Categories: Food & Drink

This popular Toronto cookie shop is opening a new location & plans for more

Photo via @andreascookies on Instagram

In a city where food trends come and go like the seasons, one thing remains constant: Toronto’s appetite for something truly special. That’s where Andrea’s Cookies comes along, where a fun business idea for the perfect cookie has become a massive success across the board.

From humble beginnings in a home kitchen to sold-out creations, Andrea Christensen has turned her love for baking into a community. Now, with another location on the way, the city’s cookie craze is about to get even sweeter.

Owner and creative mind behind Andrea’s Cookies, Andrea Christensen spoke with Curiocity about her booming success in the cookie biz and how it has led her to soon open a second Toronto location.

Where it all started

It first started as a business idea and a dream before Christensen decided to roll up her sleeves and get to work. She began right out of her home kitchen back in 2019.

It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that she began to focus on its growth. “There was only so much I could do out of my kitchen so I was selling out pretty often once the business started to pick up in the summer of 2020,” Christensen shared.

“The summer before I opened the High Park location, my online orders would sell out in like, two minutes.”

Demand was high and with reason! Her newfound success led her to open her first location just two years ago.

New location, new beginnings

Despite having a dedicated team (and extra hands at that), Andrea’s Cookies still has quick sellout weeks – especially near the holidays. Special menu creations like the recent Chocolate Knafeh flavour drop sold out fast.

There’s no doubt that Andrea’s Cookies has become a sensation in Toronto, with pre-orders coming as quickly as they are released and even lineups forming outside her High Park shop.

Christensen believes that perfecting the texture, flavour, and presentation of each cookie, is what makes them so special and the reason why people keep coming back.

That, and her rotating menu which offers variety, and exclusivity, influencing customers to try different flavours.

Building strong connections

Though the flavours alone are enough to convince customers to come back, Andrea’s Cookies’ online presence aids in creating a sense of community.

“Social media has definitely allowed me to stay connected with my customers and I always try to put aside time in the day to respond to comments, and DMs,” shares Christensen.

“I’m also very open on my socials, sharing behind the scenes, day in the life’s, and posting day-to-day content on stories.”

If you’ve ever commented on one of her posts or even sent a DM, rest assured it’s Christensen herself who runs all the socials.

“Once I opened a storefront, I was able to connect with customers in real life and build even stronger relationships,” she adds. “The business has become more than just the cookies – it’s become somewhat of a community and I think that’s really special.”

The future

And because of that community support, Christensen was able to plan her next venture: to open a second storefront in the city.

Andrea’s Cookies will soon call 166 Ossington Avenue home this October.

“Ossington is such a fun street, every time I’m there, there’s just this buzz and good energy and it’s filled with so many other businesses I admire,” she shared.

Considering that Ossington was once called one of the coolest streets in the world, it was a good decision.

As for her vision for the brand moving forward, Christensen hopes to open more stores in different neighbourhoods and areas in the GTA.

Maybe a Canada-wide expansion? She’d love that too. And of course, Andrea’s Cookies will continue doing what they do best: cookies. BUT as she puts it, “Never say never.”

Andrea’s Cookies will open its newest location on October 11th, 2024 at 11 AM.

And like always in Toronto – expect to line up. It’s worth it.