Mimi and Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop is as Wholesome as it Gets
Mimi and Papa's Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop
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Mimi and Papa's Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop 〰️
Tucked off Village Road in Leland, Mimi and Papa’s Sweet Shop is truly as Mom and Pop as it gets; where the only thing matching the sweetness of their treats, is the warmth of their story.
After 3.5 years serving the Leland and broader Wilmington communities, Mimi and Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop has become a community staple, cementing themselves as a true memory maker for children and adults alike.
As New Hanover High School sweethearts and lifelong residents of the Wilmington area, George and Phyllis Murray are no strangers to the Leland community. George owned a sign business in Leland among a few previous endeavors, and Phyllis was an office manager at a dental practice for 27 years.
In 2021, Phyllis retired from her job. However, this retirement would be short lived.
"My mom was home for about two weeks in retirement before she simply said “This isn’t for me.” It sounds like a joke, it literally wasn’t,” chuckles Misty Pelliciotta, daughter of George and Phyllis who also works alongside the duo in managing the shop.
George Murray (Papa), Phyllis Murray (Mimi), and Misty Pelliciotta (daughter)
While enjoying movie nights at home, it was always guaranteed that George and Phyllis would have ice cream and freshly popped popcorn to accompany their flick. The small popcorn maker from those movie nights still actually remains in the shop, a reminder of the inspiration that led to the idea of the business.
Given their love for treats, and the opportunity to open Leland’s first ice cream shop in over a decade, George sold his sign business to to chase the dream alongside his wife, working together for the first time.
The popcorn wall, that features 20-30 flavors daily.
Like a dessert-themed Avengers superhero team, the family would assemble to bring the shop to life. George was a well known entrepreneur in the Leland area and had experience running multiple businesses. Phyllis had worked at a dental practice and even previously ran a day care of her own in Rocky Mount.
Then Misty jumped in, bringing with her 10 years of experience teaching, and her passion for kids along with it. Even Misty’s daughter Jordan joined in, adding to the family dynamic with her background in the food service industry.
Since opening, the shop has been met with an outpouring of support, leading to an unexpected need to expand their space early on. “Within four months we outgrew our our production space and needed to expand to keep up with demand,” says Misty.
Misty has been blown away seeing the shop work its way into the lives of its customers. From life’s biggest events like hosting gender reveals, anniversaries, and birthday parties, or just simply seeing young kids grow up alongside their families everyday - to play a role in a community she loves so much is something Misty says is “unbelievable”.
“Having people include us in there lives and their stories is incredibly special. Some of it will bring you to tears. ”
The dining area features pencil sketches George created for the Andy Griffith Show.
The impact of The Murray Family’s shop undoubtedly crafts core memories kids and adults will remember forever. Those coming in for a treat with their parents will always cherish those precious moments, with Mimi and Papa’s being the centerpiece of good times.
And for parents, enjoying quality time with your kids is truly as sweet as it gets.
The fudge counter, where you can expect roughly a dozen flavors daily.
Mimi and Papa’s reach has even expanded past state lines. For example, there’s a couple from Maine that travels to Leland each year to visit their grandkids, every time swinging by the shop to pick up 15 extra large bags so they can haul it back up home.
“We really have a lot of customers that remind us why we are doing, what we are doing. ”
The ice cream counter - which features award-winning gourmet ice cream.
Between the delicious treats and the savory snacks is a massive passion for the broader Leland and Wilmington community, and with the creation of the shop has come the opportunity to sell their products at a variety of locations.
The popcorn can now be found at Wilmington Sharks games, ILM airport, both Butcher’s Market locations, and various breweries and taprooms within the area. However, one of the coolest accomplishments for Misty and George was selling popcorn at their alma mater, UNCW.
You can now find Mimi and Papa’s popcorn at UNCW sports concessions and convenience stores, allowing them to sell their products on the campus where they were once students.
Within the shop in Leland, you can also find goods by other entrepreneurs in the community, as the shop is committed to keeping all items as local as possible.
“In what other job do you get to say you serve your literal neighbors? It’s something we never take for granted.”
Ice cream, fudge, floats, sundaes, popcorn, and banana splits are all delicious in their own way. But when it comes to these treats, the most delightful part of it all is the company you keep when you enjoy them. MiMi and Papa’s creates a space where family traditions are formed, friends are seen, and happiness is spread to anyone walking through its doors.
“If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy sweet treats, this is the place to be.”
Family photos on the walls of the dining area.