5 Cookie Franchises We Love
Cookies make the world go round, and these five cookie franchises are worth savoring.
“Om, nom, nom, nom! Me love to eat cookies” as the Cookie Monster would say, and we at 1851 Franchise couldn’t agree more. The baked goods category covers a massive range of offerings including cupcakes, donuts, pastries, muffins, and of course, cookies. According to data, the bakery-café market in the U.S. is now worth a staggering $11.2 billion, and cookies make up a significant portion of that number.
These days cookie franchises are thriving, even as many other types of snack franchises are struggling. Maybe it’s because of the daintiness of the sweet treat in comparison to most other desserts that draw in health-conscious customers. Perhaps it’s the irresistible smell that consumers can’t help but stop in and grab their favorite confection. Regardless of the reason, the demand for cookies is here to stay — and below, 1851 has rounded up our favorite cookie franchises.
- Unit Count: 290
- Startup Costs: $160,500-$461,135
This Atlanta-founded franchise was born in 1977 by founders Michael Cole and Arthur Karp, who developed the business around a generations-old family recipe — and it's been a hit ever since. As the first franchised retail cookie store in the country, Great American Cookies has a huge following of loyal customers and is the undeniable leader in the industry.
- Unit Count: 31
- Startup Costs: $197,727
Pretty much the only thing better than cookies is cookie dough, and Scooped Cookie Dough Bar definitely tops our list of favorites. Established to share the love of cookie dough in a safe way, Scooped is like an ice cream bar that uses fresh ingredients, pasteurized eggs, and heat-treated flour to ensure a safe way to eat “raw” cookie dough. Owning a location allows prospective owners and opportunity to partner with an industry leader whose sales grow annually. Sounds sweet!
- Unit Count: 300-plus
- Startup Costs: $251,995-410,500
With over 300 locations, the Mrs. Fields brand is one of the biggest cookie franchises in the U.S. The concept also offers cookies through retail outlets and catalogs, increasing revenue potential. The franchisor offers kiosk and store investment opportunities making this a sweet deal for any smart cookie!
- Unit Count: 80
- Startup Costs: $149,450-$554,800
Started in 1983, Cookies by Design offers customers a “cookie bouquet,” as a delicious and unique alternative to flowers. The brand’s ability to create custom cookie bouquet designs along with personalized messages in addition to providing hired local hand delivery sets this cookie franchise apart. With over 300 unique cookie cutter shapes and thousands of design options, Cookies by Design’s potential to deliver gift items that are unique, special & memorable are limitless.
Nestlé Toll House Cafe by Chip
- Unit Count: 92
- Startup Costs: $149,450-$554,800
Nestlé Toll House Cafe by Chip has the advantage of having a well-known brand incorporated into its title – food giant Nestlé and Toll House, which was the name of the Massachusetts inn where the chocolate chip cookie was invented. The cookie was new in the late 1930s and was called Toll House cookies for a long time. The array of menu offerings at a café location includes fresh-baked cookies, cupcakes, macaroons, brownies, bars, chocolate-covered strawberries, ice cream, cookie cakes, crepes, wraps, paninis, flatbreads, frozen yogurt and real fruit smoothies.
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