It takes a tough cookie to make it in the dessert world. Cookie Co. founder Elise Thomas started baking cookies as a passion project, but before she knew it, she was preparing hundreds of boxes a week for pick up in her driveway! Despite many challenges, which Thomas outlines below, they opened their first brick and mortar location—without traditional marketing no less. Each week, Cookie Co. released 4 flavors in addition to their signature Chocolate Chip cookie. Thanks to happy customers who shared the word, Cookie Co. now has more than 2 dozen locations across the US in less than 3 years.
What inspired you to get into foodservice?
“I’ve been baking since I was a little girl and I always loved the joy my cookies would bring to people. Cookie Co.’s mission is to be the local cookie shop at the core of every great town – a symbol of happiness, comfort, and hope.”
What do you love about your business?
“I love that our customers buy cookies to celebrate or when they need to be cheered up.”
What’s the most interesting thing to happen to your business?
“We started Cookie Co. during the pandemic in our home kitchen. By the time we opened our first location in Redlands, Calif. in August 2020, we had been selling hundreds of boxes a week out of our garage. Now, we have 25 locations nationwide and more coming this year!”
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“We didn’t plan on opening during a global pandemic and that was tough, but we also got pregnant and our house burnt down in the first few months of opening our store. Those challenges made us stronger and we learned we can do anything.”
Which Cambro products help make your business work?
“We use the rolling bins for all our flour, brown sugar and powdered sugar. Because they are light weight and on casters, our bakers can move them and refill them easily!”
About Cookie Co.
Locations: Arizona, California, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington
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Categories: Cambro Featured Business of the Week