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.
History and operations
The 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 10:00a.m. until 3:00a.m. Monday-Friday, and from noon until 3:00a.m. on weekends.[7]
The company expanded throughout the continental U.S., opening its 100th store in 2016.[8]
The company launched the "CookieMagic" membership service in March 2021. A subscription costs $9.99 per month and provides members with a free classic cookie every day, free local delivery from Insomnia Cookies locations, and other perks.[10]
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.[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.[13]
In 2023 the company expanded to locations outside of the United States, with the first international bakeries in Manchester, England and Toronto, Canada.[14][15] More stores were opened in 2024 in Ontario, and the company reached more than 265 locations in North America.[4]
Wage theft lawsuit
The 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.[16]
