IMAGE: Cookies by Design
This American cookie staple has announced plans to head north, with its first master franchise agreement in Canada.
Cookies by Design was founded by savvy entrepreneur Gwen Willhite back in 1983, with the aim to create a business that provided gifts for both men and women. By combining two traditional gifts – flowers and sweets – Willhite created the cookie bouquet. The business’ first franchise location opening in the U.S. in 1987, and success has been just as sweet ever since.
As part of continual growth, Cookies by Design has now signed its first international master franchise agreement, which will take the brand to the Great White North.
“Our vision has always been for Cookies by Design to become a source of enjoyment for people around the world,” said Jack Long, CEO and president of Cookies by Design. “Now that we have established an incredible brand with a strong foothold in the U.S., we see international expansion as one of the next major opportunities for our growth.”
The cookie concept plans to open more than 30 locations internationally over the next three years, through a combination of territory and master development agreements. Cookies by Design has partnered with Fran Counsel Group to help identify prospective international partners, specifically in the Canadian, GCC (Gulf Cooperative Council) and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) markets.
“The Cookies by Design franchise is a compelling combination of a unique business proposition, proven system, powerful branding, and multiple revenue streams,” said Bachir Mihoubi, CEO of Fran Counsel Group. “It’s a flexible model that can be scaled quickly with a very reasonable cost of entry. We are delighted to be working with this innovative brand to develop the Canadian, GCC, and MENA markets.”
