RIDGEFIELD – The Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball team will start offering Prospector Popcorn at in-game concessions at Dunkin’ Park.
The Prospector, a local nonprofit movie theater and gourmet popcorn maker that focuses on hiring people with disabilities, will expand the reach of its popular snack by making them for sale at Yard Goats games through the end of the 2025 season and playoffs. The two flavors that will be sold are Classic Caramel and Cheddar & Caramel.
Each order is hand-popped, baked, flavored, and packaged by Prospector’s skilled team of employees, known as “Prospects.”
“Prospector makes a delicious snack that our fans will be able to enjoy even more knowing it supports a great cause,” said Tim Restall, president of the Hartford Yard Goats. “Popcorn is the ultimate ballpark snack, and we’re excited to serve Prospector Popcorn at Dunkin’ Park.”
The arrangement marks the brand’s official debut in the sports and entertainment stadium market.
“Baseball, popcorn, and jobs – truly a winning combination in America, “said Ryan Wenke, CEO of The Prospector. “The Yard Goats and their foundation have a long-standing commitment to community, and their shared values tie in with our mission. Our gourmet popcorn has become a vehicle for giving new audiences a literal taste of our mission in action, and we are incredibly grateful to the Yard Goats for the opportunity to connect with their fanbase.”
Prospector Popcorn’s journey accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when movie theaters were shuttered. In response, the 10-year-old movie theater made investments in gourmet popcorn production, leveraging its kitchen space within the Prospector Theater. What started in a 325-square-foot kitchen has since grown into a booming business, with a new nearby 5,000-square-foot production facility on Ethan Allen Highway, national direct-to-consumer retail distribution, and a presence in over 360 hotels across 36 states.
