcorn and many businesses in the surrounding area use our popcorn.”
It’s those businesses and the way of life that bring people back to Shipshewana but also Yoder Popcorn remarked Allyse. “The small town feel and the Amish culture are a huge attraction. People are intrigued by the lifestyle and rich history Shipshewana has to offer. So many unique experiences and the friendliest community, make tourists feel safe and happy.”
One thing that will stick out to you when visiting the shop is a giant bright yellow tractor. It’s an eye-catching display that gets people talking. “Russ has a pulling tractor that Yoder Popcorn sponsors and it is a bright yellow Minneapolis-Moline called Xtra Butter!” It can be found in the shop most of the year, so grab your camera and a bucket of popcorn and take a selfie.
When it comes to the future, the Yoder’s are excited to continue serving Shipshewana and keep Yoder Popcorn family-owned, “We currently have our children beginning to work for us, and hope that they can carry on the business and be the 5th generation to operate, farm and own the business.”
You can expect to see a handprinted mural inside Yoder Popcorn in 2025. It’ll showcase the history and tradition of the company.
Learn more about Yoder Popcorn online, order popcorn, and visit the store to check out Xtra Butter!
