Our History
An Age of Invention
1885-1900
1885
While in Decatur, IL, Charles Cretors purchases a peanut roaster made in Oskaloosa, IA. Dissatisfied with his peanut roaster, he sells everything and moves to Chicago to build a better machine which includes a steam engine to drive it. He draws attention to both the roaster and product with a small mechanical clown figurine, Tosty Rosty, that turns a tumbler filled with peanuts. Charles purchases a peddler’s license on December 2, 1885 and C. Cretors and Company is born.
1893
Charles brings his new invention to the Columbian Exposition and introduces popcorn to the world. Up until now, corn is dry popped in a basket over a fire. Butter is poured over the popcorn to season it, but it is not distributed evenly. Charles' invention is the process of popping the corn in the "seasoning" which seasons and coats every kernel alike. The steam engine provides power to run the agitator blades in the bottom of the popping kettle to stir the popcorn while it cooks.
1897
A Cretors Model #1 wagon is sold to Netherland Gist and Spiritus Fabriek for $400 and becomes the first Cretors wagon to be exported to Delft, Holland. It is still owned and on display at the sucessor company, Unilever.Charles purchases a peddler’s license on December 2, 1885 and C. Cretors and Company is born.
1900
C. Cretors and Company moves to 620 W. Cermak Road in Chicago and remains there for 76 years.1901-1930
Movie Madness
1901-1930
1907
Charles Cretors and son Hazael D. Cretors receive a patent on an electric motor converted from steam power. The motor becomes widely used in indoor locations.
1910
Cretors’ first Underwriters Laboratories (UL) file number is approved (E4175) and remains the oldest UL number in active use today.
1911
The Buda Truck allows for larger wagons and increased range. Selling popcorn, peanuts, candy and soda, these trucks became one of the first concession food trucks in the United States. A later version of the truck called the Automobile Wagon was built on the chassis of Model T and Model A Fords.
1924
The Earn More model is introduced, making it the first machine that could be used both indoors and out. Over its more than 25 years in the marketplace, it was the most successful machine that the company ever produced. Expanded wagon models include a Model D wagon mounted on a Ford Model T Truck chassis and an automobile popcorn machine using a Ford Model A Truck.
1925
High-volume machines with double-poppers debut in order to satisfy the increased number of patrons in theatres, recreation areas and ballparks. Steam powered machines and wagon sales began to decline as electric models become more popular. The last steam-powered Earn More machine was sold on November 22, 1929.
1928
Booster Boy is created as a trademark and used in advertising to sell Cretors’ line of supplies, which include corn, seasoning, cartons and bags. “Boost your profits with Cretors Supplies!” would become a successful advertising slogan.1931-1950
The Effects of War
1931-1950
1935
Candy coated popcorn equipment is introduced. A first of its kind, the Duplex machine could produce and candy coat popcorn at the same time. Caramel corn shops begin to appear.
1938
As movie theater operators begin to understand the huge profit margins associated with selling popcorn, the Hollywood machine is introduced.
1945
The dawn of the 1940’s sees big changes at Cretors, as America becomes embroiled in World War II. The War Production Board issues orders that transition Cretors and other companies to critical defense work. Cretors transitions from making poppers to manufacturing aircraft oil line fittings, mechanical radio components, jack floats (used on anti-aircraft guns) and other products. Under its new third generation president, Charles J. Cretors, the entire company rises to the occasion to support the war effort.
1946
After World War II, Cretors’ regular manufacturing work resumes. However, a steel shortage requires the company to temporarily use wood to build its popper cabinets.
1948
The Official Volume Tester (OVT) is developed as a lab machine to measure popcorn quality for the PPA. Authorized sales distributorships are established.1951-1970
Mid-Century Modern America
1951-1970
1953
Cretors’ first national sales office is established in Nashville.
1954
Raymond Lowey, an award winning industrial designer is hired to create a modern-looking and attractive movie theatre popcorn machine. The Ambassador becomes a top seller for over a decade.
1967
In response to growing demand for industrial-scale snack food processing, Charles D. Cretors, fourth generation company president designs and patents Flo-Thru technology, creating the first industrial hot air popcorn machine. 50+ years later, these machines are able to pop up to 5,000 lbs. (2,267 KG) per hour.1971-1999
The Dawn of Digital
1971-1999
1974
The Metric Weight Volume Tester (MWVT) replaces the OVT in response to changing popcorn hybrids. It soon becomes the only standard testing machine used by the Popcorn Institute.
1976
Charles D. Cretors designs the T-2000 which marks the beginning of the Red Top Line, a smaller compact line of poppers.
1978
The Perfection Floss is introduced, later evolving into the Ringmaster model.
1988
The United States Postal Service issues a stamp that features an illustration of the Cretors No. 1 Wagon from 1902. It is part of a transportation series of stamps, paying tribute to America's first snack food vendors. Cretors expands into nacho equipment. Export business begins to grow during this period as well.
1998
The 7900 Bag-in-Box oil pump is designed and patented, forever changing the way oil is delivered to the popcorn kettle. The G-Zilla, the largest wet popping kettle in the industry is developed. These poppers pop up to 250 lbs (113kg) per hour.2000 Today & Tomorrow
Into the 21st Century
2000 Today & Tomorrow
2000
Cretors’ line of supplies grows to include popcorn salt and bags, caramel mix, neutral glaze, non-stick spray, Maize Glaze, Cheese Paste, cotton candy sugar and equipment cleaners.
2004
Designed for “Big”, a TV series on the Discovery Channel, a team of engineers assisted by Charles D. Cretors builds the world’s largest working popcorn machine. This accomplishment is later recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
2005
Hot Dog Grill & Bun Warmers are introduced.
2009
The Mach 5 takes its place in history as the fifth generation model of the revolutionary Earn More machine that first debuted in 1924. Developed by the Cretors family, the Mach 5 is the first machine to be built utilizing the Lean Manufacturing process.
2012
Humidified Warmer and Pizza Oven are introduced.Poppi, the first commercial hot air popper is designed and patented. Poppi XL would debut a few years later.
2014
C. Cretors and Company relocates from Chicago to Wood Dale, IL under the guidance of fifth generation company president Andrew Cretors.The Double Feature machine is patented and added to the product line. It is the first of its kind to pop, coat or caramelize popcorn in one machine.
2020
Cretors designs, manufactures and launches a new Safety Solutions product line that includes Mobile Floor Shields, Hand Sanitizer Floor and Counter stands as well as Hand Wipe Floor stands that help to provide an extra layer of protection in the time of COVID-19.
2021
The UV-C Sanitizing Chamber is added to the Safety Solutions product line, enabling a wide range of items to be 360 degree sanitized in 1-5 minutes.
2024 and Beyond
Cretors is leading the way in sustainability by utilizing solar panels on our Wood Dale plant, and innovating newer and better products that are more energy efficient than ever before. Here's to a brighter tomorrow!Coming to the Chicago Area? Contact Us About a Tour of our Museum!
