You may have heard that Waldo’s beloved Classic Cookie has reopened again under new ownership. It’s true—and the new owners are ready to welcome you back into this warm and cozy neighborhood café with a new menu and redesigned interior. 

Owners (and engaged couple) Bryan Sparks and Hailey Allen, along with Anthony Quirarte, purchased the business  last November.  Both Bryan and Hailey have extensive restaurant experience: Bryan as the Executive Chef of True Food Kitchen, and Hailey has worked with her chef/father.   The duo started a meal prep service that was so successful they expanded to catering events.   They were renting a commissary by the hour but wanted their own kitchen, so when Bryan’s family saw that the Classic Cookie space was available—they jumped on it. With help from family and friends, Hailey and Bryan redesigned and remodeled the space themselves: moving the main counter, adding a full expresso bar, revising the menu and adding a a few more seats.  Plenty of sun streams in to accent the light wood surfaces and white walls; tables are set with fresh flowers and cloth napkins and diners are greeted with a sincere hello! The restaurant has that loose, friendly, local corner spot vibe. Even the background music changes to set the mood! 

Now a few words about the food…  Classic Cookie is open for breakfast and lunch.  Just about everything is made from scratch:  a pastry chef bakes fresh breads, cookies, granola and other sweet treats, and locally sourced produce and meats are used as much as possible (easier in the spring and summer growing season). Hailey says the menu items are priced to be “approachable for any budget” – you can get half orders of several menu options.  When I asked Hailey if the cookies are the same as in the “original” restaurant, she explained  they were given ingredients for the cookies, but no measurements!  So they are experimenting with different combinations. ( I noticed the cookies are much larger than before!).  The beloved chicken salad is the same though, and  Parisi coffee is served. 

Something else the new owners are planning: once a month special dinners, collaborating with local chefs.  They have a special Valentine’s dinner planned on February 14, with two seatings offered at 5 and 8pm.  For $75 per person, you’ll enjoy a four course meal with wine pairings!  The earlier seating is almost sold out—so if interested, make reservations soon.  The Classic Cookie can also be rented out for private evening functions.  Hailey and Bryan are very excited to have this new space; “The feedback from the customers has been wonderful “ Hailey says, “we are overjoyed with the reception we’ve been getting from the neighborhood”.

Treat yourself to a meal at Classic Cookie soon—you’ll feel right at home once you walk in and a friendly server greets you.  Take out and delivery are also available.  Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 7am-2pm and Saturday/Sunday hours are 7am-3pm.  The Classic Cookie is located at 409 West Gregory.