Popcorn chain is born in Teaneck, N.J., with assist from NBA's Isiah Thomas.

Publication: The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News)

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COPYRIGHT 2004 The Record

Byline: Joan Verdon

Nov. 21--Basketball legend Isiah Thomas and Bergen County entrepreneur Warren Struhl want to do for the $3.50 bag of popcorn what Starbucks did for the $3 cup of coffee -- make it an everyday luxury.

The two have teamed up to launch the Dale and Thomas Popcorn chain, which will be based in Teaneck. Their game plan calls for explosive growth through franchising, with as many as 3,000 stores within five years. The Teaneck location will include a popping factory, corporate offices and a prototype store, set to open Sunday.

"I used to live in Chicago and ate popcorn from a popcorn cart every day for lunch," said Struhl, who has made millions with previous business ventures. "I always thought there was an opportunity to open stores and create the first retail brand, just like Starbucks did with coffee."

And Thomas, who said he has eaten popcorn in sports stadiums around the world, is convinced the concept will be a sales slam dunk. "It's the only food I see that really is shared in...

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