NBNKettlecorn.com
Clem and Tanesha Sims-Summers have been a staple in Birmingham’s small business community for nearly 12 years as proprietors of Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co.
Located in a brick and mortar building in historic Woodlawn, they are famous for their delicious artisan kettle corn, commitment to philanthropy, and “Ms. Poppy”, the unmistakable beautiful blue and yellow food truck known to bring smiles to faces young and old.
Recently, while on the way to an event, “Ms. Poppy” stopped shifting into gear. The business owners later learned the issue was with the rear differential, a critical component connected to the axle and tires. Without it functioning properly, the truck is unsafe to drive.
“Ms. Poppy” has now been inoperable since October 2025, more than 12 weeks, costing the Summers family nearly $20,000 in revenue and counting. They are asking for contributions to help recoup lost revenue and get “Ms. Poppy” on the road and back into the community.
“The part for “Ms. Poppy” alone is approximately $4,000, with labor estimated up to $2,500 once work begins. Unfortunately, repairs cannot start until the part is secured and paid for,” said Tanesha Sims-Summer, Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. Chief Executive and Experience Officer. “During this downtime, we have had to cancel pre-scheduled events, something we never do lightly. Dependability is part of who we are. While the cost might not seem much to many, it’s a great deal to us given the amount of revenue our family has lost.”
Purchased in 2019 just prior to the pandemic for $50,000 and fully paid off as a commitment to stewardship and responsibility, “Ms. Poppy” has been a tough kernel. The food truck has survived two vandalisms and a fire. The Summers family purchased the vehicle from the Golden Flake fleet, taking pride in carrying on the tradition of a once longstanding Birmingham-based business through their Birmingham-based business.
The Summers family has become a shining star in the regional food scene serving corporate clients, celebrities, organizations and families with an assortment of small batch, artisan kettle to hand corn flavors. They’re considered Birmingham and beyond’s favorite snack, proudly sharing the brand throughout Birmingham, across Alabama, and around the country.
“Since we’ve began, we’ve navigated inflation, supply chain challenges, tariffs, fluctuating event attendance, and the unpredictability of large-scale events,” said Sims-Summers. “Our’s isn’t a sob story. It’s simply the ‘sweet and salty’ reality of sustaining a small business over time. The ripple effect of not having ‘Ms. Poppy’ servicing the community touches inventory, licensing renewals, inspections, and our ability to stabilize and grow.”
As a for-profit business with what they often call a nonprofit heart, they acknowledge that asking for help has been one of the hardest things they’ve ever done.
“We are accustomed to being positioned to give to support schools, churches, nonprofits, and families. Leaning into our community in this way required humility. We’re grateful for community,” said Sims-Summers. “We often say, ‘It’s not just popcorn,’ which is literally tattooed across ‘Ms. Poppy.’ We mean that both figuratively and literally. It’s not just about the kettle corn for us. It’s about connection, impact, and creating sweet moments even in life’s salty seasons.
Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. has a GoFundMe account established to get “Ms. Poppy” operational again. They are looking forward to rebuilding and continuing to fulfill their commitments to the community they love so much. “We want to keep popping in Birmingham,” said Sims-Summers.
To reach Clem and Tanesha Sims-Summers or learn more about Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co, email WHATSPOPPIN@NBNKettlecorn.com or call 205-915-2528.
For email inquiries, please use the subject line “Get Miss Poppy Rolling.”
