Insomnia Cookies is a chain of bakeries primarily in the United States that specializes in delivering warm cookies, baked goods, and ice cream.[1][2] Based in New York and Philadelphia, it was started in 2003 by Jared Barnett and Seth Berkowitz, both students at the University of Pennsylvania.[3] The company has more than 265 stores, mainly located throughout the continental U.S., with international locations in Canada and England.[4] Many stores are located in close proximity to university campuses and cater to students who want to order cookies late at night.
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 Insomnia Cookies on UCLA's campus | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bakery |
| Founded | 2003 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Founders | Seth Berkowitz and Jared Barnett |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania & New York, New York |
Number of locations | 265+ stores (2024) |
Area served | United States |
| Owner | Verlinvest Mistral Equity Partners |
| Website | insomniacookies |
History and operations
editThe company was co-founded by Jared Barnett and Seth Berkowitz in 2003 while attending the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Berkowitz began baking and delivering cookies from a dorm room to students on campus late at night.[1] From there the concept of cookie delivery grew.[5] The first retail store opened in 2003 in Syracuse, New York.[6]
Insomnia Cookies is based in New York City and Philadelphia.[1] Insomnia Cookies bakeries are typically located near college and university campuses to target students who wish to order cookies past the closing time of traditional bakeries. Most stores are open from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. Monday-Friday, and from noon until 3:00 a.m. on weekends.[7]
The company expanded throughout the continental U.S., opening its 100th store in 2016.[8]
In 2018 Krispy Kreme, financed by JAB Holding Company, acquired Insomnia Cookies; the company continues to operate independently.[9]
In April 2021, the company opened its first store with an experimental CookieLab section, a "cookie speakeasy" that offers customizable cookies and a bar with milk and milkshake options.[10]
In June 2021, the company opened its 200th store in Exton, Pennsylvania.[11]
In October 2023, the company partnered with Universal Pictures and Scott Cawthon Productions to release the 'Freddy Fazbear's Cookie Pizza' in promotion of the Five Nights at Freddy's movie.[12]
In 2023 the company expanded to locations outside of the United States, with the first international bakeries in Manchester, England and Toronto, Canada.[13][14] More stores were opened in 2024 in Ontario, and the company reached more than 265 locations in North America.[4]
Wage theft lawsuit
editThe company has faced accusations of wage theft and abuse of employees.
In 2023 the company faced a lawsuit brought by minimum wage employees who worked as delivery drivers. Other suits were brought by former employees at locations in Rochester, New York City, and Auburn Alabama.
The company stole wages from at least 40 workers, according to the lawsuit. One worker claimed that a general manager called her "sneaky" and a "snake" for calling out the wage theft. The manager scolded her for crying after she slipped and fell in the snow and put plastic spiders in her delivery bag, causing her to cut her hand open, according to the lawsuit.[15]
Products
editInsomnia Cookies sells 17 types of classic cookies, including vegan options, and a variety of deluxe cookies.[16] Other products include cookie cakes, brownies, milk, ice cream, and ice cream sandwiches.[17]
References
edit- ^ a b c Van Allen, Peter (March 8, 2013). "Another place to get a cookie at 3 in the morning". Philadelphia Business Journal. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
- ^ Casey, Drew (October 10, 2015). "Midnight munchies? Insomnia Cookies has your back". CNBC. Retrieved June 26, 2016.
- ^ Schwartz, Jason. "New Combination Proves Profitable". The Daily Pennsylvanian. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
- ^ a b "Insomnia Cookies celebrates new opening in Kingston (Ontario) and announces Canadian openings in 2024" (Press release). Cision Canada. February 8, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ "An Interview with Seth Berkowitz | How the Founder of Insomnia has Revolutionized the College Experience Armed Only with Cookies". HuffPost. February 17, 2015.
- ^ "Insomnia Cookies feeds SU for 5 years". The Daily Orange. November 30, 2009. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
- ^ "Insomnia Cookies - FAQ". Insomnia Cookies. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
- ^ "Insomnia Cookies to Open Real Estate Search to All 48 States in the Continental U.S." (Press release). Insomnia Cookies. July 10, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2021 – via BusinessWire.
- ^ Nunes, Keith (July 20, 2018). "JAB Holdings to Acquire Insomnia Cookies". Food Business News. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
- ^ Lang, Marlene (June 24, 2021). "Insomnia Cookies Opens Its 200th Store In Exton". Patch. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ Brownies, Boiled (October 8, 2023). "Fnaf cookie pizza at insomnia cookies". Reddit.
- ^ McAllister, James (August 30, 2023). "Insomnia Cookies makes UK debut with double Manchester opening". restaurantonline.co.uk. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ Marcelo, Breanna (September 9, 2023). "Insomnia Cookies opens first store in Canada at York University". NOW Toronto. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
- ^ "Insomnia Cookies Failed To Pay Workers Minimum Wage, Class Action Suit Claims". Across Pennsylvania, PA Patch. April 25, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Insomnia Cookies Nutritional Facts Guide" (PDF). Insomnia Cookies. June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ "Insomnia Cookies celebrates National Ice Cream Day". Bake Magazine. July 19, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2021.