Fired Garrett Popcorn Stores employed Aisha Putnam accused of stealing secret popcorn recipes, lawsuits claiming

Former employee, Aisha Putnam, was research and development director for four years at the iconic Chicago chain. She was one of three people who had access to their private files. The company says the recipes were guarded so closely that a thumb verification is needed to access them.

Putnam signed a non-competition and a confidentiality agreement. After Putnam left the company, she signed a document that said she was deleting all the information in her possession, but denied forensic review of her electronic devices.

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The information she sent herself deals with distribution agreements, vendor information and prices. The lawsuit claims that she brought a USB with 5,400 files containing the vast amount of information.

On Tuesday, the Garrett Place in the Streeterville Place was busy, and customers were concerned about their loyalty to the gourmet popcorn.

"We must have our backs, as they have had ours, with very good popcorn," said Hammad Isa.