Travel Channel's 'Made In America' Pops Up At Cretors

Chicago, IL - C. Cretors and Company, the Chicago-based inventor of the popcorn machine was the subject of the June 7th episode of John Ratzenberger's "Made in America" series on the Travel Channel. Celebrating the people, places and products that are uniquely American, this season of "Made in America" features some of the country's most fascinating American-made wonders including Cretors' popcorn machines, Seattle's Space Needle and the San Francisco cable car system.

• Travel Channel's "Made in America" celebrates Cretors Popcorn Machine

  Initially making a name for himself as a roasted peanut vendor, Charles Cretors introduced the first patented steam driven popcorn machine that popped corn in oil in 1893. By developing innovative machinery that reflect the ever-changing tastes of the times, C. Cretors & Company has maintained its position as an industry thought leader, surviving the rise and fall of movie theaters, the Great Depression and the emergence of television. Inventions in the 20th century improved upon the accuracy, reliability and efficiency of snack food equipment, while the 21st century has seen a more ardent approach to developing machines that produce healthier snacks. Inventions in the 20th century improved upon the accuracy, reliability and efficiency of snack food equipment, while the 21st century has seen a more ardent approach to developing machines that produce healthier snacks. The company's most recent innovation, the Flo-Thru 80, uses a hot air popping technique to produce healthy, savory or candy-coated popcorn for movie theaters.

• Charles Cretors introduced the first patented steam driven popcorn machine

  John Ratzenberger's "Made in America" honors the men and women who skillfully make the products, such as Cretors popcorn machine that are the backbone of the American economy. Taking viewers along for rare, behind-the-scenes tours of these iconic American-made structures, "Made in America" provides viewers with insightful, insider information, as he reveals the fascinating stories behind how they were built and how they continue to operate today.

SOURCE: C. Cretors and Company