Doing Business: Great American Cookies

EAST COUNTY — For Julie Katchen, a happy life is one with roots.

Growing up in a town of 300 residents, Katchen likes to know her neighbors and submerge herself in her community.

The phrase, “Everyone knows everyone” was an understatement in her hometown of North Star, Ohio, she said.

Katchen’s mother and grandmother were local celebrities because of their award-winning pies. As a child, she used to bake alongside her mother.

Today, Katchen is deepening her roots in sweet traditions in the kitchen and in Lakewood Ranch, where she lives with her husband, Doug, and sons, Ryan, Tyler and Dylan.

She bought into the Great American Cookies franchise over the summer and her first store, located in The Mall at University Town Center, will open Nov. 28.

“Baking has always been a part of me, and part of my family,” Katchen said. “I baked with my boys when they were younger and still do. I hosted and went to cookie swaps and really became known for my cookies over the years.”

The nationwide cookie and brownie retailer has 365 locations, including Katchen’s corner store, which will sit beside Cold Stone Creamery and above the children’s play area in the mall.

Great American Cookies locations are mostly found in malls.

The sweets seller specializes in decorated cookie cakes, for holidays, birthdays, sporting events and other occasions, as well as brownie and cookie platters. Cookie cake prices range from $29.99 to $39.99, depending on design and size.

Her store’s location next to an ice cream shop doesn’t worry Katchen. Her made-fresh-daily cookies and different spin on celebration cakes cater to a specific demographic.

She expects families who just visited the play area below will more than keep her cookie corner afloat. Shopping for cookies isn’t as much about satisfying a sweet tooth as it is about the experience of picking out the right cookie and sharing in Katchen’s tradition.

“My store is more about sharing the fun of cookies,” Katchen said. “Cookies bring back memories and traditions families have.”

After she decided to join the franchise, Katchen didn’t have to look far for her location.

A Ranch resident for 15 years, Katchen knew she had to launch her first business in the area where she started a family, she said. While driving around town, Katchen found the answer to where she would house her business — a $315 million mall.

“I wanted to be a part of this new mall,” said Katchen, who signed a 10-year lease. “Being a part of this (mall) helps us be a part of the community.”

ABOUT THE OWNER
An Ohio native, Julie Katchen moved to Florida about 20 years ago and has lived in Lakewood Ranch since 1999. The mother of three stays active in her children’s school activities and sports, while also making time for her piece of the cookie as franchise owner of Great American Cookies at The Mall at University Town Center. She invested in the company over the summer.

Great American Cookies
Owner (of the UTC location): Julie Katchen

Services: Cookie and brownie sales

Website: greatamericancookies.com

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays

Location: Next to Cold Stone Creamery on the second-floor of The Mall at University Town Center

Spotlight On:
+ Lakewood Family Eye Care
Since Dr. Troy Bedinghaus opened his first optometry office in Lakewood Ranch 11 years ago, his business has outgrown its plaza location.

“We just needed something bigger,” Bedinghaus said.

December 1, Bedinghaus will open the doors to his office’s new location, 11151 State Road 70 E., which sits across the street from his former location.

The 5,400-square-foot facility is located in the Lakewood Walk plaza.

It features four exam rooms, a conference room for staff meetings, a glaucoma testing station, private area for patrons to try on glasses and other perks for both patients and employees.

“Now that we’re out from within a plaza, we’ll be more visible,” Bedinghaus said.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].