Picture this: It’s Saturday night, and you and the squad are stumbling down High Street during a night you won’t soon forget… or remember. You need to refuel before taking on the next stop in your weekend shenanigans, but you’re poor and in a hurry. Suddenly, you bump into a glossy sign on the sidewalk that beckons you to come inside and satisfy your late-night cravings with a hearty scoop of raw, gooey goodness.
When Cookie Dope founder and owner Preston Neidermyer set up his cookie dough shop in downtown West Chester, he knew he’d have a solid market—and some steep competition. Cookie Dope is located just two doors over from West Chester’s debut cookie dough shop, Baked. Undaunted, Neidermyer forged ahead with his plans and transformed an old office space into a swanky dessert destination, complete with neon lights and exposed brick walls. Neidermyer, 22, was inspired to create Cookie Dope after seeing the success of a cookie dough shop in New York City called Cookie DŌ. He drew on his previous experience in the frozen yogurt business and engineered his own ever-evolving cookie dough recipes.
Cookie Dope officially opened on Feb. 2 and has been enjoying much success in its first few weeks. The main area boasts an L-shaped counter-top with an impressive display of cookie dough, ice cream and toppings. There are eight flavors of house-made cookie dough served, including chocolate chip, brownie, peanut butter and several gluten-friendly options. Next to the dough is an assortment of ice cream outsourced from Kreider Farms in Lancaster, Pa. and an array of toppings. Additionally, various carnival-style foods such as soft pretzels, cinnamon buns and funnel cakes are available.
Neidermyer’s own ingenuity led to him opening Cookie Dope and he encourages customers to experiment with the offerings. Want a strawberry cheesecake cookie dough-stuffed waffle with Oreos on top? Say no more. Trying to taste what happens when funnel cake fries, chocolate chip ice cream and Reese’s Pieces meet in a blender? They got you. In the mood for a cinnamon bun drenched in hot fudge coated with rainbow sprinkles? Your needs will be met. Neidermyer isn’t kidding when says, “I just wanted to create a place that had no creativity limits.”
One of the shop’s best features is a backroom with a seating area. In fact, Neidermyer says it’s what sold him on the location. This cozy little nook provides a place for groups of people to spread out and enjoy their food. Customers can admire the artwork and a painted mirror stating that the cookie dough—made with pasteurized eggs and heat-treated flour—can bake at 450 degrees for ten minutes, resulting in regular cookies. There is also a backyard, which Neidermyer plans to use for parties and community gatherings.
If you’re feeling brave (at least enough to survive a sugar rush), you can try Cookie Dope’s 12 Scoop Pursuit. Here’s how it works: For $12.99, you are given eight scoops of cookie dough and four scoops of ice cream, all of which must be consumed in under 15 minutes. Accomplishing this task rewards you with a free t-shirt and your photo displayed on the Wall of Fame. Thus far, the record for completing the challenge is 6:47.
Though Cookie Dope is still in its infancy, customers are already being treated to new ideas and an evergrowing menu. According to Neidermyer, there are plans underway for Rice Krispies Tacos, a delivery service and a partnership with WCU to accept Ram Bucks. Furthermore, he is anticipating having extended store hours in the spring.
Neidermyer has even bigger plans for Cookie Dope, but in the meantime, he invites everyone to “stop asking why, and give us a try.”
Cookie Dope is located at 28 S. High St, West Chester, Pa.
Olivia Bortner is a third-year student majoring in marketing. ✉ OB876952@wcupa.edu.