From Farm to Kernel: Exploring Central City’s Famous Popcorn Scene
Who knew that popcorn was such a “hot” commodity in Central City, Nebraska? Locals will tell you that agriculture is the backbone of the region. Popcorn is part of the agriculture industry and helps power the local economy. It’s fascinating to see how this one crop has become a primary driver of growth and community pride in the heart of Nebraska.
It’s common to find popcorn in local retail stores and at many local events. You are probably now asking, “Where is Central City, Nebraska?” Did you know that there are many things to do in Central City, including enjoying popcorn? In all reality, it’s truly the people that made my visit so special. Central City, Nebraska, is in the people business, and it shows in all that they do.
Central City makes a great day trip or weekend getaway for several people all across the Midwest. The drive to and from Central City offers incredible views of wide open skies. Nebraska’s two lane highways make for a great road trip.
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Preferred Popcorn
As soon as I stepped foot inside the corporate headquarters of Preferred Popcorn, I knew that this place was something special. Sam Krug, the son of founder, Norm Krug, greeted us and shared his story.
Popcorn is what it’s all about!
Today, Preferred Popcorn is grown on prime farmland all across the country. It is no secret that a lot of the popcorn grown in the fertile Platte River Valley, in and around Central City, Nebraska. Sam’s passion for entrepreneurship and appreciation of hard work quickly got my attention.
Preferred Popcorn grows most of the popcorn we all enjoy in movie theaters across the country, who knew? The company provides more than 4 billion annual servings of popcorn. To top it off, they also serve almost 80 countries worldwide.
I recently had the pleasure of partaking in a media tour in Central City. Our group was treated to the opportunity to climb to the top of one of the grain bins. And talk about wow- what a view!
They are also the supplier for many private label popcorn packages that we all enjoy on a daily basis. When I find myself strolling through a store, I now make note of what popcorn is for sale. There’s a good chance that the popcorn in the packaging is part of the legacy that Preferred Popcorn is known for: quality popcorn.
State Theater In Central City
706 C Ave
Central City, NE 68826
308-946-7998
A visit to Central City would not be complete without a visit to the State Theater. As you roll down Main Street, you will see the outside of this beautiful building. A movie is always a top thing to do in Central City, rain or shine.
I encourage you to plan to see a movie while in town. If a movie is not playing and you find the doors open, step in. If you are lucky, a volunteer will be around and you can grab some popcorn from the concession stand. Popcorn with friends for the win!
In 2012, the 1916 building closed, and the nonprofit State Theater Foundation was formed to save the theater. The community rallied behind the Blodgett family, and the Blodgett family donated the deed. Go Big Give donations helped fund the badly needed repairs. They included the marquee, HVAC, and digital projection, with the ability to reopen as a community-run venue.
Today the theater is thriving with community support and the building looks stunning from the outside. When I walked in and saw the beautiful concession area, I knew this theater was a winning attraction. As soon as the aroma of popcorn hit the air, I immediately connected movie theater popcorn with Preferred Popcorn.
My mind quickly traveled the globe. It was a powerful moment when I realized that the popcorn I was enjoying was being shared by millions of others around the globe. Feeling that connection from a family business to the rest of the world, made every handful even more meaningful.
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If your passion is helping revitalize and maintain theaters across the country, you can mail donations to the theater in Central City, Nebraska. Donations can be mailed to: P.O. Box 15 Central City, NE 68826.
Visit Central City and explore a community that has a passion for people and popcorn. The numerous community projects that have involved fundraising with popcorn involved, go on and on. Nebraska’s two-lane highways offer a great road trip experience. Whether you’re catching a film at the historic State Theater or simply watching the golden fields sway in the breeze, you’ll find that a stop in Central City offers a true taste of Nebraska’s heart and its favorite snack.
My visit to Central City, Nebraska, reminded me of why I do what I do; it’s the people. Thank you to the Central City, Nebraska, for inviting me to be a part of their Media Day in 2026.
