With new businesses popping up all over Shorewood, lately, a drive down Oakland Avenue reveals the latest and the greatest. From pubs to restaurants to coffee shops, Shorewood is bursting with renewed commerce.

But, one Oakland Avenue business has been literally popping for over four years now, welcoming newcomers to the neighborhood with it’s salty and sweet fragrance infusing the air.

Goody Gourmets is known as Milwaukee’s favorite gourmet popcorn shop, nestled in a row of picturesque storefronts at 4425 N. Oakland Ave.

Owner Jackie Chesser discovered the space that would later house her family business while apartment searching in the area for a friend. She knew the vacant shop was perfect as soon as she saw it.

“I actually stumbled upon it," Chesser said. "They had the storefront in the apartment listing so I decided to come on over here and thought that’s it, that’s it."

Goody Gourmets is best known today for their delectable selection of popcorn, but Chesser’s background started off on a sweeter note — and it all started with a wedding cake.

 “I stuck a piece of chocolate on a wedding cake and somebody wanted to know where the chocolate came from, so then we started playing around with the different confections,” Chesser said.  

 Goody Gourmets still offers an amazing array of chocolates, from truffles to turtles. One of their best-sellers is known as the “Pecan Mega Rod," a pretzel covered in pecans and dipped in milk chocolate.

“Jackie is the best. If you are a chocolate fan, check out the Mega Rod," Shorewood resident Juan Muñoz said.

 Chocolates may have given Chesser her start, but popcorn has put Goody Gourmets on the map. Flavors range from the classic cheese and caramel to the more unique, such as bacon, BBQ and even lemonade.

“You can’t open a store without popcorn,” Chesser said.

With a resounding laugh as sweet and soulful as the treats she sells, she noted the cheese and caramel mixture is the shop’s overall number one seller.

Goody Gourmets frequenter Angela Duckart has been a long-time fan of Chesser's popcorn.

“You’ve got to get the biggest bag because if you don’t you’ll be really upset with yourself when it’s all gone," Duckart said. "The small bag can be eaten in one sitting.”

Duckart's workplace, SMARTMD, a Shorewood-based medical technology company, is a buzz over the popcorn shop's treats. A quick poll found the favorite flavors in the office were white chocolate and lemonade mixed, white cheddar, and the best selling cheese and caramel.

For those not lucky enough to live or work in the neighborhood, Chesser has expanded her business to the Internet, shipping her popular products as far as Germany and Africa.

Holidays are also a hit at Goody Gourmets, as popcorn is the perfect gift to give to those on your list who seemingly have everything. Jackie makes a point to cater to specific seasons, offering specialty flavors and confections as the calendar dictates. The shop will be featuring gift baskets and chocolate-dipped strawberries for Valentine’s Day.

Chesser has a knack of making everyone who visits feel right at home, but she lets her popcorn do most of the talking.

“We’re a fun place to shop for special occasions and gifts. Come on over for a sample,” Chesser said.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.                

                 Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

                 Closed Sunday

Location: 4425 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood

Contact: 414-906-1042

Website: www.goodygourmets.com