A monster-sized cookie-slinging concept called Cookie Munchers made its debut last week in Tampa.
Couple Cassie Aran and Brandon Lucante dreamed up the concept during their senior year at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey in 2015.
The two launched their idea in 2016 in NJ. “We just wanted to serve giant cookies at a good value at first. Slowly, we expanded to everything else,” Aran says.
Plans for a new location started last summer when the duo were looking to expand the business.
An impromptu road trip to Florida led them to their current space at 11842 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in the University Commons shopping plaza. After they signed the lease to their new location, they were living in Tampa full-time within a week.
Smells of fresh-baked cookies are a short waft away from University of South Florida’s students’ noses.
Their unique selling point is the larger-than-life cookies, which span about six inches in diameter. Customers can choose from seven cookie flavors, including Double Chocolate, S’more, and Snickerdoodle. Other menu offerings satisfy any sweet tooth with bites like edible cookie dough, Blue Bell ice cream and cookie cakes.
Keeping it within the average college student's budget, the menu ranges between $2.99 for cookies to $28.95 for a 10-cookie combo of any kind.
“The first night of our test run, Cassie was baking dough and the cookies came out huge. We delivered them that way and got so many texts from customers saying they loved them,” Lucante says.
The 1,350-square-foot space can seat 24 inside, with an option for outdoor picnic table seating in the works to debut this summer.
Stuck cramming for an exam and need a sugar rush to power through?
Cookie Munchers delivers.
What sets Cookie Munchers apart from everyone else is their cookie delivery service, which you can order through their website with a purchase minimum of $8.
Deliveries are only for those in a 2.5-mile radius. To ensure customers get their orders on time, and with a smile, Cookie Munchers doesn’t use delivery services like UberEATS or DoorDash.
“We like to control the customer experience,” Lucante explains. “When a customer receives their order, I want them to see an employee with a Cookie Munchers uniform on.”
Cookie Munchers offers catering for special occasions. A 10% discount off the total price is offered to those who purchase 60 or more items.
The cookie spot is open seven days a week and open late — prime time for accommodating those with a case of the munchies. The duo will be providing fresh-baked goods Sunday through Tuesday from 1 p.m.-1:30 a.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 1 p.m.-3:30 a.m.
“There’s nothing else like it here. We’re the best with late-night desserts and we’re a great hangout spot for the college crowd,” Aran adds.
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