New Jersey Cookie Store Includes A Cereal Ice Cream Bar
Let’s face it, sugary cereal and loaded-up ice cream are two sweet treats that can’t be denied. However, New Jersey has a creative establishment that has put them both together and offers a cereal ice cream bar experience. The place is primarily a cookie joint.
We’re Talking About The Cookie Connect
All of this happened by chance. Owners Ali Hajihaidari and Andrew Zerquera started baking cookies towards the end of their college days. Their intent was to try selling them to get enough cash to travel. Then, they’d return and find a “real job” in the corporate world. Well, their out-of-the-ordinary cookie concoctions led to mass interest, and a ton of activity on social media.
The Cookie Connect was born. “Our menu has a cookie on it for everyone. Whether you are a teenager trying to get over a heartbreak, a college student trooping through finals, a mother stressing over her son’s birthday party, or an elder wondering what they should serve at their next Sunday Dinner for dessert – we are here to help,” the Cookie Connect states, explaining how extensive their menu is.
This includes a Fruity Pebbles, fluff nutella s’mores, and Capn’ Crunch berries cookie. However, that’s just the beginning of adding these favorite cereals to dessert items. Tough cookies seem to be the primary focus, the cereal ice cream bar at this New Jersey chain has become the heaviest hitter.
Here’s How It Works
You select either soft serve ice cream, a shake, or cookie cup (a cookie-based cup) as your base. These are essentially the salad or grains base you set as a foundation at a salad bar that will then be joined by numerous toppings. Except here, next comes the second dose of sugar. Step two of the process is selecting your cereal. We are talking about all your favorites here. For example, From Loops, Lucky Charms, Trix, and Cocoa Puffs. Then, you add your typical ice cream topping. This includes Oreo pieces or sprinkles. Lastly, you add your sauce and enjoy.
If you now need to try this for yourself there are four The Cookie Connect locations. They are in Hoboken, Ridgewood, Bloomfield, and Morristown.
4 Reasons Why People Love Chain Restaurants
Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.
Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Denny’s are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee’s, Chili’s, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It’s worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including “your house,” family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.
Whether it’s a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?
According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.
More Background on Chain Restaurants.
The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn’t until the late ’90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.
Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it’s all about eating a meal.
“Fancy like Applebee’s on a date night.”
There’s something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that’s why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee’s. So, let’s chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.
Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.