SAPULPA — After a lengthy closure during downtown construction, GiGi’s Gourmet Popcorn on Route 66’s Dewey Street is preparing to reopen, with a target date of August 1.
The shop had become a frequent stop for its popcorn, candy, fudge and seasonal sweets, and is now reopening under the leadership of Braxtyn Brown, the grandson of Johnnie and Julie Brown who first opened the store several years ago down the sidewalk from their insurance agency. Braxtyn told Sapulpa Times that he’s going to be bringing back all the favorites that customers have come to know and love, and then some.
Classics Returning, With New Additions
When GiGi’s reopens, customers can expect the familiar lineup to be back: gourmet popcorn, bulk candy and chocolates, fudge, and the roasted and candied nuts that became especially popular during the Christmas season. Brown said they are “starting off by introducing a few new products” but confirmed “all of that is coming back to GiGi’s” as they rebuild their offerings.
Why Reopening Took Longer Than Expected
Many residents anticipated that GiGi’s would return soon after construction ended, especially with Route 66 Centennial tourism increasing. Brown explained that the nature of the business made reopening more complicated. Because the shop sells perishable items, “all of the stuff that we had when we had closed down for construction, we had to replace,” he said. Every product on the shelves had to be discarded and reordered as new stock.
“That stuff costs a lot of money,” Brown noted, adding that the full restock, combined with shipping issues for soda and candy, created delays that pushed the reopening later than originally planned. Despite those setbacks, he said the team is “really hoping” to meet the August 1 goal and is focused on coming back “for the second round” stronger than before.
Pricing Amid Rising Costs
In the weeks leading up to reopening, Brown is working through a pricing strategy that reflects higher costs without alienating customers. “Prices in almost everything in our economy has gone up,” he said, adding that the challenge is to “make sure that we’re making enough money to keep our storefront here” while still being fair.
He emphasized that GiGi’s does not want “to take advantage of our customers” or “price gouge,” but some adjustments will be necessary, particularly on bulk candy and bulk chocolate. The plan is to keep many shelf products “around the relatively same price” and “as low as we possibly can while also making profit.”
Looking forward to the holidays
With an August reopening target, GiGi’s is expected to be back in time for the fall season and the return of Sapulpa’s Route 66 Christmas Chute, returning for the 2026 holiday season after taking 2025 off due to construction.
Watch the full interview with Braxtyn on our YouTube Channel.