Kettle Heroes: Gourmet Popcorn with a Mission to Honor Everyday Heroes
By Sally J. Clasen
In 2013, brothers Aaron and Rudi Sinykin launched Kettle Heroes, a gourmet popcorn company dedicated to giving back to their community—one kernel of kindness at a time.
The siblings' first joint venture was owning Subway franchises, but it lacked a true local connection. They pivoted to popcorn, starting with sales from a food truck at farmers markets, school events, and Arizona Cardinals games.
Today, from their Tempe store and manufacturing facility with 11 employees, they produce about 1,000 pounds of premium popcorn daily. It's distributed statewide to supermarkets like Fry's, Whole Foods, and AJ's, plus discount retailers such as HomeGoods, Burlington, and Ross.
Kettle Heroes offers classic flavors alongside regional Southwestern favorites like prickly pear, Hatch green chile, and cinnamon-sugar churro. Standouts include savory porcini truffle cheddar and Popcorn Zen—a lighter option akin to SkinnyPop for health-conscious snackers, per Rudi.
“It's like movie theater popcorn without the extra calories,” Rudi explains. “We focus on fewer flavors, executed perfectly, always fresh.”
Available in stores, online, and via a natural foods distributor expanding to Western states, products come in packages and customizable gift tins with personalized labels and logos.
Popcorn fans can also catch the mobile food trucks at Phoenix-area farmers markets and events.
The brothers emphasize fresh popcorn made with clean ingredients—certified gluten-free, GMO-free, nut-free, and kosher. Yet, it's the brand's charitable mission that truly sets it apart.
“Corporate life grew stale; we weren't supporting our local community enough,” Rudi shares. “We wanted real impact, so we created Kettle Heroes.”
The outcome: A fun, high-quality product that leaves a lasting, positive impression.
The Pat Tillman Foundation was an early partner, with a portion of sales aiding the nonprofit honoring the late Arizona State University football star and alum.
Kettle Heroes has backed numerous causes, including breast cancer research, the American Cancer Society, local Boys & Girls Clubs, and Local First Arizona. Recently, they donated a pallet of popcorn to volunteers at the State Farm Stadium COVID-19 vaccination site.
“We celebrate everyday heroes—those going above and beyond, especially after the past year's challenges,” Rudi says. “It's about uniting people with simple joys and spreading positivity.”
“Popcorn evokes fun memories—carnivals, movies, festivals. Pair it with giving back, and it's a win-win.”
