Schmackary’s, New York City’s award-winning cookie franchise that recently captivated audiences on Hulu’s Only Murders in The Building, is continuing its monumental growth from 2023 with two new franchise deals signed in Q1 of 2024. With these two new deals, Schmackary’s has grown their national footprint by 100% and expanded West to Southern California.
Since announcing its franchise opportunity in May, Schmackary’s has secured four signed agreements for thirteen locations, with sights set on 50 locations open/in development by 2025. The locations span from throughout New York City and New Jersey to Southern California, with the first franchise location set to open in Englewood, New Jersey.
“At Schmackary’s, we pride ourselves on bringing back the Old American Bake Shop. We’ve created a brand that goes against the trend-driven nature of modern cookie shops, one that customers can feel a genuine connection with” said Jonny Polizzi, Schmackary’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’re bringing back the bake shop from our grandparents’ childhood, but revived, fresh, and with a Broadway twist. We’re doing what we can to bring back community connection.”
In addition to new store openings, Schmackary’s has plans to open a production facility in Southern California to support franchise locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. “We have received lots of interest throughout the country, and at Schmackary’s, we take product consistency and integrity very seriously. We’re planning for rapid West Coast growth by opening our own production facility ahead of our California locations opening” said Zachary Schmahl, Founder of Schmackary’s. “We’re keeping a hold of what makes Schmackary’s special and not sacrificing on quality.”
The original Schmackary’s location has been open since 2012, has earned critical acclaim as the world famous “Official Cookie of Broadway”. The bite-sized NY flagship store cranks out thousands of cookies daily to tourists, locals and Broadway stars clamoring for a bite of the city’s most beloved baked good. Most recently, they have made a grand appearance on Hulu’s Only Murders in The Building as a core part of the plot, making them a household name nationwide.
“When I started selling cookies out of my NYC apartment 12 years ago, I never imagined that Schmackary’s would grow to what it is today” said Zach Schmahl. “Looking ahead in 2024, we are eager to extend the Schmackary’s signature Midwestern hospitality to new communities nationwide.”
With the goal to have at least 50 units in development or open and operating by 2025, Schmackary’s is currently vetting qualified multi-unit owners to bring Broadway flair and unique cookie creations to their local market. This past May, Schmackary’s signed on with Fransmart, the global leading in growing emerging brands through franchising, to assist in supporting Schmackary’s franchise expansion.
“I tell prospective franchisees all the time, ‘Numbers don’t lie…look at the numbers’ Schmackarys is 800 square feet or so and last year did around $2.3m in sales…customers vote with their wallets which means customers love this place” said Dan Rowe, CEO of Fransmart, Schmackary’s exclusive franchise development partner. “Most cookie and dessert shops do 500-700k, but Schmackarys is doing 3x in the same space. If you are going to own a dessert franchise you have to decide if you want a franchise with the best numbers or if you want to compete with the dessert shop with the best numbers.”
Franchisees receive expert training from the experienced Schmackary’s team, in addition to ongoing brand support throughout the opening process. Other franchise advantages include the brand’s coffee program which allows franchisees to generate revenue all day, affordable startup costs, and a robust catering and delivery business that provides multiple revenue streams to investor
