Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Friedman
Hi Cara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Cookie Dough Dreams out of my own love for raw cookie dough. It all began when I would bring samples to work for friends and coworkers, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. For a year, I completely took over my parents’ kitchen, turning it into a test kitchen to perfect the recipes, and they were incredibly supportive throughout the whole process. In 2018, I opened my first store in downtown Burbank. The community’s support and loyalty have been incredible, allowing us to grow and expand. Today, we’re opening more store locations and have even started selling in grocery stores, taking Cookie Dough Dreams to the next level!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first started Cookie Dough Dreams, I didn’t have much experience in the food industry, so I didn’t necessarily buy the right equipment. I opened the store with four small KitchenAid mixers, which seemed fine at first, but when business picked up, they just couldn’t keep up with demand. It was a struggle, but one of those good struggles. I was there until 4 AM every night, trying to make enough product to stay stocked! After about six months, I finally bought a larger mixer, and as demand grew even more, I invested in an even bigger mixer to keep up!
We’ve been impressed with Cookie Dough Dreams, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cookie Dough Dreams is a unique concept specializing in gourmet, edible raw cookie dough. We offer a wide range of flavors, each crafted with high-quality ingredients to ensure a delicious and safe treat. Our store stands out for its playful, nostalgic atmosphere, which we design ourselves to create a magical experience for our customers.
What sets us apart is not only our commitment to crafting top-notch cookie dough but also the personalized touch we bring to our store design and customer experience. We are known for our wide variety of cookie dough flavors and our dedication to making every visit to our store a delightful experience.
I’m most proud of how our brand has grown from a small kitchen experiment into a beloved destination for cookie dough enthusiasts. Our success during challenging times, like the Covid pandemic, demonstrated the strength of our community and our ability to adapt and thrive. We want people to know that Cookie Dough Dreams is more than just a treat—it’s a place where joy and nostalgia come together to create unforgettable moments!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I didn’t originally plan on going into the food industry. I studied audio engineering and worked in the film industry before my passion for cookie dough evolved into a full-blown business. It started as a fun experiment in my kitchen, and I never imagined it would grow into a store! I also do all the design work for our stores. I enjoy bringing each space to life, creating a unique atmosphere, and making it as charming as possible. It’s magical to see how people react to the design!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cookiedoughdreams.com
- Instagram: cookiedoughdreamsla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookiedoughdreams/
Popular
-
What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
-
Local Highlighter Series
-
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
-
What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
-
Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
-
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
