1983
70
$120,000
$30,000
$220,000
No
Cookies by Design is a beloved American brand that has redefined the art of gifting with its handcrafted cookie bouquets and gourmet treats. Since its inception in 1983, the company has been delighting customers across the United States with its unique, edible arrangements, making it a standout in the gifting and bakery industry. With a strong reputation for quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction, Cookies by Design offers a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to enter the thriving dessert and gifting market.
Proven Business Model: With decades of experience, Cookies by Design has honed a business model that combines retail, e-commerce, and event-based sales, providing multiple revenue streams.
Strong Brand Recognition: The brand's unique offerings and consistent quality have garnered a loyal customer base, ensuring sustained demand.
Seasonal and Year-Round Appeal: From birthdays and holidays to corporate events and personal milestones, the brand's products cater to a wide range of occasions, ensuring year-round sales.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees benefit from extensive training, marketing assistance, and operational support, setting them up for success from day one.
Established Year:
Cookies by Design was founded in 1983 in Plano, Texas by Gwen Willhite, who envisioned combining her passion for baking with a creative gifting concept. The brand pioneered the concept of edible cookie bouquets, transforming the traditional cookie into a memorable, giftable experience.
Franchise Launch:
The company began franchising in 1987, opening opportunities for entrepreneurs to replicate its successful business model across the United States.
Founder & Ownership:
Gwen Willhite built the brand’s initial reputation for creativity and quality. In 2007, the company was acquired by Crumb Corps, LLC, which expanded operations, enhanced marketing, and continued to grow the franchise network.
Brand Journey & Evolution:
Introduced Cookie Bouquets – a unique concept where cookies are presented in floral-style arrangements.
Expanded product offerings to include gourmet cookies, cupcakes, and seasonal specialties.
Became an authorized Disney licensee, offering Disney-themed cookie gifts, which enhanced brand appeal to families and special events.
Integrated online ordering and delivery systems to cater to digital-savvy consumers.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Approximately 70 corporate and franchised locations across the U.S.
Strong presence in major cities, with locations strategically positioned to maximize visibility and foot traffic.
Recognized as a leader in the bakery & gifting industry, combining both retail and event-based sales.
Industry Category & Recognition:
Operates in the bakery and gifting industry, focusing on premium, handcrafted treats.
Known for high-quality products, unique designs, and exceptional customer service, which have earned it a loyal customer base.
Frequently cited in franchise rankings for creative product offerings and proven profitability.
Other Information:
Targeted at both retail consumers and corporate clients, making it versatile in revenue streams.
Focuses on seasonal promotions, holidays, and special events, ensuring year-round demand.
Offers franchisees comprehensive support, training, and marketing tools to maintain brand consistency and operational success.
Cookies by Design offers an extensive support and training program to ensure that franchisees are fully prepared to run a successful business. From pre-launch guidance to ongoing operational assistance, the franchise equips its partners with the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to thrive in the bakery and gifting industry.
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Guidance on selecting the best location based on demographics, foot traffic, and market potential.
Store Design & Build-Out: Assistance with layout planning, décor, and branding elements to ensure consistency across all franchise locations.
Licensing & Permits: Help navigating local regulations, health codes, and business licenses.
Soft Launch Planning: Strategies to generate buzz before opening, including local marketing campaigns and media exposure.
Duration: Approximately 80 hours of hands-on training.
Scope:
Baking techniques and product preparation for consistency and quality.
Designing cookie bouquets and other signature offerings.
Point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and daily operations.
Customer service excellence and employee management.
Marketing fundamentals, including social media, local promotions, and corporate sales.
Onsite and Online Options: Training can be conducted at corporate headquarters or via online modules to suit franchisee schedules.
Daily Operations Assistance: Guidance on staffing, scheduling, inventory management, and workflow efficiency.
Technology & Systems: Access to proprietary software for order management, tracking, and reporting.
Supplier Relationships: Support in sourcing ingredients, packaging, and other operational materials.
Quality Control: Ongoing assistance to maintain brand standards across all franchise locations.
National Marketing Campaigns: Coordination of seasonal promotions, holiday events, and product launches.
Local Marketing Assistance: Customizable templates for flyers, social media posts, email marketing, and community outreach.
Branding Guidelines: Ensuring all marketing efforts reflect the brand’s identity and maintain consistency.
Corporate Gifting & E-Commerce: Guidance on maximizing revenue through corporate accounts and online sales channels.
Franchise Advisory Team: Continuous support from experienced franchise managers for troubleshooting and business guidance.
Product Innovation: Regular introduction of new cookie designs, seasonal products, and limited-edition offerings.
Community Engagement: Strategies for local events, charity partnerships, and networking opportunities to boost visibility.
Performance Reviews: Periodic business assessments to identify growth opportunities and operational improvements.
The success of a Cookies by Design franchise relies heavily on the franchisee’s passion, dedication, and business acumen. While the company provides comprehensive training and support, the ideal franchisee possesses certain characteristics that align with the brand’s values and operational model.
Committed to creating memorable customer experiences.
Enjoys interacting with people and building lasting relationships with clients.
Focused on high-quality service, ensuring each cookie bouquet or product exceeds customer expectations.
Interested in local networking and participating in community events.
Sees value in building a loyal customer base through personal interactions and word-of-mouth marketing.
Willing to collaborate with local businesses and organizations for corporate gifting and special events.
Possesses organizational and management skills to oversee daily operations.
Capable of handling financial planning, budgeting, and operational decision-making.
Comfortable with retail business dynamics, including staffing, inventory management, and sales strategy.
Enjoys baking, decorating, or food artistry, aligning with the brand’s focus on handcrafted, visually appealing cookie arrangements.
Willing to innovate and customize products to meet local market preferences.
Able to meet the initial investment requirements and sustain the business through its early stages.
Understands the importance of working capital, marketing budgets, and operational costs.
Ready to invest in a long-term growth opportunity rather than seeking a quick return.
Ideally situated in areas with strong retail potential or high foot traffic, such as suburban shopping centers or near corporate hubs.
Open to markets with family-oriented demographics, catering to gifting, celebrations, and holiday occasions.
Motivated, dedicated, and resilient, capable of handling the challenges of running a small business.
Detail-oriented to maintain the high standards of product quality and presentation.
Team player, able to lead and inspire staff while fostering a positive work environment.
| Financial Aspect | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $120,000 – $220,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | Minimum $100,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | At least $250,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 3% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | Included in total investment, varies by location (approx. $40,000 – $80,000) |
| Working Capital | Approx. $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually (varies by location and market) |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | Retail cookie sales, online orders, corporate gifting, seasonal promotions, special events |
