Great American Cookies

Great American Cookies is a well-established bakery chain specializing in cookies and cookie cakes, with a history that dates back to 1977. The company began in Dunwoody, Georgia, when founders Michael J. Coles and Arthur Karp opened their first location at Perimeter Mall. Their original chocolate chip cookie recipe quickly attracted a loyal following, and the brand expanded through franchising just a year later. By the mid-1980s, Great American Cookies had grown into the largest cookie chain in the United States, earning recognition for its signature cookie cakes and broad appeal.

Over the past five years, Great American Cookies has continued to evolve. The brand became part of FAT Brands Inc. in 2021, joining a portfolio that includes other well-known concepts. This acquisition has accelerated the company’s growth, both in the U.S. and internationally. As of November 2025, Great American Cookies operates more than 400 locations across the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, with new development agreements recently signed in markets such as Iraq. The company has also focused on high-traffic retail environments, including malls and street-front locations, and has expanded its reach by opening co-branded stores with Marble Slab Creamery. This approach allows for flexible formats and efficient use of retail space, appealing to a wide range of landlords and developers.

Today, Great American Cookies is recognized for its adaptability and steady growth posture. The brand’s ability to thrive in both traditional mall settings and new international territories underscores its credibility and relevance in the current retail landscape. With a centralized development structure through FAT Brands and a proven franchise model, Great American Cookies remains a sought-after tenant in both established centers and new developments.