Samuel M. Rubin facts for kids

Samuel M. Rubin (born May 24, 1918 – died February 5, 2004) was a smart businessman. He was known as a concessionaire, which means he managed places that sell snacks and drinks. He became famous for bringing popcorn to movie theaters in New York during the 1930s. Because of this, people often called him "Sam the Popcorn Man."

How Popcorn Came to the Movies

Rubin started selling things when he was very young. At just six years old, he sold pretzels. By age nine, he was selling flags. He began selling popcorn in Long Island City, New York. When he was 12, he started selling popcorn inside movie theaters. Many people believe he was the first to widely use popcorn machines in theaters.

Rubin got the idea for selling popcorn in theaters around 1930. He saw how popular popcorn was in Oklahoma City. While some people aren't sure if he was the very first to sell popcorn in theaters, he is widely known for making it a popular movie snack. His daughter and a former business partner remember him selling a lot of popcorn later, in the 1950s.

More Than Just Popcorn

Sam Rubin didn't just sell popcorn. He also sold other snacks. He is credited with creating the larger, "movie-sized" candy bars and boxes that we still see today.

A Lifetime in Concessions

Rubin worked for ABC Vending and its earlier companies for most of his life. He started working for them at age 12, selling candy. He continued with the company until shortly before he passed away. By then, he had become a regional vice president.

He was in charge of snacks and drinks for many big movie theater chains. He also managed concessions for Broadway theatres, which are famous for live shows. His work also included managing concessions at several sports stadiums, in Central Park, and even at the Empire State Building. Besides all this, Samuel Rubin also owned about 10 movie theaters himself.