Garrett Popcorn Opening South Side Store Thursday

Starting tomorrow, people on the South Side craving Garrett Popcorn won't have to travel far. The home-grown popcorn brand is opening its lastest outpost at 11 a.m. on Dec. 22 at the intersection of 87th and Cottage Grove.

This 10th location for Garrett will be the iconic and addictive chain's first standalone shop; its first location opened in Chicago in 1949. To honor the neighborhood, Garrett commissioned an original mural, titled Global Intellect by artist Rahmaan Statik

To celebrate the opening, Garrett will give the first person through the door a special gift, but all patrons who stop by between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. will get a free bag of the Chicago Mix (a blend of cheese and caramel corn). Starting at 4 p.m. and going until the shop closes at 7, customers can sample the Garrett CaramelCrisp Apple Cider; proceeds from actual sales of the cider will benefit the Boys and Girls Club.

Also, for anyone making a purchase at anytime throughout the day will get a free Garrett Signature Holiday Tin Ornament, at least while supplies last. The shop will have its official grand opening celebration in February.

[Photo: Artist Rahmaan Statik's Global Impact mural at the new Garrett Popcorn]