In a world where buzzwords like “inclusion” and “impact” often get diluted, one organization is truly delivering on both—one bag of popcorn at a time. Nestled in Ridgefield, Connecticut, the Prospector Theater has spent the past decade offering more than just movies. It’s built a mission around employment with dignity for individuals with disabilities, called “Prospects.” And from that mission has emerged a remarkable offshoot: Prospector Popcorn, a gourmet snack brand now delighting customers across the country while championing inclusive employment.
FROM SILVER SCREEN
TO SNACK SUPREME
Prospector Popcorn didn’t start as a business plan. It started as a lifeline.
“When the pandemic forced us to shut down the theater, we had to get creative,” Wenke recalled. “We needed to keep Prospects working and find a way to keep revenue coming in.” The solution? Take their most beloved concession item—gourmet popcorn—and turn it into a standalone enterprise.
The timing couldn’t have been better. As moviegoers stayed home, the world still craved comfort—and flavor. With bold options like Classic Caramel, Cheddar Caramel, and a fan-favorite Belgian Chocolate Toffee, Prospector Popcorn exploded in popularity. “The bags are flying off the shelves as quickly as we can stock them,” Wenke said. “We make all our popcorn with fresh ingredients, and package it right at the theater.”
But while the product is indulgent, the purpose behind it is even more fulfilling.
THE POWER OF “SPARKLE”
The Prospector Theater currently employs about 120 individuals, affectionately called “Prospects.” Seventy-five percent of them self-identify as having a disability. But at the Prospector, everyone wears the same black attire, works side-by-side, and shares equal footing—whether they’re in the box office or the boardroom.
“Inclusion isn’t just a mission statement here,” Wenke said. “It’s woven into our DNA.”
At the core of that inclusivity is a unique concept called “sparkle.” Each Prospect is encouraged to discover and share their unique passion, which is then translated into meaningful work.
“One guy told us, ‘I love inflating things,’” Wenke laughed. “So he ended up working in events and creating balloon bouquets.” Another enjoyed performance—so they found a role for him as an usher introducing films to audiences.
“It’s all about discovering that ‘sparkle’ and leveraging it,” Wenke explained. “Once you do that, people shine. It’s no longer about what someone can’t do. It’s about finding where they thrive.”
HOLLYWOOD ROOTS, HUMAN IMPACT
Wenke’s own journey into this world wasn’t traditional. With a background in theater, he had no prior experience running a nonprofit or a movie theater. But this changed when he met Valerie Jensen, Founder and Visionary of the Prospector.
“She had this idea that we could create meaningful jobs for people with disabilities by tapping into their talents,” he said. “Not having the ‘right’ background didn’t make me afraid of trying new things.”
Skeptics initially dismissed the project as unsustainable charity work. But under Jensen, President, and Wenke’s leadership as then Director of Operations since 2015 (now CEO), the Prospector has flourished as a fully operational, first-run theater competing in a crowded entertainment market—while keeping its mission front and center. “We’ve proven them wrong,” he said. “We have the best workforce on the planet. Our mission is different—but our quality is the same, if not better.”
GROWTH WITH HEART
Today, Prospector Popcorn isn’t just a pandemic pivot—it’s a thriving brand with its own identity. Its online storefront is booming, and discussions are already underway about scaling up operations and expanding into new markets. With every new bag sold, more jobs are created, more sparkles are discovered, and more perceptions are shifted.
But for Wenke, the greatest reward isn’t the rave reviews. It’s the transformation he sees every day—from confidence gained, to friendships formed, to lives uplifted by the power of purpose-driven work.
A MISSION YOU CAN TASTE
Whether you’re a foodie in search of your next favorite snack or someone passionate about supporting inclusive initiatives, Prospector Popcorn delivers on both fronts. And it all stems from one simple belief: that everyone deserves the chance to sparkle. And they’re making a difference, one kernel at a time.
To learn more or to order your own bag of purpose-packed popcorn, visit prospectorpopcorn.org