Aug. 1, 2023

An early breakfast crowd and plenty of cookie fans were ready for the first hours of business at The Cookie Jar Eatery’s new downtown location.

Glen and Elaine Koch opened the restaurant and bakery today in a space off the lobby of the Lumber Exchange building at 101 S. Reid St.

The Kochs have owned The Cookie Jar for 20 of its 50 years in business and have operated from multiple locations in that time, most recently at Shriver Square.

The new home at Lumber Exchange allows for indoor and outdoor seating, plus areas for grab-and-go beverages and take-and-bake caramel and cinnamon rolls.

The breakfast menu includes the rolls, fruit, a breakfast sandwich and oatmeal and could expand on Saturdays with special offers. For lunch, there are soups, salads and sandwiches. The addition of a panini grill will allow for grilled cheese, turkey and ham paninis. The Cookie Jar also sells other to-go items such as bread, buns, granola and party mix.

And its line of signature cookies and bars now is available grab-and-go style as well as by the tray.

For now, hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday but could adjust depending on staffing. The business is still hiring to support the new location.