Mims also had family inspiration on her side: Her mother and two brothers are also business owners. Her daughter, however, was the one who inspired her to choose popcorn when she was attempting to find a gift as part of her drill team.
“You couldn’t find any kind of gift; it was ridiculous,” Mims said. “I just wanted to have something that was affordable and fun for people.”
The popcorn at Back in Time—located on West Davis Street—is made in-house with flavors ranging from fruits, such as watermelon and blackberry, to savory tastes such as jalapeno cheddar and esoteric flavors like Dr. Pepper. Mims said holiday flavors, which usually feature chocolate, are among her most popular. Her personal favorites include dark chocolate with sea salt and peanut butter chocolate.
“For Valentine’s [Day], I did chocolate-covered strawberry popcorn, and people requested it all year,” Mims said. “I might bring it back.”
Holiday periods are also when Back in Time’s best business happens, Mims said. The shop offers specialty tins and gift bags for popcorn and candy themed after specific holidays or sports teams. Mims said she is trying to find a flavor that is equally attractive in the summer months—when chocolate melts quickly.
Not every flavor has been a success, however. Mims recounts salsa, pizza and barbecue flavors as three that never seemed to catch on despite the experimentation.
"For barbecue, there were, like, three people who liked it,” she said.
Back in Time also features specialty candies, ranging from Sour Patch Kids and hot chocolate balls to more niche picks, such as classic Necco wafers. Mims said continuing supply chain issues mean it is difficult for her to keep up some items’ stocks, but the candy provides alternates.
“A lot of people like cane sugar sodas, so we have them too, so there’s something for everyone,” she said. “For our five-year anniversary, we had snow cones. It’s just about trying to keep up with what people want.”
Reflecting on six years in business in Conroe, Mims said owning Back in Time has given her a greater perspective on how the world impacts her differently, citing events such as 2016 flooding, Winter Storm Uri and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When everyone’s house is flooding, they’re not going to come buy popcorn, you know?” Mims said.
Back in Time Popcorn
2107 W. Davis St., Conroe
936-788-2676
www.backintimepopcorn.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sun.-Mon.
