KOP Insiders: Andrew Harker, Owner of Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn

KOP Insiders delves into the stories of the people who make King of Prussia one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic live-work-play-stay destinations.

In depth interviews provide insight into the companies that make up our diverse business community and put a face to the individuals behind the business. In this edition, we are joined by Andrew Harker, Owner of Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn at King of Prussia Mall.

Can you start by introducing yourself a bit and your new business?

I grew up in Lansdale and as a kid, I used to come to the King of Prussia Mall for comic books and

what not. It’s been interesting to see the mall and the area evolve over time. At one time I had my own business and I’ve been in retail and sales for most of my career. In the past few years I was looking for a new opportunity when I came across Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn at Peddler’s Village in Bucks County. I was totally impressed by the store’s look, the quality of their products and the customer service. It really spoke to me—something I could see myself enjoying and bringing to King of Prussia, which I think is a great fit for the area. And since I live in King of Prussia, opening a store here feels like a dream—like everything coming together full circle.

That’s awesome! Can you explain a bit about how your store is taking popcorn to the next level?

Yes, I appreciate that! It’s not just popcorn—it’s the next level of popcorn. We take classic flavors like

caramel corn and cheddar and elevate them. On the savory side, there are incredible flavors like Buffalo Blue Cheese and Just Like a Pickle, which is a huge fan favorite. When I was helping out at one of the other stores, a customer came in and bought a huge tin of Just Like a Pickle, saying they needed to have it in their house at all times. On the sweet side, we have flavors like Toasted Coconut and Sweet Habanero for those who love a mix of sweet and spicy. Of course, we also offer the basics like Kettle Corn, Caramel Corn and White Cheddar and even chocolate-covered varieties. Some have chocolate drizzles, like Vanilla Cupcake, which features a vanilla flavor with white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles, plus options of Caramel Corn with milk and dark chocolate. There’s really something for everyone. But what impressed me the most—and what I’m most excited about—is the quality. We use only the best ingredients. And we get our name because the popcorn is made into “clusters” so you get nice, big chunks instead of broken little pieces. Every detail is carefully considered to ensure you’re getting the best possible product.

Can you talk specifically about why you felt KOP was the right place for your business?

The mall is fantastic. Occupancy is strong, and co-tenancy is great. As a local, every time I go in, I see the steady foot traffic and a wide range of great options. It just keeps growing, especially with the addition of the connector a few years ago. It’s simply a great place. I think we’ll see a mix of customers—some who come specifically to visit us and then shop around, and others who discover us while walking through the mall. Popcorn is a great snack while shopping, and it also makes for a great gift. Overall, I just think King of Prussia is a winner. For those who aren’t in the area, we’ll also have e-commerce up and running in a couple of months for anyone who wants to ship our products. Plus, we partner with organizations for catering, whether it’s for businesses, weddings or other events. For weddings, we can set up popcorn displays—custom labeled bags of popcorn for guests to take home, or even a snack table with towers of popcorn for guests during the reception. We also offer wholesale options for local breweries or businesses that want to sell our popcorn. And for baby showers or weddings, we have tons of fun puns for the labels, like “She’s About to Pop”; or “He Popped the Question.” Oh, and fundraising! There are just so many opportunities! For school-related fundraising, students can sell popcorn, and a percentage of the sales goes back to the school as a donation. We also offer wholesale pricing, similar to other companies that run fundraising programs this way.

What else are you hoping to bring to the King of Prussia community beyond just great popcorn?

I believe in supporting communities, and the places I’ve worked in the past have always emphasized that. In a previous role, I helped organize and participate in National Night Out, and I’d love to be involved in similar community initiatives here. I think King of Prussia is a unique blend because it’s both a great place to live and a great place for businesses. It really is something special. I’m looking to partner with the community in any way I can. I’m excited about Bright Bash and the opportunity to bring samples and share what we do with everyone attending. We;re also working with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and looking to connect with other organizations in the area to build strong local partnerships. Sometimes people join chambers of commerce and similar groups thinking it’s all about making a sale, but it’s really about networking—getting to know others in the community and finding ways to support each other. As I meet other businesses in the area, I can confidently recommend them when people ask for advice in different fields because they’re professionals I’ve built relationships with and worked with locally.

What other advice do you have for other entrepreneurs looking to move their business to King of Prussia?

I think it’s important to find the right mix—a community that’s supportive and a location that makes sense for the business. What’s great about King of Prussia is that it has shopping, entertainment and great restaurants. It’s truly a destination. You have to find a business that aligns with what the community is looking for, and for me, this is a perfect fit. When I visited other locations, I saw how engaged the community was with what they do there. For example, at Peddler’s Village, they participate in events like the Scarecrow Competition, which is a lot of fun. Each community has its own unique vibe, so it’s about finding the right match. Of course, it’s a business, so it has to work financially, but it should also be enjoyable. I believe in having fun in life, and for me, King of Prussia offers that perfect balance.

Speaking of fun, what are some of your favorite things to do in the King of Prussia area?

I’m very outdoorsy. Even today, I was out jogging at Heuser Park. I spend a lot of time at Valley Forge Park as well. I love the work they’ve been doing to expand the trails in the area. Shopping-wise, obviously, I’m at the mall all the time, but I also love Workhorse Brewery—you’ll see me there a lot since I live right around the corner. I’m also a golfer, so Topgolf has been a great addition to the area, and I get over there when I can. I’m also really excited about the new Trader Joe’s. It’s practically across the street from me now, so it’s a closer drive than before. I think the restaurant scene here is a nice mix of locally owned spots and national chains, so there’s something for everyone. I’m a big fan of the Town Center and all the different restaurants there—I’ve probably been to most of them. Just the other day, I had breakfast at Spread, and if you haven’t tried the Carnegie Bagel there, it’s fantastic. I also love the entertainment options. I’ve worked in and with malls for a long time in retail, so it’s exciting to see how entertainment has evolved. I’m looking forward to the Netflix experience coming in.

Well, thank you so much Andrew! Is there anything else you would like to share about Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn?

What I’m really excited about is the experience itself. It’s about coming in and sampling different flavors, trying something new, even if you’ve been here before. We always have something fresh. There are core flavors that stay, but throughout the year, we introduce a variety of new ones. I encourage everyone to follow us on social media, Clusters Popcorn KOP on Instagram or Facebook, because that’s where I’ll be sharing the flavor of the week every Friday. It’s a great way to discover something new. We also offer seasonal flavors. For example, for Easter, we’ll likely have a lemon chiffon flavor, and it’ll be the only time all year you can get it. It’s so much fun when customers come in, try something new, and look at each other with smiles like, “Wow, this is really good.” That’s the kind of experience we want to create—it’s like a candy store for adults.

About Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn at King of Prussia Mall

Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn offers a unique, fresh popcorn experience with a wide variety of flavors made daily. From savory options to sweet treats, every bite is a delight. With seasonal flavors and a commitment to high-quality ingredients, Clusters ensures there’s always something new to try. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack for yourself, a great way to impress your friends at a gathering, or a special gift, Clusters is your go-to destination for gourmet, handcrafted popcorn.

Clusters Handcrafted Popcorn
160 N Gulph Road, Upper Level
King of Prussia, PA 19406