The Sweet Spot

The inside of Del's in downtown Decatur.

Downtown Decatur has been home to the sweetest shop since 1934. Del’s Popcorn Shop on Merchant Street has become a true pillar of Decatur’s community, a place where flavor, history, and nostalgia come together.

Walking down iconic Merchant Street, it’s no secret where the people are headed. A vintage neon sign mounted on the side of a brick building attracts people like a moth to a flame. It’s the kind of sign you might expect to see above an old theater. It’s bold, glowing, and impossible to ignore. The words “Del’s Popcorn Shop” dazzle the city street, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Upon entering the shop, patrons are transported to simpler times. The wooden floorboards creak with each step. The front counter stretches along both sides, lined with glass display cases filled with a variety of colorful treats. The lighting is warm, which gives the old building a slightly golden glow. The air is thick with the sweet and savory aroma of fresh treats, instantly sparking nostalgia. This atmosphere is second nature for long-time Decatur residents, but for Millikin students and other newcomers, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

“The shop was established in 1934 by John Baldwin, a type printer who worked out of the store’s basement,” says current owner Maggie Howley. Howley, who has owned Del’s since 2019, is no stranger to the world of popcorn. She has been in the popcorn business since 2009 and even had the honor of guiding Del’s through its milestone 90th anniversary.

It may seem unusual for a type printer to start a popcorn business, but Baldwin was responding to his time. “Decatur was recovering from the Great Depression. There are a few things that don’t ever go away when there are hard times, and it’s usually candy, tobacco, and alcohol,” Howley explained. “We all should be thankful that Mr. Baldwin didn’t go with the latter two options.” At the time, Baldwin’s business was simply known as “The Popcorn Shop.” He shared the building with Del and Emily Barnett, who began leasing it in 1945. Just one year later, in 1946, Del purchased the shop and officially renamed it “Del’s Popcorn Shop.” From there, the rest is history. Remarkably, Del’s still uses Baldwin’s original recipes to this day, continuing a tradition of quality and community connection that spans generations.

The offerings go far beyond standard popcorn. “We offer ice cream, fudge, pralines, seasonal favorites including caramel apples, peanut brittle, and popcorn bunnies,” says general manager Annah Hulva. “We started with the standard 10 to 12 popcorn options, but now we solidly keep at least 20 to 25 different flavors.” The variety includes kettle corn, cheddar, caramel, cookies & cream, birthday cake, cotton candy, salt & vinegar, and dill pickle, to name just a few. Each flavor has its devoted fans, ensuring that customers have reasons to return again and again.

In 2009, then-owner Kemper Wilcutt expanded the business into the neighboring building. This addition was designed specifically for nostalgic candy, making Del’s more than just a popcorn shop. It became a candy-lover’s paradise, stocked with classic sweets that spark childhood memories. “We have people go over there and they’re like, oh my gosh, I can’t believe you have this,” Hulva recalls. While the emphasis is on timeless candy favorites, Del’s also stays relevant by carrying trendy treats. This expansion cemented Del’s reputation as not only a shop but also a destination for joy, memory, and tradition.

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, Del’s has autumn flavors ready to delight every taste bud. “We do fall flavors, like pumpkin spice kettle corn and cinnamon sugar kettle corn too,” says Hulva. Most recently, Del’s introduced caramel apple cups, a treat that has quickly become a seasonal hit. The shop thrives by balancing classic recipes with new and innovative offerings that keep customers excited.

When asked to describe the building in one word, Howley didn’t hesitate: “Nostalgic. It’s a step back in time. It’s not all updated, and it’s not like any of those new candy stores or popcorn shops. We’re making everything in front of you.” That sense of authenticity and their dedication to preserving tradition are what set Del’s apart. Watching the staff handcraft popcorn in the same building where it’s been made for nearly a century creates a connection to Decatur’s history that no flashy new storefront could replicate.

For Millikin students, Del’s Popcorn Shop is more than a place to satisfy a sweet tooth. It’s an experience. It’s walking into a space where you’re part of a story that stretches back to 1934. It’s discovering that your favorite childhood candy still exists, or that popcorn can come in flavors you never dreamed of. For students new to Decatur, Del’s is a way to feel grounded in the community, to share in something beloved by locals for generations. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack before a study session, treating yourself after finals, or bringing a bag of caramel corn home for the holidays, Del’s offers comfort and connection.