Description
About Clusters
Owners Linda and Jules Sghiatti thought New Hope was a great place to open a caramel corn store. As Bucks County natives, they have lived in New Hope for over 15 years, raising three children, and working in their own residential building business.
When Linda wanted to get a part-time job, Jules encouraged her “to do her own thing.”
New Hope PA Bucks County Caramel Corn Popcorn Gelato. After attending the Friday Night Fireworks on the Delaware River in New Hope one evening in 2010, they discussed that New Hope didn’t have any quick snack stops other than ice cream. They thought about how much they love the caramel corn from the boardwalk
at the jersey shore and that’s how the whole idea came about.
After a bit of research and planning, Jules got to work designing and building the shop. Linda and the kids went to work creating popcorn recipes. The whole family contributed to the process, including designing the logo and packaging. A year later, CLUSTERS opened April, 2011.
The shop is located in the historic village of New Hope, in the heart of Bucks County, PA. New Hope is a tourist walking town with many visitors every day, especially on the weekend. New Hope is full of unique shops and wonderful restaurants.
Locals know that a trip to CLUSTERS will require them to answer a question – “Bag open or closed?” Always answer OPEN! That way you get an extra scoop or so to enjoy walking around town. The only mistake you can make when you go to CLUSTERS is when you don’t order a big enough bag.
FAST FORWARD 2017 - CLUSTERS has changed their name to CLUSTERS HANDCRAFTED POPCORN.
New location in Bethlehem, PA will open in the Spring 2017 and more locations are planned. Watch our social media for updates! New company look will debut soon with an updated logo and marketing materials.
Why Clusters?
It’s about the Clusters experience!
As soon as you walk into a Clusters popcorn shop you are immediately welcomed into a foodie’s haven. The presentation of all our unique flavors makes for a fun sampling experience of popcorn creations. Clusters creations are made fresh daily, filling the outside air with hints of caramel, coconut, cinnamon, and cookies. All recipes are created in house and are unique.
Clusters popcorn locations have a lovely boutique style, with a relaxing front porch cottage feel painted in an inviting light blue. The shop has detailed moldings, wood ceilings, and historical photos about the town to delight the customers. Clusters staff is extremely friendly and encourage customers to enjoy samples. Clusters offer a loyalty program to regular visitors, providing a discount on tub and tin refills. Bag sizes are also offered, and customers are encouraged to leave the bag “opened” which means they get more popcorn!
Top 10 Reasons You Should Join Us:
1. Clusters is a product people love – everybody loves popcorn. 2. No stress work environment – it’s a fun product.
3. Easy to sell
4. Not a big investment
5. Equipment is minimal and easy to use.
6. Do not need previous food experience.
7. Hours are flexible
8. Staff requirements are minimal and do not need experience 9. Income growth potential
10. Franchise development opportunities – referral program
Our Support
AREAS OF SUPPORT INCLUDE:
- Operational Support
- Marketing Support
- Accounting Support
- Audit Support
- Legal Support
Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn will also continue ongoing research and development, which will stream down to each franchise location.
With these great areas of support, becoming a franchisee of Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn could not be easier!
Qualifications
The best Clusters franchisees will love the concept and should enjoy serving people. The franchisee should have strong management abilities and will operate with complete integrity in the business and in front of the customer.
The number one quality we will look for in a potential candidate for Clusters is their comfort level in management and in overseeing employees to provide the ultimate service to each guest. Clusters franchisees must also exhibit a commitment and enthusiasm to serving quality food in a pleasant environment. A franchisee needs to be able to recognize and hire staff that exhibits these qualities as well.
