About Us
2021
The Idea Gets Validated
Kakes the Great Popcorn Shop earned first place and People's Choice at the Saginaw Soup Pitch Competition, providing early proof that the concept connected with both the judges and the community. With this validation in place, it was time to get to work on developing the idea into reality.
2022
From Startup to a Real Business Platform
Kakes pursued a 2,000-Square-Foot commercial space, launching its online ordering platform, expanding beyond in-person sales and building the infrastructure for a larger, scalable business. That same year, Scholastic and Voyage Michigan introduces Kaylynn Martin's entrepreneurship story to audiences beyond Saginaw.
2023
The brand Finds its Retail Home
Kakes opened its retail sweets shop at SVRC Marketplace. The business was no longer simply selling popcorn. Customers were invited into a colorful, whimsical experience centered on creative flavors, gifting and discovery.
2024
Recognition Grows beyond Retail
Scholastic returned anto the Kakes story as an example of entrepreneurship, math and science. Customer reviews and regional tourism visibility continued reinforcing Kakes as more than a product brand, but a place people wanted to experience.
2025
Regional Reach + Birth of a signature Experience
Invited to become a local vendor for Saginaw Spirit games, Kakes reached a wider regional audience. This led to the creation of the Signature Chow Chow Bowl --- a customizable, interactive experience with toppings and drizzles.
PBS's Under the Radar Michigan featured Kakes, positioning the brand as a destination-worthy experience.
2026
Reinvention, Reinvestment & Visibility
Kakes opened its next chapter at 418 Court Street in Old Town Saginaw, reinvesting in a historic district and expanding the menu. Soon after, Kakes reached a national audience on MS NOW/ The Rachel Maddow Show, where Myrtle Turtle was enjoyed on-air.
Where to Next
Build the infrastructure, visibility and customer experience capable of supporting the attention Kakes is already beginning to receive.
The opportunity now is to convert recognition into destination traffic, repeat customers, regional distribution, stronger partnerships, and sustainable growth while keeping the creativity and accessibility and saginaw identity that made people pay attention in the first place.
Surround yourself only with people who are going to take you higher.
~ Oprah Winfrey