alan petrik came to popcorn from fannie may candies in 2007. "since the recession, we've prevailed well, even though we're an indulgent gift, not something someone has to buy." but petrik found a flexible labor force that ramps up from 60 people to 300 during the fall and holiday months helped him manage costs. it also helps that his director of operations, marty dennis, has a knack for developing new flavors. "the buffalo ranch uses frank's red hot sauce." > > did you just tell me a trade secret? "i'm sure that i did." right now, the popcorn factory pops about 18% of the gift- order popcorn business. true enough, you don't need popcorn. which is why figuring out what will make consumers buy it is a never-ending lesson in retail shopping behavior. "so would i buy it again? yes, because even though i don't buy hot dogs, this is a way to get that taste without the processed meat." the popcorn factory's chief operating officer says he'll stick with the new flavors for three to four months to see if they catch on. and, in perhaps a small indicator