Last year, burned out from the corporate world, Justin McAlexander decided to try something a little sweeter.
In 2022, McAlexander, with his wife, Tonya McAlexander, bought an existing Nestlé Tollhouse Café — McAlexander’s first foray into small business — at 8001 Wyoming NE. Earlier this month, the shop was converted into a Great American Cookies location, a nationwide chain known for its cookie cakes — massive, 16-inch cookies customized with frosting.
“I probably put in more hours now than I did,” McAlexander said. “But it’s around cookies and, like, really awesome customers, so I can’t really go wrong.”
The McAlexanders kept the same staff when their cafe changed into a Great American Cookies location. Even their high school-aged daughter works there on the weekends.
Besides the famous cookie cakes, the cafe sells espresso, ice cream and more bite-sized cookies.
“You can’t walk in the store and not feel upbeat,” McAlexander said.
Great American Cookies was founded in Atlanta in 1977. While most of the locations are in the Southeast, there’s a sprinkle of franchises in California, Nevada and Arizona.
McAlexander is planning a grand opening in February. The first 100 customers on the day will receive a free slice of cookie cake.
“We aim to really be the sweet spot of the community,” McAlexander said.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly cited the year that McAlexander bought the Nestlé Tollhouse Café. It has since been updated.
