Cretors & Company is an American manufacturing company specializing in popcorn machines and other concessions equipment. It was established in 1885 with the invention of the first large-scale commercial popcorn machine to pop corn in oil. C. Cretors & Co. is in Wood Dale, Illinois, and is still owned by the Cretors family.
Charles Cretors was originally from Lebanon, Ohio, but eventually made his way to Decatur, Illinois, where he opened a bakery and eventually a confectionery shop. He purchased a peanut roaster for his shop to broaden his product line to include freshly roasted peanuts. Not satisfied with the new machine, he redesigned it for better function. He moved to Chicago seeking success by selling his new machine. He purchased a vendor’s license to test his machine in front of his shop. The license, dated December 2, 1885, marks the inception of C. Cretors & Co.
A small steam engine powered the new roaster, which automated the roasting process. By 1893, Cretors had created a steam-powered machine that could roast peanuts as well as popcorn in oil. Cretors’ machine design offered several advantages over the hand-operated process. Cretors’ machine became the first automated machine that could pop popcorn uniformly in its seasonings. As a result, the product was uniform every time. Cretors applied for a patent on his automated peanut roaster and popcorn maker, which was granted in 1893.
By 1900, Cretors introduced the Special, the first large horse-drawn popcorn wagon. It was an immediate success. Cretors has continued to expand its product line to include other food service equipment including warming cabinets, expanded topping and dispensing systems, hot dog, nacho cheese, and caramelizing and nut roasting equipment.
According to en.wikipedia.org; Source of photos: internet
