#United States #National Popcorn Day #Rural King #Joey Chestnut #South Terre Haute

Rural King Joins Forces with Joey Chestnut

In an exciting collaboration, Rural King, a beloved family-owned retailer known for supporting the rural lifestyle, has partnered with Joey Chestnut, the reigning champion of competitive eating. This partnership aims to ignite enthusiasm around National Popcorn Day and establish it as a cherished tradition for fans and families alike.

A Special Kickoff Event

On January 19, 2026, the partnership was unveiled during a lively meet-and-greet event at Rural King in South Terre Haute, Indiana. Here, fans had the opportunity to snap photos with Chestnut and get an exclusive preview of a new popcorn product that has generated considerable buzz. The product, dubbed Joey Chestnut’s World Record Big and Yellow Popcorn, boasts a hefty 2-pound bag of popcorn kernels inspired by his outstanding career in competitive eating. For those eager to stock up, this exclusive offering is available for just $5.99 at Rural King stores.

Making National Popcorn Day a Celebration

The collaboration is not just about a unique product; it aims to transform National Popcorn Day into a signature event for Rural King, complete with regional competitions leading up to a thrilling championship in 2027. As Phil Reiter, Vice President of Marketing at Rural King, stated, "National Popcorn Day gives us the perfect opportunity to turn something our customers already love into a signature Rural King tradition." The excitement builds towards the upcoming championship event, where amateurs will challenge Chestnut himself, making popcorn a central theme in community activities.

Chestnut expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "What I love about working with Rural King is how much they care about their communities. From the moment I set that popcorn record in Terre Haute, it felt like the start of something bigger. I'm excited to see fans across the Midwest and Southeast get involved, compete, and make National Popcorn Day a tradition we build together."

Championship Details and Upcoming Events

The partnership's peak will be a National Popcorn Day 2027 championship event featuring three regional qualifier competitions. These events will welcome popcorn enthusiasts from around the nation to show off their skills and compete for exciting prizes. Details about the dates, locations, and registration for these qualifiers are yet to be announced, but they promise to outshine any prior celebration.

Rural King envisions becoming the go-to destination for popcorn lovers on this special day. Customers can expect in-store experiences that blend family-friendly entertainment with customer engagement and community excitement, establishing an annual celebration that honors popcorn in all its delicious forms.

About Rural King

Rural King, rooted in Mattoon, Illinois since 1960, has grown to operate over 140 stores across seventeen states. The retailer is committed to providing low prices on a variety of essential goods, food, and farm necessities, a mission deeply embedded in its communities. Additionally, customers enjoy complimentary popcorn and coffee during their visits, enriching their shopping experience and reaffirming the store's dedication to community connection.

In summary, this new partnership between Rural King and Joey Chestnut marks a pivotal moment not only for popcorn lovers but also for fostering a sense of community and tradition. With exciting events and exclusive products on the horizon, the stage is set for an unforgettable celebration of all things popcorn.