Top 5 Cookie Franchises in America

Cookie franchises are flourishing where many other types of snack franchises are failing right now. Perhaps it’s because of the daintiness of the sweet treat in comparison to most other desserts that draws in health-conscious customers. Maybe it’s the incredible aroma that customers can’t help but stop for. Whatever the reason for the surge in demand, the supply is rising to meet it in the form of new franchises and single location operations. Cookie franchisees can benefit greatly from knowing the standing and backgrounds of the top franchises in the industry.

TCBY and Mrs. Fields

Mrs. Fields is one of the largest cookie retailers in the country. Most Mrs. Fields locations are joint enterprises with TCBY, which is owned by the same company. As of 2014, there were 526 Mrs. Fields locations throughout the United States. The company also offers cookies through retail outlets and a catalogue. Mrs. Fields Cookies was founded in 1977 in California, but did not begin franchising for many years.

Great American Cookies

Great American Cookies was founded in Atlanta in 1977. The founders, Michael Cole and Arthur Karp, developed the business around a generations-old family recipe. The concept was a hit, and as of 2014 there were 319 retail locations in the United States. As the first retail cookie store available in the United States, Great American Cookies has a large following and has long been a leader in the industry. Great American Cookies ranked #143 on the Franchise 500 list.

Nestle Tollhouse Café by Chip

In 2001, the Nestle Tollhouse Café by Chip was founded by Ziad S. Dalal and Doyle P. Liesenfelt. The company gained fast success which was in part driven by the familiarity of the Nestle name. By 2014, Nestle Tollhouse Café by Chip had 90 locations open in America. The company ranked 262 on the Franchise 500 list.

Cookies by Design

The Cookies by Design concept was forged in 1983 by Gwen Willhite. Cookies by Design offers customers a “cookie bouquet,” along with cookies and other dessert items. The company began franchising in 1987 and had about 97 stores throughout the country by 2014. Cookie by Design differentiates from competitors using the uniqueness of the products offered.

Crumb and Get It Cookie Company

Crumb and Get It Cookie Company was founded by Chris and Kelly McMurray. The company began offering franchise opportunities in 2013, but as of 2014 had only one location in Radford, Virginia. Crumb and Get It Cookie Company offers customers the opportunity to create their own cookie by choosing the flavors and mix-ins. When ordering at the store, customers can wait about ten minutes for the cookies to be freshly baked. Customers can also have the product shipped. Crumb and Get It Cookie Company gained a small claim to fame in 2012 when the founder politely declined Joe Biden’s request to make the store location a campaign stop.

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