Pam's Market Popcorn & Windy City Eats

Rocking, Popping and Having Fun in Gahanna

By Laurel Bocka

In 2005, Pam Tylka, a single mother of four, decided to open a popcorn store with the hope it would be a sustainable way to provide for her family. Pam’s Market Popcorn & Windy City Eats, affectionately known as Pam’s Popcorn, has been “rocking, popping, and having fun” ever since.

After operating for nearly 12 years at the North Market in Columbus, Tylka decided to search for a new home for her business. Eight months into her search, she was ready to give up on her business when she saw a “for rent” sign in a storefront in the city she has called home for 20 years— Gahanna. Much to the joy of her devoted customers, Pam’s Popcorn was reborn at 955 East Johnstown Road.

Although popcorn is the name of her game, Pam’s Popcorn also offers a menu full of delicious food options for residents to enjoy. With genuine Chicago-style hot dogs and an Italian beef sandwich that was named one of Columbus’ top 25 sandwiches by Columbus Monthly, Pam’s Popcorn is an ideal location for a lunch. Tylka also embraces Gahanna’s Herb Capital of Ohio title with her popular herbed chicken salad and herbed creamy chicken soup, which she serves throughout the week.

Some of the popcorn available for customers

Tylka was born and raised in Chicago, and her deep Chicago roots influence much of the food she makes, including “The Windy City,” her best-selling popcorn mix that is a combination of caramel and cheese popcorn. Many customers tell her that her food tastes as good or even better than what they find in popular Chicago delis.

“All of my food is made with love,” Tylka said. “I’m sure that’s why people say that.”

Many of Tylka’s customers turn into regulars as they get to know her and her product. Because of her location next to The UPS Store, she serves at least one new customer a day who is intrigued by her seasonal decorations and greeted by Charlie the stuffed bear, who sits outside when she is open.

“This is where I want to be. It's a great community.”

“My customers support me,” Tylka said. “I have great support in this community.”

Charlie at the entrance

Two years ago, Tylka was diagnosed with stage three melanoma in her scalp that then moved to her lymph nodes. Her store was closed for about three and a half weeks and upon her return, her customers were there and ready to support her business like never before. She is extremely grateful that the community stood by her during this time and is understanding of her current flexible schedule as she continues treatment. She is still on her cancer treatment journey as she hopes for a clear scan in the coming months.

Tylka has many ideas for the future of her business, and she is excited to see what the future holds for her in Gahanna.

“This is where I want to be,” she said. “It’s a great community.”

To learn more, visit pamspopcorn.com