Doug and Cortney Dotterer, owners of Dotterer Grown in Mill Hall, saw a partnership with the local movie theater as the perfect way to expand their popcorn business.

“Hopefully, we can do business with them for years to come,” Doug said.

Doug shared that their production process is unique, because they dry the popcorn from straight air.

“We’re getting positive feedback about the quality of the popcorn,” said Stephanie Davy, manager of The Roxy.

PHOTO PROVIDED Doug Dotterer was 15 years old when he first started growing popcorn.

Dotterer Grown’s popcorn is also available to purchase at The Farmer’s Dotterer and It Is What It Is in the form of an ear of popcorn that you can make in your microwave at home.

“The ears of popcorn are popular around Christmas,” Cortney said, “They make great stocking stuffers and Elf on the Shelf ideas.”

Not only is this collaboration mutually beneficial for the two local businesses, but it also has a positive impact on the community.

“Local businesses collaborating together fosters a sense of community pride, which builds trust and customer loyalty. It is an opportunity to increase your business’s visibility and expand your consumer reach by tapping into new markets,” said Melissa Dally, manager of Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. “Collaborations bring new innovative ideas and allow for skills and insight to be shared among organizations. It helps the local economy by encouraging the community, through actionable steps, to shop local and support small businesses.

After being raised on the family dairy farm, Doug grew an interest in growing popcorn when he was in 10th grade. He reflected on the humble beginnings of his popcorn business when he sold a mason jar of popcorn to his teachers.

Dotterer Grown’s popcorn is available to purchase at It Is What It Is in the form of an ear of popcorn that you can make in your microwave at home. LISA SCHROPP/THE EXPRESS

“I thought I was a big shot,” Doug said with a laugh. “You have to start with something that you really enjoy and see where it goes from there.”

One thing led to another and what started as just a hobby has grown over the years into the business that it is today.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without my wife. She has insight that I don’t have,” Doug said. “She married a crazy idea and she made it even better.”

Doug and Cortney plan to take online orders when their website is up and running, but until then, you can email them at dotterergrown@gmail.com, message them through the Dotterer Grown Facebook page or try their popcorn the next time that you are watching a movie at The Roxy.