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Creativity and entrepreneurship.

Our Story

1978 — THE BEGINNING

Creativity and entrepreneurship.

In the late 1970's, Larry and Shelly Pearson were living in the Monterey Bay area with their two daughters, Stacy and Cara. Looking for a sustainable way to support their young family, they came across a small cookie store in downtown Carmel and were immediately interested in the concept. Shelly's artistic creativity paired with Larry's entrepreneurial spirit gave the Pearsons an opportunity to create something special.

1980 — EXPANSION

Perfecting the recipes.

In 1980, after months of perfecting several gourmet recipes, Pacific Cookie Company opened it's doors on Pacifive Avenue in Santa Cruz, California. The original cookie flavors were Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. Pacific Cookie Company quickly developed a loyal following thanks to the Pearsons' dedication to affordable gourmet cookies made with quality ingredients and impeccable customer service.

Following the immediate success of the Pacific Avenue store, the business expanded by delivering fresh baked cookies to retailers in San Francisco and the Monterey Bay. Later, two more retail locations were opened within Santa Cruz county.

1989 — FACING SETBACKS

The Loma Prieta Earthquake.

In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed the original retail bakery on Pacific Avenue and damaged the two other retail stores. Larry and Shelly rebounded by opening a wholesale facility and expanded the business into food service distribution of frozen cookies and pre-portioned dough drops. A key contract in 1990 with Alaska Airlines began a long relationship that enabled Pacific Cookie Company to survive and persevere despite the earthquake's impact.

Due to the rebuilding of Downtown Santa Cruz, it was five years before the retail bakery re-opened in 1994 in a space across the street from the original.

TODAY — LOOKING FORWARD

Making people smile all over the country.

Today, the company has expanded its distribution of frozen products throughout the Western United States. Pacific Cookie Company delivers freshly baked cookies daily to the Northern California coast and offers cookie gifts online which can be shipped across the country.

After 40 years, we continue to take pride in serving our fresh-baked cookies to our loyal cookie consumers. We use only the finest ingredients available to make cookies that taste like they just popped out of the oven in your mother's kitchen.

Cookie Timeline

  1. 1980

    Pacific Cookie Company opens with five flavors: Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip with Walnuts, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter with Chocolate Chips.

  2. 1986

    Cahootz, our White Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts cookie, is born!

  3. 1988

    Almond Joe, made with Chocolate Chips, Almonds and a hint of Coconut joins the Pacific Cookie Company team.

  4. 1989

    Lemon Drop, our first sugar cookie, makes it's debut! Made with pure lemon extract and creamy butter.

  5. 1991

    Dr. Midnight, also known as our Triple Chocolate cookie, joins the cookie crew.

  6. 1996

    Mint Condition, Dr. Midnight's evil sweet twin, is made with green mint chips.

  7. 2002

    Snickerdoodle, our second sugar cookie, is added to the mix! Made with cinnamon and creamy butter.

  8. 2010

    Ginger Spice, made with crystallized ginger, makes it's grand entrance!

  1. 1980 Milestone Image
    1980
  2. 1986 Milestone Image
    1986
  3. 1988 Milestone Image
    1988
  4. 1989 Milestone Image
    1989
  5. 1991 Milestone Image
    1991
  6. 1996 Milestone Image
    1996
  7. 2002 Milestone Image
    2002
  8. 2010 Milestone Image
    2010
  1. 1980 Milestone Image
  2. 1986 Milestone Image
  3. 1988 Milestone Image
  4. 1989 Milestone Image
  5. 1991 Milestone Image
  6. 1996 Milestone Image
  7. 2002 Milestone Image
  8. 2010 Milestone Image
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