Cretors
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1885 |
| Founder | Charles Cretors |
| Headquarters | Wood Dale, Illinois , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Popcorn machines, concession equipment, warming cabinets, topping dispensers, hot dog equipment, cotton candy machines, ice shavers |
| Owner | Family-owned |
| Website | www |
C. Cretors & Company is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in popcorn machines and concession equipment. Established in 1885 following the creation of the first large-scale commercial popcorn popper that utilized oil, the business continues as a family-owned enterprise headquartered in Wood Dale, Illinois.
1880s through 1890s
Charles Cretors (1852–1934), hailing from Lebanon, Ohio, initially operated a bakery and confectionery in Decatur, Illinois. Seeking to broaden his product range, he redesigned a peanut roasting device for enhanced efficiency and relocated to Chicago to promote it. The company’s inception is marked by his vendor’s license dated December 2, 1885.
His peanut roaster, powered by a compact steam engine, mechanized the roasting process. By 1893, Cretors had engineered a steam-driven apparatus capable of roasting peanuts and popping corn in oil with uniform seasoning—an innovation surpassing manual techniques. That same year, he obtained a patent for this automated peanut roaster and popcorn popping machine.
A pivotal collaboration arose when traveling salesman J. M. Savage purchased roasted peanuts and agreed to distribute the machine within his sales territory, prompting Cretors to employ his first sales representative.
At the 1893 Columbian Exposition Midway in Chicago, Cretors displayed his popcorn wagon. The enticing aroma of freshly roasted peanuts and buttered popcorn drew crowds who eagerly lined up to purchase the hot snacks.
1900s through 1930s
In 1900, Cretors launched the Special—the first sizable horse-drawn popcorn wagon—which quickly gained popularity with three different models produced. With the advent of electricity, Cretors introduced the initial popcorn machine equipped with an electric motor, earning one of the earliest active Underwriters Laboratories certifications (EA175) for electrically powered equipment. Electric poppers soon became favored over steam versions due to improved safety and ease of use.
During the 1920s, as movie theater attendance rose, Cretors developed machines designed to pop and hold larger quantities of popcorn. The snack’s affordability contributed to its increased consumption during the Great Depression.
During World War II
In 1941, production unrelated to the war effort was suspended by the War Production Board. Consequently, Cretors pivoted to government contracts manufacturing aircraft oil line fittings and mechanical radio parts. After wartime material shortages eased, they introduced the Super 60 model featuring an all-walnut cabinet. Since then, Cretors has continued advancing their popcorn machines and related features to satisfy changing demands from theaters, concession stands, and consumers.
Further expansion
The company broadened its offerings to include warming cabinets, topping dispensers, hot dog equipment, nacho cheese dispensers, caramelizing devices, and nut roasting machinery.
Product lines
- Small concession poppers
- Large concession poppers
- Display and Cornditioner cabinets
- Gourmet retail equipment
- Topping dispensers
- Hot dog equipment
- Cotton candy machines
- Ice shavers
In media and popular culture
On July 7, 1988, the United States Postal Service released a 16.7-cent postage stamp depicting the Cretors 1902 Model No. 1 Wagon. This issue was part of the transportation series, celebrating America's inaugural snack and the innovative machine behind it.
Cretors has been featured on the Travel Channel's Made in America as well as on the show Big, where they constructed the Guinness World Record-holding largest popcorn machine.