Guests popped into Over the Moon Popcorn earlier this month to celebrate the business’s second anniversary under new ownership. As a thank you to their customers, the snack shop gave out 50 gallons of popcorn to anyone who visited the store on their anniversary.
Buckets of hand-flavored popcorn greeted guests as they entered. The store took a vote on Facebook to find out their customers’ favorite flavors, and the winners were: cheddar, southern dill, caramel, kettle, banana pudding, and their newest flavor, blue raspberry.
Co-owners Harmony and Michael Applegate bought the business two years ago from the original owners, who founded it in 2019. The couple has been expanding its legacy ever since. The biggest addition has been their extensive collection of curated candy and local business products.
The Applegates started off as customers and popcorn lovers before seeing on Facebook that the original owners were selling the business. The couple had dreams of opening up their own restaurant, so when the opportunity to own Over the Moon arose, they hopped on, since the business would still give them the ability to creatively connect to the food. Michael approached the previous owners donning a unicorn headband and a rainbow tale.
“I wasn’t really sure if they took me seriously,” Michael said. “I had a retail background for 15 years and we still got to hone our cooking skills.”
The couple has spent the last two years upgrading the space, adding new shelving and new products almost weekly, with plans to continue expanding their treat capacity.
In addition to the vast selection of foreign and domestic goodies, the shop prides itself on its connection to its customers.
“I’ve never prided myself on anything other than customer service,” Michael said. “I really like to help people.”
Over the Moon would often pop up at vendor events, not only expanding their popcorn’s reach to a new audience, but connecting to other vendors and artisans, leading to a partnership. This practice was on display during the event with the addition of Sticker Shock, a Buda-based sticker vendor. The popcorn poppers met the sticker slinger at a vending event in Buda and have been carrying their stickers in their store for months. The store also offers other local vendor selections from freeze-dried treats to 3D printed dragons and homemade cookies.
In just two years the pop shop has formed relationships with local San Marcos schools and nonprofits, often donating to schools for movie nights and teacher appreciation.
“We really (took a) shine to the Greater San Marcos Youth Council, we love those kids and we try to donate to them as much as possible,” Michael said.
When the comic book and game store Dragon’s Lair moved in a few units down, the popcorn pros created a special flavor with the Dragon’s Lair colors.
They take pride and joy in giving back to the community. Lockhart Bank gets popcorn to feed their customers from the shop every Thursday.
“They’re great people, we keep our tax money with them and every time we go in the customer service is top notch,” Michael praised.
When asked if there’s anything he wanted to say to his customers Michael swelled with emotion.
“Just thank y’all so much,” Michael said, holding back tears.
“He’s a very sensitive one, that’s why there is love in every bite of our popcorn,” Harmony said.
Over the Moon Popcorn and Sweet Shop is open seven days a week and is located at 925 TX-80 N. Suite, so pop on by anytime for a sweet treat.
